Brazilian Type 22 Frigate BNS Rademaker (F49): Formerly HMS Battleaxe (F89) of the Royal Navy

The Brazilian Type 22 frigate BNS Rademaker (F49) began its service as the HMS Battleaxe (F89) in the Royal Navy. Launched in 1980, HMS Battleaxe was part of the second batch of Type 22 frigates, designed during the Cold War to excel in anti-submarine warfare, as well as other roles such as air defense and surface attack.

After serving the Royal Navy for nearly two decades, HMS Battleaxe was decommissioned in 1997. It was then sold to Brazil, where it was renamed BNS Rademaker (F49), in honor of Admiral Augusto Rademaker, an important figure in the Brazilian Navy. The frigate became part of Brazil’s fleet as it continued its operational life in the South Atlantic, contributing to Brazil’s naval defense and peacekeeping missions.

The ship’s transfer from the UK to Brazil is a common example of how military assets are repurposed, extending their service life under new ownership. Under Brazilian command, the Rademaker has undergone various upgrades, adapting to new technologies and mission profiles, allowing it to remain a key asset in Brazil’s naval operations.

Today, BNS Rademaker remains a symbol of the strong maritime ties between Brazil and the UK, and its long-standing service history is a testament to the durability and versatility of the Type 22 frigate design.