The United Kingdom and Bangladesh have formalised a government-to-government (G2G) sales agreement for the transfer of the former HMS Enterprise, an Echo-class hydrographic and oceanographic survey vessel.
The agreement marks the conclusion of extensive technical consultations between the Bangladesh Navy, the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD), and the Royal Navy. This transaction reinforces the UK’s strategic focus on the Indo-Pacific region and represents a significant development in bilateral defence relations, focusing on maritime security, disaster response, and scientific research.
The Echo-class vessel is a sophisticated platform capable of conducting complex survey operations and providing vital humanitarian support. For the UK defence industrial base, the sale of naval assets through G2G channels often serves as a catalyst for long-term industrial engagement. Prime contractors and sub-contractors involved in the original construction and maintenance of the Echo-class may find opportunities to provide ongoing technical support, spare parts, and system upgrades as the vessel transitions to its new operational environment. Furthermore, the transfer includes provisions for hydrographic and oceanographic research, which opens potential avenues for collaboration between UK-based scientific institutions and Bangladeshi universities.
The signing ceremony was attended by the British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Sarah Cooke, alongside the Defence Attaché, Commander Lee Norton, and the MOD Commercial Officer, Nanise Qalobulawasaikabara. The Bangladesh delegation was led by Admiral M. Nazmul Hassan, Chief of Naval Staff. The involvement of MOD commercial personnel underscores the structured nature of the divestment process and the government’s intent to manage the lifecycle of naval assets in a way that supports international stability while maintaining links with domestic industry.
As the UK continues to execute its tilt toward the Indo-Pacific, such sales are indicative of a policy that prioritises the building of indigenous maritime capacity among partner nations. For UK businesses, these agreements signify the opening of new export markets and the potential for multi-year service contracts related to platform sustainment and training. The transfer of HMS Enterprise is expected to contribute to a free and open Indo-Pacific, ensuring that the Bay of Bengal remains a secure and prosperous maritime corridor. This project highlights the effectiveness of the UK’s defence diplomacy and the role of the MOD in facilitating the international reach of British naval engineering and technical expertise.
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Post written by: Vicky Maggiani
Vicky has worked in media for over 25 years and has a wealth of experience in editing and creating copy for a variety of sectors.
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