The Brazilian Navy signed during the Defence & Security Equipment International United Kingdom (DSEI UK) 2025, the contract for the acquisition of HMS Bulwark from the United Kingdom, the Albion-class landing platform dock (LPD).

The agreement was formalised on board HMS Mersey in the presence of the Navy’s Director-General of Materiel, Admiral Edgar Luiz Siqueira Barbosa, and the Royal Navy’s Second Sea Lord, Vice Admiral Martin Connell, with the participation of the Commander of the Brazilian Navy, Admiral Marcos Sampaio Olsen, and other civilian and military authorities.

With extensive cargo and personnel transport capacity, the ship will be used to support the population in natural disaster situations through the deployment of field hospitals, food, medicines and other essential supplies directly to affected areas, making a decisive contribution to saving lives in humanitarian emergencies.

In addition, it will be employed in the protection of the “Blue Amazon”, the strategic area of Brazilian jurisdictional waters, rich in natural and mineral resources.

According to the Navy Commander:

“The acquisition of HMS Bulwark represents a milestone in the effort to reconstitute the core of Naval Power, greatly contributing to the exercise of sovereignty in waters under national jurisdiction. The Brazilian Navy thus reaffirms its commitment to expanding its capacity to maintain presence in areas of interest and to ensuring the appropriate efficiency to operate in different scenarios, whether in defence operations or in support of the Brazilian population in emergencies, particularly in response to natural disasters and humanitarian assistance missions.”

Training and incorporation into the Fleet

The acquisition of HMS Bulwark was driven by the need to expand the Navy’s capacity, providing modern and robust means for power projection, humanitarian support and the defence of sovereignty, ensuring full operational capability of a multipurpose vessel within a short timeframe.

The ship is currently in Plymouth, England, undergoing a complete revitalisation process, which includes the modernisation of command and control systems, upgrades to communications equipment, and a full overhaul of its propulsion and power generation systems. Completion of this revitalisation is scheduled for 2026. These works will extend the vessel’s service life by at least two decades, ensuring operational safety and compliance with the current demands of the Brazilian Navy.

According to Admiral Edgar, Director-General of Materiel of the Navy:

“The relationship between the Brazilian Navy and the Royal Navy is historic. The multipurpose aircraft carrier NAM Atlântico, the flagship of the Brazilian Fleet, was also acquired from the United Kingdom and arrived in Brazil in 2018. The acquisitions of NAM Atlântico and HMS Bulwark reflect this strategic partnership, which involves not only the transfer of naval assets, but also the exchange of knowledge, crew training and cooperation in areas of mutual interest. This closer relationship strengthens diplomatic ties between the two countries.”

In September, around 48 Brazilian military personnel will travel to the United Kingdom for training and familiarisation with the vessel. In November, a further 44 personnel will be trained. In addition to technical training, the crew will take part in joint simulations and exercises, focusing on ensuring the vessel’s full operational capability.

HMS Bulwark is expected to be commissioned and transferred to Brazil next year, when it will join the Brazilian Fleet.

About HMS Bulwark

HMS Bulwark is 176 metres long, displaces 18,500 tonnes and has capacity for up to 710 military personnel. The vessel maintains an average speed of 18 knots, equivalent to approximately 34 kilometres per hour.