Dhaka, Broadcasting News Corporation: At the Bangladesh Navy Headquarters on Sunday (08 February 2026), a Government-to-Government (G2G) contract was signed between Bangladesh and the United Kingdom for the purchase of the hydrographic and oceanographic survey vessel ‘HMS ENTERPRISE.’ The contract was signed on behalf of Bangladesh by Assistant Chief of Naval Staff Rear Admiral Md. Shafiqul Rahman and on behalf of the United Kingdom by Ms. Nanise Qalobulawasaikabara, Commercial Officer of the UK’s Ministry of Defence. The signing ceremony was attended by Admiral M. Nazmul Hasan, Chief of the Bangladesh Navy. Also present at the event were the British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, the UK’s Military Adviser, the Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division, Joint Secretaries of various ministries, as well as senior officials of the Armed Forces Division and the Navy.
Following continuous and fruitful initiatives by both countries since 2025, the signing of this contract became possible. The agreement is an expression of the strong mutual trust and cooperation that exists between the two countries, which has been achieved through the visionary, pragmatic, and proactive diplomatic efforts of the Government of Bangladesh. Through this agreement, Bangladesh’s defense modernization efforts will become more dynamic, and opportunities for the exchange of military equipment between the two countries will be expanded. As a result, this agreement will play a significant supporting role in enhancing Bangladesh’s overall defense capabilities and in the country’s marine research activities. At the same time, it will make a meaningful contribution to strengthening strategic partnership and military cooperation between the two countries.

‘HMS ENTERPRISE’ is a modern hydrographic survey vessel of the Royal Navy of the United Kingdom. The ship is equipped with advanced hydrographic and oceanographic survey instruments, including a multibeam echo sounder, side-scan sonar, and a sub-bottom profiler. It is highly effective for deep-sea surveys, seabed mapping, collection of physical oceanographic data, and formation of navigational charts. The vessel has a helicopter landing deck and modern communication facilities.The implementation of new survey standards developed by the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) to ensure safe maritime navigation, and the development of the blue economy, will be significantly supported by the ship. By adding the ship to the Bangladesh Navy, hydrographic capabilities will be greatly enhanced, and it will assist students studying at Bangladesh Maritime University, Bangladesh Oceanographic Research Institute (BORI), and various universities in marine research activities. Additionally, deploying it in deep seas will help prevent illegal intrusion, smuggling, and piracy, ensure effective maritime rescue operations, and provide proper monitoring in fishing and oil-gas blocks.

It is worth noting that the ship began its first journey in 2002 under the Royal Navy of the United Kingdom. Later, the UK Navy decommissioned the ship in 2023. The ship is expected to complete its re-generation by 2026 and join the Bangladesh Navy fleet in 2027.