France supports Brazil's submarine development efforts, Macron says

French President Emmanuel Macron expressed solidarity with Brazil on Wednesday as the South American nation pursues the development of nuclear-powered submarines. However, Macron stopped short of announcing specific collaboration on nuclear propulsion technology, a request made by Brazil.

Speaking at the launch of a conventionally powered Franco-Brazilian submarine in Itaguai near Rio de Janeiro, Macron stated, “I want us to open the chapter for new submarines … that we look nuclear propulsion in the face while being perfectly respectful of all non-proliferation commitments. You want it, France will be at your side.”

The occasion marked the unveiling of Brazil’s third French-designed submarine, aimed at enhancing the country’s maritime security along its extensive coastline, often referred to as the “Blue Amazon.”

The construction of these submarines stems from a 2008 agreement between former Brazilian President Lula and then-French President Nicolas Sarkozy. The deal also included the purchase of 50 Caracal helicopters.

Additionally, Brazil is in the process of constructing its first nuclear-powered submarine, named the Alvaro Alberto. If successful, Brazil would become the first nation outside the five permanent members of the UN Security Council to possess such technology.

The French naval defense 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.

“There are discussions on the possibility of France cooperating with us, including on nuclear energy, nuclear fuel,” according to the European head of Brazilian diplomacy, Maria Luisa Escorel de Moraes, who recognizes that it is a “strategic, sensitive, delicate matter.”

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.

Macron is on a whirlwind 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 Brazilian and Guyanese Amazon.

The visit, the first by a French president to Latin America’s economic giant in over a decade, is also a move to reset ties which had deteriorated significantly under former president Jair Bolsonaro.

With inputs from AFP