The Bangladesh Navy and the United Kingdom have signed a government-to-government agreement for the sale of the former HMS Enterprise, an Echo-class hydrographic and oceanographic survey vessel of the Royal Navy, The Financial Express reported on 9 February 2026, citing UNB.
The deal was signed at Navy Headquarters after technical engagement between the Bangladesh Navy, the UK Ministry of Defence and the Royal Navy, in the presence of then Chief of Naval Staff Admiral M Nazmul Hassan and British High Commissioner Sarah Cooke. The vessel is intended to add hydrographic, oceanographic and scientific research capability, strengthen maritime security and create research opportunities for Bangladeshi universities.
Cooke said the sale reflects “deep trust and strong cooperation” between the two countries. The price and delivery date were not disclosed in the report. Officials had earlier said the ship would strengthen marine data collection in the Bay of Bengal.
Source
- The Financial Express (UNB): “BD, UK strengthen defence partnership with survey vessel sales deal” (9 February 2026)
File photo: HMS Enterprise in Royal Navy service. Photo: Hammersfan / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
This article was prepared by Maritime News BD from the report(s) and documents listed above; it was not independently reported by Maritime News BD.
