Bangladesh Navy Poised to Acquire Former Royal Navy Survey Vessel HMS Enterprise

Strong indications suggest that the Bangladesh Navy may be preparing to acquire the former Royal Navy hydrographic and oceanographic survey vessel HMS Enterprise, marking a significant step in its ongoing naval modernisation and capability expansion. While no official announcement has yet been made, multiple defence sources familiar with the matter indicate that discussions are at an advanced stage. The visit of Admiral’s Deputy Jeremy Churcher and Commodore Richard Whalley to London last Friday (13 June 2025), where they held a detailed briefing with Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, has fuelled informed speculation that the vessel is being considered for transfer under a government-to-government framework. HMS Enterprise, launched in 2002 and commissioned into the Royal Navy in 2003, served as one of the UK’s primary multi-role Survey Vessels – Hydrographic Oceanographic (SVHO), alongside her sister ship HMS Echo. Both were purpose-built for submarine support, amphibious operations, and oceanographic reconnaissance, with