Model of the Scorpene
Posted on 01/28/2008 10:32:08 PM PST by sukhoi-30mki
Brazil Seeks to Build Nuclear Submarine
By STAN LEHMAN – 7 hours ago
SAO PAULO, Brazil (AP) — Brazil is seeking to buy military technology from France that could help it become the first country in Latin America to have a nuclear submarine, the Defense Ministry said on Monday.
Defense Minister Nelson Jobim traveled to France last week to discuss the possible purchase of a diesel-powered Scorpene class submarine that would "serve as a model for the development of a nuclear submarine, which is the main objective of his visit," said Defense Ministry spokesman Jose Ramos.
"Any defense-related agreement that may eventually be signed with France must include the transfer of technology," Ramos said, noting that while Brazil has nuclear reactors and fuel enrichment capacity, it has not had the technology to build a nuclear submarine.
Ramos declined to confirm a report, published Monday by the Folha de S. Paulo newspaper, that Brazil would buy the submarine for $600 million, paid over 20 years at an annual interest rate of 2.4 percent.
Brazil has discussed building a nuclear submarine for decades, and began a formal program in 1979. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva announced $540 million in new funding for the program and for existing uranium enrichment efforts last July.
Brazil currently has five conventionally powered submarines.
If an agreement results in the construction of a nuclear submarine, then "Brazil will surely become the first country in Latin America to have one," said Daryl Kimball, executive director of the Washington-based Arms Control Association, a nonpartisan research group.
Ramos said Brazil wants to establish a strategic partnership with France to transfer technology. France is interested in Brazilian know-how on jungle warfare and "the use of electronic equipment in the humidity of tropical rain forests," he said.
Model of the Scorpene
They forgot the shade trees..........
Why? Are they installing a glass ceiling for crusing the beach underwater?
And the screen hatches to keep those nasty Brazilian mosquitoes out.
Have the French solved their naval vessel’s nuclear reactor shielding issues yet? :P
Wouldn’t that sub have the profile of a, hmm, MOON?
Who is Brazil concerned about invading by sea?
I thought they only came in white.
Brazil should first read up on France’s history of building nuclear powered seacraft.
And Brazil needs a sub for?
I just wish I had the contract to provide screen doors for that one!
I guess for the same reason others have them.
The French had problems with their first(& only) nuclear powered aircraft carrier-Their N-subs seem to working just fine & they have been operating those for over 30 years.
Venezuela
Unlikely. Their Presidents share a close relationship.
Maybe we should pre-emptivate them, just in case...
> Unlikely. Their Presidents share a close relationship.
That’s not what I’m reading in the Brazilian press.
Last year, Evo Morales shut down the gas pipline from Bolivia into Brazil. Electricity went out, air conditioners stopped working, and Brazilians died of heat prostration.
Morales did this at the behest of his socialist totalitarian comrade, tHugo Chaves.
Brazilians are not very enthralled with Morales. Or Chaves. They don’t like Bush, but they like the commie twins even less.
Recently, there was an email circulating among the Brazilians here in the States, and a copy was sent to me. It says that the US and Japan are planning a war with Brazil to take her natural resources, in particular those in the Amazon Rain forest.
Of course, this is horse puckey, but where do you suppose such a silly rumor originated?
Brazil’s greatest enemies are Venezuela and Bolivia.
Is Brazil preparing to send submarines strategic distances to interdict shipping? As others have said, a conventional sub with AIP would be perfect for defensive purposes — and much cheaper.
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