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France and Brazil to develop nuclear-powered submarines
President Emmanuel Macron said that France will offer crucial assistance in a domain which has been a sensitive topic between the two nations.
People stand during the launching of the third Scorpene-class diesel-powered submarine built in Brazil with French technology, at the Itaguai shipyard in Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil March 27, 2024. REUTERS/Pilar Olivares
France will help Brazil to have nuclear propulsion while being perfectly respectful of all non-proliferation commitments, Macron said at the launch of a conventionally powered Franco-Brazilian submarine in Itaguai near Rio de Janeiro.
Macron was speaking during a ceremony to launch Brazil’s third French-designed submarine, which will help secure the country’s long coastline, dubbed the “Blue Amazon.”
Brazil is planning to build its first nuclear-powered submarine
The construction of the submarines was outlined in a 2008 deal between Lula and then French president Nicolas Sarkozy, which also included the purchase of 50 Caracal helicopters. Brazil is also planning to build its first nuclear-powered submarine, the Alvaro Alberto, which would make it the first country outside the five permanent members of the UN Security Council to do so. The French naval defence manufacturer Naval Group is supporting the design and construction of the submarine, except for the nuclear boiler which is being designed by the Brazilians.
Brasilia has been trying to convince Paris to increase technology transfers to help it integrate the reactor into the submarine and sell it equipment linked to nuclear propulsion. France has been reticent to transfer such technology due to the challenges of nuclear proliferation.
However, the project has suffered significant delays, mainly due to budget constraints, and the nuclear sub is now expected to be launched between 2036 and 2037, according to the Brazilian navy.
France also announced a 1 billion plan to protect the Amazon
Macron is on a tour of Brazil, a major economic ally, which kicked off Tuesday with the launch of a plan to raise over a billion dollars in green investments to protect the Amazon Forest. The investment plan aims to raise 1 billion euros ($1.08 billion) of public and private investment over the next four years, according to a roadmap published by the French presidency.
The announcement proposes the creation of a “carbon market,” intended to reward countries which invest in natural carbon sinks, such as the Amazon rainforest. The world’s largest tropical forest plays a key role in the fight against climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide emissions. Deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon halved in 2023 after soaring under Bolsonaro, as Lula’s government stepped up environmental policing.
The agreement also includes support for indigenous people and local Amazon communities, which have an essential role in protecting biodiversity through their traditional knowledge and forest management practices, according to the announcement.
