United Kingdom sells warship to Bangladesh

The United Kingdom and the Bangladesh Navy have signed a government-to-government sales agreement for the former Royal Navy hydrographic and oceanographic survey vessel HMS Enterprise, marking a significant moment in bilateral defence cooperation between London and Dhaka.

The signing ceremony took place on 8 February 2026 at the Bangladesh Navy Headquarters in Dhaka, following extensive technical discussions between representatives of the Bangladesh Navy, the UK Ministry of Defence, and the Royal Navy.

The Business Standard

Senior officials from both sides attended the ceremony, including Admiral M. Nazmul Hassan, Chief of Naval Staff of the Bangladesh Navy, and Rear Admiral Jahangir Adil Samdany, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Logistics).

On the UK side, the British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Sarah Cooke, and other defence and military officials were present.

HMS Enterprise Echo-class hydrographic and oceanographic survey vessel originally commissioned into the Royal Navy in 2003.

Designed for deep-water survey missions, seabed mapping, and collection of oceanographic data, the ship has also supported humanitarian and disaster relief operations during its distinguished service.

It was formally decommissioned from the Royal Navy in March 2023 and has since been laid up awaiting transfer.

Under the terms of the agreement, the survey vessel will be transferred to the Bangladesh Navy after undergoing necessary regeneration work, with plans for the ship to join the fleet in 2027.

Officials say HMS Enterprise will provide Bangladesh with enhanced hydrographic, oceanographic, and scientific research capability.