Brazil Eyes Acquisition of UK’s Albion-Class Amphibious Landing Ships
The Brazilian Navy and the British Royal Navy signed a letter of intent earlier this month to transfer HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark, two Albion-class landing platform dock (LPD) vessels. This agreement was made during the LAAD Defence & Security 2025 exhibition at Riocentro in Rio de Janeiro. The letter of intent outlines the framework for formal negotiations, including technical assessments, financial discussions, and logistical considerations. The deal strengthens the defense relations between the UK and Brazil while offering Brazil a significant upgrade in its naval power.
Admiral Edgar Luiz Siqueira Barbosa, Director-General of Materiel for the Brazilian Navy, highlighted how the acquisition would strengthen Brazil’s ability to respond to natural disasters, such as the 2023 floods in São Sebastião and the 2024 floods in Rio Grande do Sul. Some reports indicate that the total cost for both ships could be as little as £20 million, a fraction of their cost to build and refit, but the financial details of the deal have not yet been finalized or publicly commented on. The Albion-class ships, originally built to replace the older Fearless-class, have served the Royal Navy since 2003 when HMS Albion was commissioned, with HMS Bulwark following two years later. The ships are designed to transport and deploy troops, vehicles, and equipment.
HMS Albion was laid down on May 23, 1998, launched on March 9, 2001, and commissioned on June 19, 2003. HMS Bulwark followed, laid down on January 27, 2000, launched on November 15, 2001, and commissioned on April 28, 2005. As of 2024, both ships are in extended readiness, and the UK’s Labour government announced in November 2024 that they would be withdrawn from service in March 2025. This decision opened the door for Brazil’s planned acquisition of both vessels.
The Albion-class landing platform dock ships are 176 meters long, with a beam of 28.9 meters, a draught of 7.1 meters, and a full load displacement of 19,560 tonnes. Each ship carries a crew of 325 and can transport 405 troops, or up to 710 in overload conditions. The vehicle deck holds 67 vehicles, including 6 Challenger 2 tanks and 30 APCs. These ships feature a well dock for 4 LCU MK10 landing craft, each able to carry a main battle tank. They also carry 4 LCVP MK5 craft for light vehicles or up to 35 troops each. The flight deck supports two helicopters, including heavy-lift types like the CH-47 Chinook, though no hangar is included. Powered by a General Electric electric propulsion system with Wärtsilä diesel generators, the ships reach 18 knots and offer a range of 8,000 miles (13,000 km).
Once the transfer is complete, Brazil will have a powerful amphibious force, including HMS Ocean (already acquired in 2018 and renamed PHM Atlântico), HMS Albion, and HMS Bulwark, significantly boosting its regional naval influence.