Image source: topwar.ru
Bulgaria has started construction of the second MMPV-type multi-purpose patrol ship, the steel cutting ceremony was held at the MTG Dolphin shipyard in Varna. The work was started by the Commander-in-Chief of the Bulgarian Navy, the Managing Director of NVL Group and the Executive director of MTG-Dolphin.
The Bulgarian Navy will receive two new multi-purpose patrol ships of the MMPV type. Previously, the transfer of the first one is scheduled for the third quarter of 2025, the second one a year later. The first ship was named "Hrabri", the second has not yet received a name.
The first ship was laid down in June of this year, the steel cutting ceremony was held in December 2021. The construction is being carried out by the Bulgarian MTG Dolphin shipyard in Varna, but under the strict guidance of the German shipbuilding company NVL Group, formerly known as Lürssen Defence. The contract for the construction of two patrol ships was signed in 2020, although they started talking about it back in 2017.
Image source: topwar.ru
The project of multi-purpose patrol ships was developed on the basis of the OPV90 project. It is emphasized that the construction of these ships will cost Bulgaria 420 million euros, which is quite an impressive amount for the country. The contract has already been named the largest for the Bulgarian fleet.
The displacement of the new patrol ships will be about 2,300 tons, the length of the hull is 90 meters. The main armament is four anti-ship missiles, a 76-mm gun, eight missiles in vertical launch cells, one 35-mm melee combat module and light torpedoes. The BIUS is planned to be installed Swedish, manufactured by Saab. The ship can carry one AS565 Panther helicopter. It is assumed that the armament of the ship will allow to resist air, surface and underwater threats.
