Brazil mulls acquisition of Royal Navy amphibious ships

Brazil is looking to acquire the two Albion-class amphibious assault ships of the Royal Navy (HMS Bulwark is pictured). (Victor Barreira)

The Surface Command Force of the Brazilian Navy appears to be looking to bolster its amphibious fleet with the UK Royal Navy (RN) amphibious assault ships Albion (L14) and Bulwark (L15).

A Protocol of Intentions signed between the Brazilian Navy and the RN on 2 April paves the way for a potential acquisition of the Albion-class ships, Director of the Navy Directorate-General for Material Fleet Admiral Edgar Luiz Siqueira Barbosa, told Janes on 3 April.

The agreement signed between Adm Barbosa and RN's Director Navy Acquisition Rear Admiral Ivan Finn enables both parties to formally proceed with discussions for Brazil to acquire either both ships or only Bulwark, Adm Barbosa said.

Adm Barbosa said that a contract signature to acquire the ships depends on their technical condition and other issues, and that all options are being considered.

The potential acquisition of the Albion-class ships would boost Brazil's capacity for amphibious and aviation operations, disaster relief, and humanitarian response, Adm Barbosa said.

Brazil has already conducted initial technical inspections of the ships.

The potential acquisition of the British vessels represents a significant reinforcement of the Brazilian naval power, the Brazilian Navy said.

A UK naval industry source based in Brazil told Janes that the country is looking to receive Albion for free. The source also pointed out that Albion would need an extensive and costly maintenance and repair period before a potential return to service. The ship has issues in the hull and propulsion system, the source added.

On 20 November 2024 UK Secretary of State for Defence John Healey announced that both Albion and Bulwark