The Brazilian Navy has formally signed an agreement to acquire two Royal Navy amphibious assault ships, HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark, during the LAAD Defence & Security 2025 event in Rio de Janeiro.

The agreement, described as a “protocol of intentions,” was signed on Wednesday and comes during the bicentennial year of diplomatic relations between Brazil and the United Kingdom.

The acquisition of the Albion-class landing platform docks (LPDs) would, say the country, significantly bolster Brazil’s capacity for amphibious operations, disaster relief, and humanitarian response.

The vessel will join helicopter carrier HMS Ocean, sold years ago, to the Brazilians.

According to an official update from Brazil’s Navy news service, the ships are being sought not only for their strategic military utility but also for their ability to support domestic civil operations. “We have seen the need for Navy ships to support the population in the various calamities that have occurred due to climate variations, such as the floods that occurred in São Sebastião in 2023 and in Rio Grande do Sul in 2024,” said Admiral Edgar Luiz Siqueira Barbosa, Director General of Navy Material.

He added that Brazil has long valued British-built naval assets. “Several British ships, throughout the existence of the naval fleet, have been incorporated into the MB. They are quality ships, so we already have this good experience.”

HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark, built in the late 1990s and early 2000s, were among the Royal Navy’s most capable amphibious vessels, designed for transporting large numbers of troops, vehicles, and cargo.

Both ships are equipped with flight decks able to support heavy helicopter operations and were constructed with the projection of force and humanitarian assistance missions in mind.

The potential transfer aligns with long-standing speculation that at least one of the LPDs may be withdrawn from service as part of evolving UK defence priorities. The Royal Navy has maintained a rotating state of high readiness between the two sister ships, with only one typically active at any given time.

This announcement was made during the 15th edition of LAAD Defence & Security – Latin America’s premier defence and security exposition – which runs from April 1–4 at Riocentro in Rio de Janeiro. The Brazilian Navy has used the event to showcase its strategic programmes and capabilities, including interactive technology exhibits and simulations for public engagement.

The Royal Navy has not yet publicly commented on the deal, nor has the UK Ministry of Defence confirmed the timeline or conditions for the potential transfer of the vessels. However, the signing of the protocol of intentions suggests that negotiations are in an advanced stage.

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