Brazil looks to strengthen its amphibious capability

Brazil has acquired HMS Bulwark, shown here, from the UK. (Victor Barreira)

The UK is slated to soon formally transfer one of its two Albion-class amphibious assault ships to Brazil, according to the UK Ministry of Defence.

The former amphibious assault ship HMS Bulwark has already been redesigned by the Brazilian Navy as the multipurpose landing dock ship NDM Oiapoque (G350).

The 176 m-long ship, displacing approximately 18,500 tonnes, will significantly strengthen the Brazilian Navy to carry out amphibious operations, aviation missions, and disaster relief and humanitarian aid, joining in the roles, the navy's other amphibious vessels NDM Bahia (G40) and NAM Atlantico (A140), according to service officials.

Oiapoque was formally acquired by Brazil in September 2025 through a contract between the Brazilian General Directorate of Navy Materiel and the UK's Ministry of Defence, the Director of the Directorate of Navy Programs Management, Vice Admiral Marcelo Silva Gomes, told Janes on 18 September.

Oiapoque is receiving several new systems, including a Ka-band Satellite Communications (SATCOM) system and Hensoldt SharpEye Mk 11 S-band navigation radar, Vice Admiral Silva Gomes said.

The ship's GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System) is being modernised, the public address and general alarm system is being refurbished, and the combat management system (CMS) is being updated, Vice Admiral Silva Gomes said.

The Brazilian Navy acquired four Rheinmetall GAM-B01 naval mounts armed with a 20 mm cannon and four 12.7x99mm machine guns to arm the ship, Vice Admiral Silva Gomes said.

Additionally, the Directorate of Navy Weapons Systems is studying the feasibility of acquiring a gun system to provide the Oiapoque with point defence, Vice Admiral Silva Gomes said.