09 August 2023

Bulgaria launches hull of first multipurpose modular patrol vessel

by Nicholas Fiorenza

The hull of the Bulgarian Navy's first MMPV (artist's impression), Hrabri , was launched in front of the MTG Delfin shipyard in Varna on 4 August. (NVL Group)

The hull of the Bulgarian Navy's first multipurpose modular patrol vessel (MMPV), Hrabri, was launched in front of the MTG Delfin shipyard in Varna on 4 August, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced on its website later the same day. The ministry noted that the keel of the Hrabri was laid 14 months ago (in June 2022).

The Bulgarian MoD signed a BGN820 million (USD446 billion) contract in 2020 with German shipbuilder Lürssen Werft (which has since been renamed NVL Group) for two MMPVs, the Hrabri and Smeli. The ministry said the first-of-class Hrabri should be launched in 2025 and the Smeli in 2026.

NVL Group staged a steel-cutting ceremony for Smeli in December 2022.

The steel monohull MMPVs are derived from NVL Group's OPV 90 design. They have a displacement of around 2,300 tonnes fully loaded, with an overall length of 90 m, a beam of 13.5 m, and a 3.5 m draught. They are powered by two diesel engines driving two shafts, producing a top speed of 24 kt.

The MMPV's armament includes four Saab RBS15 Mk3 anti-ship missiles, eight surface-to-air missiles fired from an eight-cell vertical launch system, lightweight torpedoes launched from six 324 mm tubes, one 76 mm gun, and one 35 mm close-in weapon system. Under a contract awarded in December 2020, Saab is supplying the vessels with their 9LV Mk 4 combat management system. Other equipment will include a 3D radar, a Link 11 datalink, a hull-mounted sonar, and a basic electronic warfare system.

The hull of the Bulgarian Navy's first multipurpose modular patrol vessel (MMPV), Hrabri, was launch...

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