The first item of the new wish-list includes two new 50,000t aircraft carriers to be built locally with foreign assistance (PRONa). In view of the programme delay, there is the necessity to upgrade the current SAO PAULO, extending her life to 2039. Intended works could include the replacement of the propulsion and improving the aviation facilities to heavier aircraft. The PROSUPER Plan includes five 6,000t frigates (NEsc, likely derived from the Franco-Italian FREMM or the UK Type 26), five large OPV (NPO 1800) to reach ultimately up to 12 vessels, and one 13,000t replenishment ship (NApLog). The patrol force is quickly growing to protect the national interests in the so-called Blue Amazonas. The most evident step is the building of a large family of OPV, the 500t MACAE-class. Seven units are already in service and six additional are planned in the Phase 1 of the programme, with a further 11 projected in Phase 2, and 19 in Phase 3. As a gap filler, in 2012 and 2013 three 2,300t OPVs were delivered by BAE Systems (i.e. units originally built for Trinidad and Tobago and never accepted in service). There are also programmes to acquire two large air-capable amphibious vessels (most likely ex-USN WHIDBEY ISLAND-class as soon as they decommission, but the French SIROCCO looks an even more immediate solution). The ambitious plan includes a submarine force as well, under the PROSUB programme. Five modified SCORPENE (S-Br) are being built south of Rio de Janeiro in a new shipyard specifically created for the task. The first boat is planned for launch in 2017. The same location will be also hosting the building of the first locally built nuclear powered submarine (SNBR, derived from the French BARRACUDA project). Construction will start in 2017, to be completed by 2025. Riverine patrol units are also being reinforced: Four LPR-40 craft were delivered from Colombia in late 2014 and two further craft are expected. Additionally, the Colombian COTECMAR and the Brazilian EMGEPROM in July 2014 signed an agreement to jointly develop a large River Patrol Vessel.
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