Originally designed as an improvement of the "João Coutinho" corvettes , which were mainly built for use in the African Colonies, the Afonso Cerqueira of the "Baptista de Andrade" class and her 3 sister-ships were designed with more advanced-armament and sensors.

There were plans during the late 70s to equip them with Exocet Missiles but due to lack of funds that was never carried out.

In the late 90s they were downgraded to OPVs duties, and SAR. Torpedo Tubes in the aft were removed, as well as ASW sensors and Radars.

Due to be replaced in near future by the OPVs "Viana do Castelo" (NPO Type)

3 of the 4 original ships remian in service, the last one (F489 Oliveira e Carmo) was decommisinoed after suffering a collision a few years ago.