Currently, the core of Brazil’s surface fleet are frigates of the Niterói class. A total of seven frigates were completed between 1975–1986, and are planned to be replaced by the Tamandaré class in 2026.The Niterói class were designed and built by the British shipyard Vosper Thornycroft in the 1970s. These frigates were designated the Mk 10 by Vosper Thornycroft and are the largest of a series of ships built by that shipyard for both foreign buyers and the Royal Navy. When completed, the frigates had a full load displacement of 3,700 tons. Dimensions include an overall length of 129.2 m, a beam of 13.5 m and a draught of 5.5 m.