According to information published by the German government on August 16, 2024, Bulgarian Minister of Defence Atanas Zapryanov and Dirk Malgowski, Managing Director of the German shipyard NVL B.V. & Co. KG, signed a contract to enhance the capabilities of Bulgaria’s naval fleet.
The agreement focuses on equipping two Multi-Purpose Modular Patrol Vessels, currently being constructed by NVL in partnership with Bulgaria’s MTG-Dolphin plc, with advanced Electronic Warfare and Anti-Submarine Warfare systems.
About the MMPV
The Multipurpose Modular Patrol Vessel (MMPV) program represents a significant enhancement of the Bulgarian Navy’s capabilities. Under this initiative, the Navy is acquiring two advanced vessels designed to perform a wide range of missions, including anti-surface, anti-air, and anti-submarine operations.
The MMPVs are being constructed by the NVL Group (formerly known as Lürssen Werft), a German shipbuilding company. These ships are based on the NVL OPV-90 design, but they feature enhancements tailored for combat operations. Each vessel will be approximately 90 meters long, with a displacement of 2,300 tonnes, making them the largest ships in the Bulgarian fleet.
These vessels are armed with a comprehensive array of weaponry, including Saab RBS15 Mk 3 anti-ship missiles, surface-to-air missiles launched from an eight-cell vertical launch system, lightweight torpedoes, and a 76 mm naval gun.
They are also equipped with advanced electronics and sensors, including a 3D radar, a combat management system provided by Saab, and hull-mounted sonar for submarine detection. Additionally, the ships have facilities to operate a helicopter.
The first vessel, named Hrabri, is expected to enter service in 2025, followed by the second, Smeli, in 2026.
