Bangladesh to Buy HMS Enterprise From UK: What Kind of Ship Is It?

The United Kingdom will sell the Royal Navy vessel HMS Enterprise to Bangladesh.

The deal was reported by UK Defence Journal.

According to the report, the agreement was signed at Bangladesh Navy headquarters in Dhaka following extensive technical consultations between the Bangladesh Navy, the UK Ministry of Defence and the Royal Navy.

The British High Commission in Dhaka said the sale would contribute to strengthening Bangladesh’s maritime security and broader efforts to promote stability in the region, while significantly expanding the country’s capabilities in hydrographic and oceanographic research.

HMS Enterprise is also expected to be used for scientific research and to create new opportunities for cooperation with universities and research institutions in Bangladesh.

The UK government said the sale underlines its long-standing partnership with Bangladesh in maritime security and support for the concept of a “free and open Indo-Pacific region.”

According to London, the ship’s new role will strengthen Bangladesh’s ability to conduct research operations, support humanitarian missions and disaster response efforts, and improve understanding of its maritime environment.

Bangladesh has previously purchased military equipment from the United Kingdom. The country has, for example, acquired decommissioned C-130J Super Hercules aircraft.

In addition, in 2021 Bangladesh expressed its intention to buy up to five decommissioned vessels from the Royal Navy.

HMS Enterprise

HMS Enterprise (H88) is a Royal Navy hydrographic and oceanographic survey ship designed to map the seabed, collect oceanographic data and support navigational safety.

The vessel belongs to the Echo class and was commissioned in 2003 as one of the British Navy’s key specialized ships for scientific and research missions.

Its primary role is to conduct hydrographic surveys using modern multibeam echo sounders, side-scan sonar systems and other sensor equipment.

The data collected are used to produce nautical charts, enhance maritime safety and support military planning, including preparations for amphibious and maritime operations.

In addition to scientific tasks, the ship has taken part in military and humanitarian missions. HMS Enterprise supported Royal Navy operations overseas, including deployments in the Persian Gulf, the Mediterranean and the Caribbean.

The vessel has also been used in disaster response missions, serving as a coordination and information hub due to its advanced communications and command-and-control capabilities.

The ship is not equipped with weapons.