Brazil looks to strengthen its amphibious capability

Brazil is preparing to receive the former Royal Navy landing platform dock HMS Bulwark, renamed NDM Oiapoque, following its acquisition under a September 2025 agreement. The 176-metre, approximately 18,500-tonne ship will join Bahia and Atlantico in amphibious operations, aviation support, disaster relief and humanitarian missions. Preparatory work includes updating its combat-management and maritime distress systems and refurbishing public-address and alarm equipment. Brazil has also acquired four Rheinmetall GAM-B01 mounts with 20-millimetre cannon and four 12.7-millimetre machine guns, while formal transfer from the United Kingdom is expected shortly.