Overview
- The government-to-government sales agreement was signed on February 8 at Bangladesh Navy Headquarters in Dhaka following extensive technical engagement between both navies and the UK Ministry of Defence.
- UK officials say the vessel will strengthen Bangladesh’s maritime security and regional stability while supporting hydrographic, oceanographic and scientific research with opportunities for local universities.
- Attendees at the ceremony included British High Commissioner Sarah Cooke, Defence Attaché Commander Lee Norton, UK MoD commercial officer Nanise Qalobulawasaikabara, Bangladesh Navy Chief Admiral M. Nazmul Hassan and Rear Admiral Jahangir Adil Samdany.
- HMS Enterprise served about two decades before decommissioning in March 2023, as the Royal Navy transitions survey work toward its Future Military Data Gathering program using drones and autonomous systems.
- Bangladesh is expected to use Enterprise to replace the ageing survey ship BNS Anushandhan (ex-HMS Roebuck), while the future of sister ship HMS Echo remains uncertain and could involve use for spares, according to specialist reporting.