The Ministry of Defence announced on 28 August 2026 that HMS Bulwark, one of the Royal Navy's two Albion-class amphibious assault ships, was to be sold to the Brazilian Navy, ending more than two decades of service. Commissioned in 2005 and based at HMNB Devonport, the ship served as Fleet Flagship between 2011 and 2015, supported civilian evacuation operations from Lebanon in 2006 and provided maritime security at the London 2012 Olympics. Its sister ship, HMS Albion, remained alongside at Devonport pending disposal, the department said.

The planned transfer followed a £2.4 billion UK-Netherlands maritime partnership confirmed in July 2026 to deliver a fleet of new amphibious transport ships replacing the Albion-class capability. According to the announcement, the future ships were to be built in UK shipyards alongside Dutch industry, with each nation set to operate four vessels. At 160 metres in length and displacing 15,000 tonnes, they were described as capable of transporting troops, vehicles and equipment, including drones. The programme was expected to sustain hundreds of highly skilled UK jobs, and £1.5 billion of investment was confirmed in the Defence Investment Plan.

Minister of State for Defence Lord Coaker said HMS Bulwark had served the country and its allies with distinction for over two decades, and that the Netherlands partnership marked a step forward in providing interoperable capability. The announcement also said the future fleet's flight decks were being designed to operate current and future long-range drones and autonomous systems.