



Between 2005 and 2010 the carrier underwent a modernization program. The upgrade included inspection and repair of the steam turbines; maintenance of the surface condensers; retubing of boilers; repair of two high-pressure compressors; revision of the AC electrical generator; purchase of spare parts; maintenance of pumps, valves, and structural items; addition of two API oil-water separators; installation of two water cooling units; upgrade of the chemical oxygen generator; repair and treatment of oil tanks; substitution of the Naval Tactical Data System; installation of a closed-circuit television system; installation of an IFF transponder; installation of a MAGE system (ESM); flight deck inspection, repair, and painting; upgrade of the Optical Landing System processing unit; and revision of the aircraft catapults.



However, deficiencies in the engines, the propulsion shaft and the catapults were still recuring and Sao Paulo rarely went to sea since 2012.



The new focus of the Brazilian Navy is set to be its submarine programme to be built locally in partnership with DCNS.



Saab was pitching its

Sao Paulo is a Clemenceau-class aircraft carrier that was first commissioned in 1963 by the French Navy as Foch and was transferred in 2000 to Brazil, where she became the new flagship of the Brazilian Navy. The vessel displaces 32,800 tons, has a length of 265 meters and a crew of 1,920 sailors. It is able to accommodate 39 aircraft: 22 jets and 17 helicopters. In Brazilian Navy service these were: A-4KU Skyhawks, AS 532 SC Cougars, HB 350 & HB.355 Ecureuils, and SH-3 Sea Kings.Between 2005 and 2010 the carrier underwent a modernization program. The upgrade included inspection and repair of the steam turbines; maintenance of the surface condensers; retubing of boilers; repair of two high-pressure compressors; revision of the AC electrical generator; purchase of spare parts; maintenance of pumps, valves, and structural items; addition of two API oil-water separators; installation of two water cooling units; upgrade of the chemical oxygen generator; repair and treatment of oil tanks; substitution of the Naval Tactical Data System; installation of a closed-circuit television system; installation of an IFF transponder; installation of a MAGE system (ESM); flight deck inspection, repair, and painting; upgrade of the Optical Landing System processing unit; and revision of the aircraft catapults.However, deficiencies in the engines, the propulsion shaft and the catapults were still recuring and Sao Paulo rarely went to sea since 2012.The new focus of the Brazilian Navy is set to be its submarine programme to be built locally in partnership with DCNS.Saab was pitching its Sea Gripen to Brazil as a replacement for the A-4 Skyhawks. With the decommissioning of Sao Paulo, it seems like the only potential customer for Sea Gripen would be the Indian Navy.