The Bulgarian Navy started sea trials for its first multifunctional modular patrol vessel (MMPV) in Varna Bay and designated Black Sea areas on 11 November. These trials mark a major milestone in the contract between the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Bulgaria and German shipbuilder Naval Vessels Lürssen (NVL). Upon completing the trials successfully, the Navy will commission the vessel.
The project officially began with a steel‑cutting ceremony on 3 December 2021. Subsequently, shipbuilders laid the keel of Hrabri on 17 June 2022 at MTG Dolphin in Varna. They placed “lucky coins” in the 47‑ton keel block during a traditional ceremony. Rear Admiral Kiril Mihaylov, Commander of the Navy, announced the vessel’s name, honoring an early‑20th‑century torpedo boat of the same name. The shipyard launched Hrabri on 4 August 2023, and the second MMPV followed on 12 December 2024. Both vessels remain under construction at MTG Dolphin in partnership with NVL.
Measuring around 90 metres and displacing 2,300 tonnes, the MMPVs feature a proven hull design and a modern combat management system. Moreover, the vessels will complement Bulgaria’s existing fleet, including three Belgian-built Wielingen-class frigates (Werni, Gordi, Dryzki) acquired in 2004. They will replace two Soviet-era Project 1241.2E corvettes (Reshitelni and Bodri), enhancing the Navy’s operational capability significantly.
The Navy equips the MMPVs with a layered weapons and sensor suite. Forward, the ships carry a rapid-fire 76 mm naval gun and a 35 mm close-in defense system. They also include torpedo tubes, anti-ship missiles, short-range vertical-launch air defense missiles, electronic warfare systems, and automated decoy launchers. Furthermore, the vessels integrate a multifunction radar, fire-control director, electro-optical targeting sensors, and a hull-mounted sonar. All systems connect through a modern naval combat management platform. An aft flight deck and hangar allow operation of a single medium-lift helicopter, expanding surveillance and anti-submarine capabilities.
Finally, these vessels will operate within NATO and EU missions, allowing the Bulgarian Navy to counter air, land, surface, and undersea threats efficiently. With the sea trials underway, the Navy will soon bring Hrabri and her sister ship into active service, strengthening Bulgaria’s maritime security and alliance contributions in the Black Sea region.
