The United Kingdom and Bangladesh have signed a government-to-government defence sales agreement for the transfer of the former Royal Navy survey vessel HMS Enterprise, an Echo-class hydrographic and oceanographic ship previously operated by the Royal Navy.

The agreement was signed at Bangladesh Navy Headquarters in Dhaka, following what officials described as extensive technical engagement between the Bangladesh Navy, the UK Ministry of Defence and the Royal Navy.

According to the British High Commission in Dhaka, the vessel will support Bangladesh’s maritime security and contribute to wider regional stability efforts, while also expanding the country’s hydrographic and oceanographic survey capacity. The ship is also expected to support scientific research activity and provide opportunities for Bangladeshi universities.

The signing ceremony was attended by British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke, Defence Attaché Commander Lee Norton, and a UK Ministry of Defence commercial representative.

Cooke described the transfer as a reflection of growing defence ties between the two countries, stating: “The sale of this survey vessel reflects the deep trust and strong cooperation between the United Kingdom and Bangladesh. HMS Enterprise served the Royal Navy with distinction, and we are proud to see her begin a new chapter supporting Bangladesh’s maritime capability and our shared commitment to a secure and prosperous Bay of Bengal.”

The UK government said the sale highlights its continued partnership with Bangladesh in enhancing maritime security and promoting a “free and open Indo-Pacific”, with the ship’s new role expected to strengthen Bangladesh’s ability to conduct survey operations, support humanitarian and disaster-response missions, and improve understanding of its maritime environment.

Britain terminates plan to buy new autonomous survey vessel

George Allison
George Allison
George Allison is the founder and editor of the UK Defence Journal. He holds a degree in Cyber Security from Glasgow Caledonian University and specialises in naval and cyber security topics. George has appeared on national radio and television to provide commentary on defence and security issues. Twitter: @geoallison
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170 COMMENTS

  2. Did we swap it for 200,000 “skilled workers” students and dependents on Visas? Or can we sent back the 7225 Bangladeshi asylum seekers that lodged claims on 2024 alone?

    • Don’t you know those skilled workers are going to diversify the countryside? The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs have already spent hundreds of thousands of tax payers pounds to do so, and I, for one, welcome our new diverse overlords.

      • Alternatively life in the English countryside could teach its new arrivals a better way of living than the culture of rural Bangladesh. I’m sure that’s why they came. Vicar of Dibley anyone 😂

      • He asked a question. A pretty stupid question at that. Glad you’re 100q behind a Stroud question. Speaks volumes about your own stupidity.

      • Pleiades, it’s not rightish to want the best for your country! If that means people wanting to stop the influx of unwanted, undocumented invaders. I’d prefer you call them what they would have been right through the years when our country truly was Great Britain, and that is patriots.

        • The word great in Great Britain doesn’t signify strength. It simply refers to the greater isle in the set of isles called Britainy. One would have hoped that a patriot like yourself would know that. Sad little boy.

        • “invaders” 😂🤣😂

          I suggest you travel to Ukraine to see what REAL ‘invaders’ look like – they come in APCs armed with guns, accompanied by tanks, and following the orders of a foreign despot.

          If you think the flotsam washing up on our shores are invaders you have to be the biggest cowardly wimp of all time. They’re mainly chancers, looking for an easy route to a better life and should simply be deported as such.

          • In fact invaders have most come peacefully, and eventually took over the local inhabitants, such as us, (I will keep it simple so you can keep up) the English in around the 5th -7th centuries firstly as mercenaries, then as settlers changing the language and culture then the vikings in the 9th century (Viking simply means “going Viking” raiding etc) and most come across after the land was taken west of Watling street as settlers!

            So most invasions which are successful are in fact peaceful but in effect covert! And with those in the UK who support and allow such actions (due to their pathetic ideology) are in fact quisling type characters who mostly are sad, middle class clowns who spent 4 wasted years at uni learning nothing much worthwhile! I do however defer to those who spent that time learning to be doctors, who have been sadly let down as 60% of doctors spaces are going to cheaper foreign trained staff! And I love being in your head 🤣 PS cannot wait to hear your reply…….

            • Well that was all utter bullshit with no historical basis. But then dementia does that. Hope you’re putting your affairs in order, dementia induced anger is usually in the middle to late stages of dementia.

              • It’s correct but I did make it very short and simple for you to keep up! Oh dear you’re showing your grumpy lack of intelligence and knowledge. I take it someone called dementia bullied you……..

              • Hi mate all good how’s you? I’m just baiting a few grumpy trolls and snappers on here, you know the ones who call people racist and facist when they don’t understand what’s going on.

          • Amazing, random poster with zero previous posts supporting another waffling poster, using derogatory comments! Er, Troll…… sad as fuck! 🤡

            • Once upon a time. you were a random poster with zero previous posts. That would make you both a troll and sad as fuck. By the way why is fucking sad as far as you’re concerned m You stay limp all the time?

              Just because you’ve posted a comment or two before doesn’t make this site yours.
              Grow up. Learn to share limp dick.

                • They’re not particularly big words. You may struggle with a few but they’re not big words per se and nothing about them makes either of us tough. Try growing up a little mate. Or don’t. Makes no difference to me. Carry on.

                • Fyi.
                  It would appear by your uninvited stalking of my reply to a different poster I remain in your head, totally free of charge, very nice thank you.

                  Best regards

                    • Good morning. I can provide as many replies as you want. I’m living rent free in your head.
                      Carry on again.
                      Yes great movies. I was a big fan and still watch the repeats but the last one Columbus was a bit of a bust. Sad old comedians, past their sell by date trying to keep alive a golden age that was lost many years before.
                      They hadn’t realised that times had changed and new comedians had come along to displace the old dinosaurs.
                      Some of the new comedians were foreign. Others born from foreign immigrants but nevertheless as good as or in some cases much better than the old guard. Natural selection.
                      Eventually they accepted the new paradigm and did what all dinosaurs do. Become extinct.
                      It’ll be soon mate. Soon. Just lie back and think of England.

                  • The head thing doesn’t work with me, only old spocky gets annoyed, who does seem very similar to you, as he bites and snaps a lot and thinks he posts intelligent comments 🤡

                    • Yet you think the “head thing” works with others.
                      In any case here you are still taking part in my “head thing”
                      Fascinating.

                      By the way. I’ve never seen Spock bite and snap or get annoyed. Perhaps you’re thinking of another character. McCoy perhaps?

                      Let me know soon.
                      Live long and all that jazz.

                    • I’ll only put as much effort in as yourself. Raise your game. Don’t worry about me. I’ll keep up..

                • 15 minutes this time. Was taking a shit.
                  So nothing new from your end I see.
                  Figured out the difference between Spock and McCoy yet?
                  If you spent less time watching Carry On films and more time watching Sci Fi, you wouldn’t have made such a noob mistake.
                  You talked about me making intelligent comments.
                  I’m still awaiting one from you sir.

                    • Appears you’ve run of of things to say.
                      I’ll reply when there’s something worth replying to.

                    • After all that, you had nothing. After your initial jibe that this is a first time poster etc. after your attempts to stifle other people. After all that. All you have is a clown emoji. What have the English become. Your ancestors who sacrificed life and limb during countless wars will be looking up at you from hell and thinking…. What a fucking waste of time it all was.

                  • Tell you what I will give you a reply ok, your troll credentials came out as your first 3 replies to 3 posters on this topic you called all 3 abusive child like names, (have a quick look at your posts) and the 4th was something about your limp dick to me? There you go, simple troll credentials and a penchant to get angry and frothy and not one other constructive comment on any other military articles.

                    So now you can calm those pants and our forefathers would be so proud of your internet communication skills when replying to others. There you go, you can calm down now and take some air, good lad.

                    • I tend to call out people who have racist tendencies. Name calling is part of that.
                      Other than that I don’t believe any of my other responses have shown any indication of anger or “frothiness” (not sure what you mean by that though it’s maybe related to be angry or perhaps moody?)
                      Anyway. I’ve replied to your inane comments as best as I can with zero anger or mood. Simple responses in response to your simple responses.
                      If you make a more complex post with more nuance then I’m happy to reply with more nuance. If all you have is a clown emoji and playground type comments then I’ll happy respond at that level as well.

                      Anyway. Back to the matter at hand. The sale of a British naval ship to Bangladesh has somehow initiated a call by you and that “Danielle” to deporting illegal immigrants even though there is no real link between the MOD and the Home Office. Danielle sits on the sidelines with nothing much to say other than the equivalent of “yeah you tell it to them Dave” while you make inane posts about how a sale of ship to another country which will save British tax payers money by the UK not having to maintain it requires some sort of sign off from Bangladesh to accept back any illegal immigrants. Rather than being thankful that a country is willing to buy a rust old bucket which puts money in the UK coffers AND saves further money by us not having to maintain it, you think we should put conditions on the sale.

                      Your naivety is astounding. When was the last time you bought a second hand car and the dealer put conditions on the sale rather than be glad to be shot off it.

                      Later my friend. This was fun.

                  • Boom and there you go, same presumption of racism on posters, but it suits your agenda and ideology then who cares what your interpretations are. Yes you used child like names, nothing to do with calling out so called racist tendencies, just immature comments from you and you have been pulled for it, now desperately back tracking. And not put ONE single comment on the story (or any other story) in hand, but wow, I mentioned it then again “boom” you want to talk about the actual article in question. Its quite sad that trolls go to so much length to troll but its expected nowadays. Wonder what account you have next, we all wait and see. Cheers Spock.

                  • PS sorry just read your boring post once more, was quite repetitive but I made more of an effort this time, just noticed you stated that the article initiated a comment from me to deport illegal immigrants? Do me a favour, cut and paste that actual comment please……no? Ok incorrect once more yes? Your SOP.

                    • No you’re absolutely right. Fair point.
                      You personally haven’t said anything like that but your supporters and those you support here have done and by your support you’re guilty by association 🙂
                      As for you being clearly racist. You are by association. You jumped on me as I tried to respond back to the usual racists.

                      If you’d like to join the dots between the sale of a Navy ship to immigrants for me. I’d appreciate it. If there are no dots then why haven’t you commented against those that feel there are dots?.
                      Guilt by association. Beer time now. I’ll be busy for a while. Maybe catch you late evening. Have a good one.

                  • Ha ha ha oh dear you have had to eat a bit of humble pie, guilty by association? Oh dear that’s a desperate attempt to extract yourself from an absolute shite final post, which was totally incorrect and no facts or data to back it up! But that’s what the sad left and trolls do, word salads and making stuff up. Most impressive 🤡🤣🤧

                    • Good lord. How old are you? Eating humble pie? Grow up lad.
                      If I’m wrong I have no problem admitting it. I have no problems being humble. It’s the marl.9f a man

                      But my instincts were spot on. You’re a racist. On here by association but in real life a proper wrong-un but that’s fine. Freedom of speech and expression and ideas is something our ancestors have fought for.
                      We all know what you are. You’re in the business of defending racist posts and writing inane comments in the hopes other people will get tired of your comments. Thats ok. I defend your right to say what you want.
                      But getting back to the matter in hand. Do you have a problem with the MOD selling a Navy ship to Bangladesh without any conditions being placed on illegal immigration?. If so then we’re both on the same page. Forget the other racists. What’s your position?

                  • Oh my gosh you are now embarrassing yourself, do take a step back, deep breath and understand where you went totally wrong! Your replies now are bordering on madness and silly accusations, and you are desperately throwing out the racist nonsense in order to deflect your stupidity, another common fascist left facet! You do in fact get clown of the year, good job 🤡

                    • Hey if you’re not racist then great.

                      But getting back to the matter in hand. Do you have a problem with the MOD selling a Navy ship to Bangladesh without any conditions being placed on illegal immigration?. If so then we’re both on the same page. Forget the other racists. I’ll ask again. What’s your position?

                    • Eh? I’m iRadiate. Thats the only handle I have mate. Didn’t mean to make you angry darling. I just need an intelligent comment from you and we can go and be bitches on another thread. I’ll be offline for an hour or two. Putting up a bookshelf but I might check in from time to time.

                  • Hey Daniele. I know the internet is difficult to understand but what evidence do you have that there are multiple IDs linked to the same poster?
                    Anyway, whats your position of the sale of a Navy ship to Bangladesh?

                    • Hello.
                      None at all. If you’re not then that’s fine, we’ve had trolls before who post on multiple accounts. But that was when posters history could be checked.
                      On the subject matter,
                      I thought I made my position clear on other comments, maybe you were too busy arguing.
                      I’m against it, like most cuts to our military. These assets I understand still had plenty of years left in them, or could have been repurposed for supporting RFA Proteus, still but a single asset as the second MROSS doesn’t exist yet, and might not the way things are going.
                      Lack of crews is no excuse, put in place increased training pipelines until a time they can be utilised.
                      HMS Albion was another, just refitted, and the two Waves as well.

                    • Isn’t lack of crews a huge consideration? Pointless having empty ships.
                      Recruitment into all the forces has been a struggle for decades.
                      Surely it’s better to have surplus people ready to serve on a ship (or plane or tank etc) than to have huge surpluses of hardware sitting around costing us money while we maintain the equipment on the off chance that the hardware will be used ?

                    • This is amusing as you are asking me a question as if I have already stated the opposite of what you say!
                      1. You state I linked the sale of the ship to immigration, which I did not.

                      2. You claim I supported other “racists” regarding the same, I did not (cut and paste my posts).

                      3. You say I’m racist “by association” which is nonsense in any legal realm.

                      4. Your “instincts” say I’m racist, absolutely childlike garbage.

                      5. You post x 3 replies at the start of all this abusing other posters, which is the tell tale sigh of a troll.

                      6. You have zero posts on actual military subjects, of which there are many on here.

                      7. And now your back tracking on the guff you have posted as you realise all the other contributors will see how immature and presumptuous you are.

                      As for the sale of the ship, the hilarious thing is, and having confirmed you cannot show any post I have stated linking it to immigration, I approve of the selling as long as all mission specific kit was removed and we have other platforms on order (which in fact we don’t)!

                      Now, you have been shown to be a bit silly and a typical flapping lefty with your racist nonsense, and methinks it’s time to drink your horlicks and crack one off to your Corbyn calendar, as I’ve given you enough time (although it’s been mostly amusing and confirmation of the left wing SOP when getting clocked taking shite). So from now any replies (work time tomorrow) you will just get the clown face response as you have worked hard for that accolade.

        • Rather fascists peeing their pants because people want to come and make a better life in the U.K., which of course makes nonsense of their claim that ‘Britain is broken’.

          • It would appear by your uninvited stalking of my reply to a different poster I remain in your head, totally free of charge, very nice thank you.

          • Ooh the fascist card.
            Bangladeshi from govt data.
            52% of Bangladeshis received state support, it’s 48% for Pakistanis and 39% for Indians

            Along with Pakistanis one of the lowest ethnic group in work, 61%.

            33% economically active
            Largest number of kids ( they will soon think it’s Christmas if they celebrated it)
            49% of Bangladeshis are in the lowest 20% bracket of wealth.

            That’s just them, we could include Afghans, Somalia, Sudanese , Kurds, Iraqis , Syrians, all “just seeking a better life”.

            But they don’t just seek a better life, they seek to recreate the culture they have at home, just on a bigger income stream from the UK taxpayer. They still like the strong cultural norms of women’s doing as they are told, they like to speak the language of home, live the life on ethnic restricted neighbourhood , apply the same level of family favour and corruption.and some well are just a bit rapey.

            Never mind though, it’s all designed to replace the white population, and it has in many urban centres.

            Almost if by plan and design?

            • Ah… “white replacement”… a conspiracy theory that even predates the KKK. Do you subscribe to the version that thinks it’s a sinister Jewish plot?

              Interesting that you spout a load of stats about other ethnicities but fail to quote those for the white population…
              54% of White British people receive some state support,
              37% of White non-British receive some state-support,
              38% of non-white ethnic groups receive some state-support,
              76.4% of Universal Credit claimants are white,
              83.3% of adults receiving long-term social care white.

              No doubt you blame immigrants because working a dead end-job, instead of the fact that you’re a rage-fuelled idiot.

              Personally I’d like to see the creme of other countries should stay there to raise their home countries living standards to Western levels. But alas if we did that the NHS would collapse without all the doctors and nurses we get from Bangladesh, Pakistan, etc, etc. That’s just the obvious example, I personally know a Bangladeshi quantity-surveyor, Somali silicon-chip designer, Iraqi computer-engineer, etc, all of whom got their jobs because they were the best qualified candidates. I have no problem with them, but then I don’t have issues with people’s skin-colour, unlike racists such as yourself.

      • However while rejected, the vast majority they are given immigration bail, which means they have to comply with a number of restrictions and licence type conditions and are allowed to go to an approved address or a HMO, to which most disappear into the “community” and do not in any way comply with any orders or restrictions. But I’m sure you know better as I’m sure you work in the immigration industry…..,or not! But the fact I’m in your head rent free is still amusing to me and a few others on here 🤣🤡

        • It’s clear who is living in whose head, given you reply within minutes of my posts (such is your sad, empty life). Whereas it can be days before I even notice you’ve replied, let alone bother to reply.
          You sad, bitter, little man.

      • How many removed?

        UK data says over. 10 yr period 11,000 Bangladeshi visa overstayers have gone on to claim asylum.
        They are in the top 5 claiming it by country.
        They lodge appeals and remain.

        That’s part of the problem..they hide within a very obstructive community and Bangladesh is one of the most resistant countries to taking them back.

        So the only actual benefit from passing on such a vessel from RN numbers if they agree to return all overstayers and claimants, but that won’t happen.

  3. Assume its to replace the 41 year old BNS Anushandhan (aka HMS Roebuck)… Enterprise and Echo were amazing ships for The RN, Bangladesh will have her for another 20 years….. I wonder who will purchase Echo….Echo… Echo…

    • Even after all surface ships and RAF squadrons have been cut the MOD will still say there’s a black hole! I guess the funding of pensions and civvies at MoD will do all the hard fighting.

      • Not true. I saw a RHIB in Devonport flying the White Ensign the other day. We could fit a Twin Super-Soaker to the front and 2 x 100 cell super air-bomb firework on the back and scare the Russian Showdown ships from our Fibre optics.

        • I think that would fall foul of net zero with any service personnel hauled through the courts in 30 years time by the next generation of human rights lawyers.

          • Ah, there is that. I can see the claims now. Victoria and Hugo were walking on the beach when they had a distinct feeling that a Lobster by the Eddystone Lighthouse was suffering anxiety following a discharge from the Super Soaker towards a Russian Shadow Fleet freighter that was dragging anchor across the main UK-Gibraltar line. This gave them “Referred anxiety,” causing them not to look for work for a full 40 years.

            They engage Leigh Day, which launched a £1m compensation claim. The CPS prosecuted the 82-year-old former Royal Navy Senior Rating, in charge of HMS Johnny at the time, for the injury caused to the Lobsters’ Gt Grandson. He suffered generational trauma, plus Victoria and Hugo, who couldn’t have children as Hugo’s previous manly abilities deserted him after the event.

            • I have absolutely no Idea how Victoria and Hugo could sense a Lobsters distress so far out to sea nor how said Lobster went on to have a Great Grandson, But It’s a cool story 😁😁😁

          • And all as we Luurv our Country. My arms!
            BTW I think there must be a block on discussing whether Tempest is going to be axed. Maybe its not cyber enough or they feel they’ve finished with the Test and it can be binned.

  5. It feels really odd that we are disposing of ships that are within hull age limits when we are still heading down the frigate curve.

    What would we do in an emergency?

    I’m not advocating turning them into pretend OPVs but there does come a point where we do have to have a fallback position. These ships were built to decent standards.

    Soon the combatant fleet will be six T45 which although brilliant AAW ships are not ASW tugs and that is where Echo and Enterprise could have fitted in.

    • I asked that question on another website when I asked why minehunters could not be employed in the ASW role for the Baltic and was met with derision and snorting by some RN grownups who wrote if you know, you know. Tap their noses. Tossers.

      So, either people were blowing smoke up my hoop or they were useless. Do you have any public realm details?

      • The nine hunters wouldn’t be that much use.

        Echo and Enterprise were built for doing sonar and other ‘special’ work. So they should be perfectly capable.

        There isn’t much in the public domain about Echo and Enterprise for good reason.

        • Not as ASW assets per se, but as ‘detectors’ ?

          I asked because, the Baltic States have no ASW capability whatsoever and therefore would be reliant on Germany, Denmark and Poland.

          Not sure about Sweden and Finland.

    • Completely agree flogging hulls that could provide a useful function when we are in a hybrid war with Russia and the escort fleet is crashing is a bit bonkers really.

    • They were relatively lightly run ships. Both Enterprise and Echo, given necessary upgrades would have made excellent underwater infrastructure monitoring vessels, quite apart from their surveying role..

      • Scoreboard so far, including the end of the previous idiots reign.
        2 Wave. No replacement.
        2 LPD. No replacement.
        7? Frigates. Replacements in build.
        2 Survey Vessels. No replacement.
        ? Number of Sandowns. 3 Logistic Support Vessels not yet ordered.
        Argus knackered, HMG avoiding commenting. MRSS a power point slide.
        Fort Victoria same. FSS years away.
        Around 20 vs 0?
        Not great, is it?

        • Bluntly, no. Meanwhile, endless ‘at pace’ with these hybrid toy boats that don’t exist, an unsustainable commitment to defend the Indo’ – Pacific with a carrier group, T26 build slots being given to Norway (IRL delayed), T31 entry delayed, barely one SSN operational. No Gulf warship. It has gone beyond a joke.

          • Agreed there does seem to be a one way direction of travel. All of it because of those massive funding holes that have appeared all of a sudden. You get rid of those nasty high tax payers and your credit rating is toast; surprise, surprise there is nowhere to hide.

          • Well the 1SL needs something to distract, so the toy boats it is.
            No doubt they will have their uses, but they should be in addition to fleet expansion.
            And I wonder how much this bastion becomes the RNs Maginot line and Russian SSN just go round it?

          • “don’t exist”… Really?

            RNMBs Hussar, Hydra, Hazard, Halcyon, Harrier, Hellcat, Hazard, Hebe. The first 4 being optionally manned.

            • I think PC meant the hybrids to accompany the manned escorts regards Bastion, not the RNMBs.
              Add the ones starting with “A” as well.
              They badly, badly need the 3 mother vessels to enable them properly, and I’m still curious as to what sea states they can work in.
              Good tech though, no doubt, given their cost so far.

            • Those vessels you list are inshore craft that can only operate in benign sea states and conditions. They are incapable of operations in the harsh Northern Atlantic, Arctic, North Sea ,or similar. They carry no offensive weaponry or sensors, they would be largely useless in a kinetic environment and are essentially prototypes .

              • They’re capable of mine-hunting anywhere a Sandown could operate, which also didn’t carry offensive weaponry.
                (Sandown’s had a 30mm and some 50 cals for defence when operating in their secondary role as OPVs. You don’t send mine-hunters into an area with enemy warships.)

                The RN begs to differ that they are not prototypes.

                • You’re referring to the USV MCM replacement vessels that can really only operate in relatively benign sea conditions, quite rare in UK and Atlantic waters. I’m referring to the Atlantic Bastion drone/optionally manned surface effector/warships that would operate in conjunction with a RN frigate or destroyer. And they don’t exist beyond PowerPoint.

                    • No, it’s not a disingenuous strawman, that’s exactly what you did in bringing up the USV MCM. I was referring to something entirely different.

              • You another one with dementia?

                It was you that said “with these hybrid toy boats that don’t exist”. I then proved your dishonesty by not only proving them exist, but naming them too.

                • I couldn’t care less that you can name a few inshore motorboats. They’re not the vessels I was ever referring to. Grow up and take your ad hominem pedantry elsewhere.

        • Hi Daniele – that list makes for sad reading. I am wondering how the RN now manages their hydrographic survey duties?
          Maybe outsourced to private contractors.

        • You don’t mention all the personnel who have been let go, with no replacement, and the reduced manpower cap that the RN struggles to meet, despite the cap being lower. I suspect a big part of the reason for their decommissioning was simply no warm bodies to provide crew. That’s at least 50% of the reason the RN is full steam ahead on unmanned, because they haven’t got the budget for more people.

          It’s a vicious circle: previous rounds of cuts and previous failures to order replacement frigates on time mean the existing fleet is smaller, older, more miserable to live in and spends longer and longer away from home.

          Result: qualified people leave, new entrants opt to only complete their minimum return of service and leave, RN gets smaller, remaining people are worked harder, more leave.

          The priority should be raising the overall manpower limit to above 30k people again (aiming for at least 35k) as well as getting new hulls in the water. Then order more hulls, even if there are not yet crews for them. Create a depth of resource. Adopt routine crew rotation so that no crew spends more than 3 to 4 months away (outside of combat). Other navies are doing this for the same reason.

          • I was looking more into MTXG the other day….one of the Sqns was stated as having 15, or was it 11, personnel!!!
            Where have the crews from MCM1 and MCM2 gone?? I know we still have some Hunts, but blimey.
            Absorbed into the escort fleet or gone, or both I guess.

  6. The interesting bit of this would be whether we have access to the data it produces. If so, we’ve just gained a permanent survey vessel in the region for no cost. It may not always survey what we want, but still not a total loss of capability perhaps

  8. Cut price no doubt .This is Starmers government way of preparing for war ,so is next move is selling of one of our Carriers ? And having a Chinese super Embassy in London .The quicker he leaves number 10 the better and is rabble. 👋 bye bye

        • Take a step back and consider the wider ‘landscape’. IMO the Epstein saga is lancing an abscess and the pus is pouring out. Enemies of the UK have been feeding this infection and trying for some time to bring the country down by exploiting our vulnerabilities, undermining the govt, the prime minister and the Royal Family. As I write this, I’m watching a US politician say that we may be seeing the end of the UK monarchy.
          What we learned yesterday was that Starmer has character and grit and that Anas Sarwar and Wes Streeting are a couple of s#&ts.

            • Not wrong BUT, no obvious political experience other than the corridors of Whitehall, and given his career, not so sure how much time he spent within those walls, on the other hand, combine him with 1st SL for CDS and we might see a shift in thinking and funding.

              • Very true. I think the increase in defence spending is coming. But its far to slow. Same with this defence equipment plan. Considering Labour have such a large majority, they are making very hard work of it.

                • With the current crop of very new lefties MPs they have fairly emptied their barrels of cool aid and seem to believe they are mythical beasts that can’t be slain…

                  How Starmer achieves anything from now on is questionable.

                  Al Carns and 1SL, both ‘them’ for PM and Sec Def.

  9. Why sell these off to another country when we could give them to border force to stop the illegal immigrate invade our shores.

        • Yes, he’s advocating shooting unarmed civilians because he’s a fascist 🤷🏻‍♂️

          I suspect he’ll be first to sign-up to join Fuhrage’s U.K. version of ICE should Reform win.

          • Oh dear, your presumption is most amusing, he is a troll, a bit sad, talking shite (like you do on many occasions) making effort at eliciting a response! Jees I presume you got beat up once by someone who you thought was right wing or something similar it’s affected you quite badly? I can give you a few contact numbers for help lines etc if you want?

            • I can well believe your have the contact numbers for lots of mental-health help-lines given your mental instability. I pity them having to deal with a looney like you.

              You’re the troll, butting in where you’re not wanted in a thread between myself and Hugo.

              As for people being beaten up, that’s probably just your sadomasochism fetish showing. I didn’t realise they did gimp suits for pensioners.

              • Ooooooooh more handbags! I love the fact you have to name call on every occasion and post. Quite sad really. I’m way off my pension age thanks so don’t worry about me and my gimp suit! (I think I will wear it tonight in your head)

      • 🙄 FFS…..Are you serious??
        They’re human beings, FFS! I want economic migrants who are illegals deported as much as anyone, and immigration kept at a sustainable level.
        What your implying is utterly ludicrous.
        We’re not the bloody SS! There needs to be a deterrent to discourage people, which there isn’t, and it made clear that if you’re illegal you don’t remain.

        • Mate just another troll talking shite to get a response! Anyone knows a GPMG off a RIB is most inaccurate! Seriously this site has become full of Iranian trolls and sad lefties who are either into selling misinformation or just going full throttle against anyone with an opinion! Certain ideologies don’t allow dissent and there’s a few clowns on here who think it’s a first year student union welcome meeting! Less and less conversations about military matters as less and less commentators with military interests or knowledge 👍

          • Lol…and 2 GPMG at that…
            It’s obvious it’s done to illicit a response, but then that response includes comments saying Reform equals racism and facism, often from Spock, which again is clear mud slinging and for the vast majority of Reform types, untrue.
            I say vast majority as there will be racists in all parties, look at the far left!
            The same tactic was used on UKIP pre referendum, attempts to tarnish in the media as they were feared.
            It didn’t work then, it won’t work now
            As it happens, I myself have no issue with Spock and appreciate his posts for the most part. I just disagree on some of his politics.
            But I prefer to remain civil, regardless of differences.
            Some otheres, yes, a new one has surfaced on this thread and said sod all of any worth on military matters so far.
            Standard.
            Cheers mate.

            • Agreed mate, always a few “new faces” supporting the nonsense of the old. Ah the internet, an amazing place for knowledge and research, and for sad unknown’s to push whatever crap their told to spout. Its a bit boring nowadays with the usual left clowns throwing out “fascist” and “racist” at every opportunity, mainly because they think it stifles people (no longer does as its been overused) and because they have limited knowledge of the subject in hand. And if we want to find fascists, the left is absolutely jam packed with them, but their ideology does not allow them to think past these childlike abuse. Agreed again in many who have no military subject knowledge or interest, and only jump on any posts regarding immigration, Trump and Reform. Spock does post decent comments and has his opinion, but he is one of those that throw out the above, as opposed to wanting to understand others opinions. To the left, if you don’t think like them, you are the enemy, not someone to be convinced and conversed with!

              • Well I’ve just noted that I’ve been name checked above, as “cheering on from the sidelines with nothing to say.”
                Funny, on military matters I’ve had plenty to say for a decade and yet no military discussion from the trolls.
                Cheering on from the sidelines was just me noting for the whole world that David made some very valid points that I thought when I read them would have no comeback, and sure enough, the trolls hid but target you and me instead.
                You as troll baiter in chief, me for having an opinion I stick to and that I’m high profile here, and thus a target.
                What the idiots don’t realise is that you’re happily wasting their time.
                It’s also noted that others started the immigrant side of this thread and yet it’s you and me who are targeted….
                Such children, best ignore and get back to military matters here mate.

                • Agreed mate any clowns who don’t know your profile and knowledge and in fact your vast decent contribution on here just confirms their troll status! Yes mate you got me in one, when I’ve got a bit of downtime, I like to get them munching on the bit! Bit immature most probably but the trolls who gob off to reasonable opinions need winding up somewhat. Shame we no longer have the ability to research and check posters history etc lol cheers 👍

  10. Has she been replaced,? Seems extremely odd to be selling a hydrographic vessel with everything that’s been going on over the past few years.

  11. I’m waiting for the usual statements from HMG, Healey, and any RN personnel actually allowed to speak to media, always with restrictions in place and lines to say previously set….
    “Safer at home and strong abroad.”
    “Keep us all safe.”
    “At pace.”
    “Transformative.”
    “Agile.”
    “World leading.”
    “Yet more evidence of biggest defence spending increase since Cold War.”
    And on and on and on. Did I miss any out?
    On a more serious note, I see the Hydrographic Flotilla has now reduced to a “Group” with Magpie, some smaller SEA workboats and some AUV. And Scott, which is a rather different category given her specialist roles.
    So assume if the UK suddenly needed to survey any sea beyond
    Magpies coastal reach we have to hire a vessel or put the autonomous kit onto an existing asset, assuming one is available.
    Pity, these ships could have been repurposed, surely, if the crews, money, and will from HMG and the RN was there??

    • The problem with RN top brass is that they will look you in the eye and tell you that the ships would be ‘no use in a conflict’ you hear that a lot.

      HMG have no will and both Rachel and Starmer wish defence would just go away. Defence increase would force benefit cuts. I’m all for certain areas of benefits to be cut and for spending in defence and education to be increased.

      Starmers only interest in defence is a giant job creation scheme so there is tension between military who need a balance between domestic development and delivery ASAP. Not every program can be delivered domestically.

      Then there are the long range R&D projects like Tempest.

      Then there is the F35A [RAF wish list]; Typhoon [Starmer wish list]; F35B [CSG wish list] to be squared against Tempest [long term RAF wish list].

        • Is that those who have contributed for possibly 51 years with the promise of a pension return? Oh dear does that include those who have contributed a large percentage of their pay to their pensions? Your hatred of most things is clouding your limited judgement…..I think I may redecorate in here…..very roomy, plenty of space!

          • Badly messaged.

            Mum passed in November, however, up until then, she had Dad’s S/Sgt pension, and a plethora of benefits that amounted to about £2,500/mth after tax. And she still complained about the winter fuel allowance…

            Politically, it can’t happen but the triple lock has to go as we have the reverse ice-berg effect of a smaller working age population supporting a growing number of pensioners – unsustainable.

            However, raising the pension age towards 70 will see not so much a growing budget but, actually decreasing number of pensioners as that extra late age work will kill people off sooner…

            You’ve done your bit and collect, rightly so, and it seems I might actually pick up a small military pension in the future should Govt comply with the Courts but here is the question:

            De-couole pensions and retire at 65 or have a triple linked pension, retire at 70 and die at 71?

            • For me the triple lock is unsustainable and politically motivated! It will need to go to reduce the welfare budget! But as an example both my daughters are plod who contribute a large amount (no option to reduce but to just pull out) of their wage to pension contributions. So after 30 years plus they should be told you are now wasters and your contributions no longer matter as we will reduce your drawdown? Pension age is nowadays unrealistic as we are all living longer but in many jobs 67 is not a realistic age to retire at, as some jobs are to physical and exhausting for many at that age! I do think the triple lock should go but just spouting shite about reducing pensions is just political ideology at its best by a few on here! Cheers 👍

                • No mate Essex plod, both still under double figures of years served, so plenty of time to build up a pension pot in preparation for it to be changed/removed/given away! One was in the Reserves previously, but did not think it was organised very well. 253 would be a bit more pro however but not for them at this time. Cheers mate.

          • And there you demonstrate that you don’t understand NI and tax in the UK. Your NI ‘contributions’ aren’t payments into a pension fund, it’s just more money to the Treasury to pay for government spending (ie tax).
            Which is why state pensions are classified as benefits, being funded by current taxpayers.

            It was pointed out by Thatcher that people would have to plan for their own pension and not rely on the state, which is why anyone sensible took out a private pension plan at soon at they began work. Obviously given you didn’t, expecting the state to look after you – how very socialist of you.

            Nobody cares about the interior decor of your hovel.

            • Ooooooh put your handbag down, very grumpy and child like verbal abuse! I understand the tax system thanks, don’t you worry about me! Gonna however stay in the head for a bit longer till you calm down!

  14. That’s It, I’m deffinately going to apply for the Moderators Job here !!!!

    Seriously chap(? Chaps) how many new names do you need to say exactly the same things every time ? 🙄🤦‍♂️

  15. If these ships being sold are still seaworthy and useful why are the government selling them . It’s not as if the RN has a surplus of ships at the moment . It’s one thing to build a new more advanced one and the sell the old one but quite another thing when we have no replacements , Enterprise , Albion and possibly Bulwark among others .

    • There are probably as many Ex RN ships afloat around the World as there are currently In RN service.

      Maybe someone might know 🤔

    • I suspect that ( for the RN) technologies have advanced; UUVs can replace their function. I would guess it would cost more to convert their unique superstructure design and pod propulsion than to build a new OPV.

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