Preparo e emprego dos submarinos convencionais na estratégia e defesa da Amazônia Azul

Abstract

This dissertation examines the strategic importance of the Brazilian Navy’s conventional submarines in defending the Blue Amazon, a maritime area of over 5.7 million km² with geopolitical, economic, scientific, and environmental relevance. Rich in energy, mineral, and biotechnological resources, it is vital to Brazil’s foreign trade but faces threats. The study contextualizes the concept and key features of the Blue Amazon, highlighting the energy potential of the pre-salt reserves and the Equatorial Margin, the strategic value of rare earth elements and minerals from the Rio Grande Rise, and the role of ocean governance coordinated by the CIRM. The research reviews the historical evolution of submarines, from the Foca-class submersibles introduced in 1914, through the Tupi and Tikuna classes, to the modern Riachuelo class submarines built under the PROSUB. It presents advancements such as integrated combat systems (AN/BYG and SUBTICS), sonar arrays, optical sensors, and advanced weaponry including Mk-48 and F-21 torpedoes, as well as SM-39 Exocet missiles. These capabilities enable the effective fulfillment of the Brazilian Navy’s core naval task of Sea Denial. The uncertainty surrounding their presence in strategic areas, such as the Santos-Vitória corridor and the mouth of the Amazon River, estricts adversary actions. Beyond offensive roles, the study underscores their relevance in Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, gathering acoustic, optical, and electromagnetic data, which can be integrated into systems like SisGAAz to enhance the monitoring of Brazil’s Jurisdictional Waters. The dissertation concludes that conventional submarines are central to Brazil’s contemporary naval strategy. Their combined offensive, surveillance, and intelligence-gathering capabilities directly contribute to protecting the Blue Amazon’s strategic assets, reinforcing national sovereignty, and projecting Brazil’s presence in the South Atlantic, in alignment with the National Defense Strategy and sustainable development objectives.