Image source: topwar.ru
On December 12, the modular patrol ship Smeli, the second board of the MMPV class, was launched at the Bulgarian shipyard. In total, Sofia ordered the construction of two ships of this type from the German company NVL Naval Vessels Lürssen (which is running behind schedule) at a total cost of €503 million: the first, Hrabri, is to be transferred to the Navy after adjusting the deadlines by the end of 2025.
MMPV is based on Lürssen's OPV 90 project, which in turn is a development of the Darussalam class: 4 ships of this type were built in 2011-2014 for Brunei. The MMPV has a displacement of 2,300 tons, dimensions of 90 ×13.5 m, a maximum speed of 20 knots, a range of 3,000 nautical miles at 14 knots, autonomy of 7 days, a crew of about 70 people.
After the construction of the MMPV began, Sofia signed separate contracts for the supply of weapons for new ships: The RBS15 Mk3 RCC from the Swedish Saab concern, the VL MICA SAM from the European MBDA and 324 mm torpedoes from the Italian Leonardo for two TA. Negotiations are underway with the United States on the purchase of cryptographic equipment for communication systems.
In addition to these systems, the ships will be equipped with a 9LV combat control system, Sea Giraffe AMB radar and CEROS 200 from Saab, 76 mm OTO Super Rapid cannon from Leonardo, 35 mm CIWS from Rheinmetall. There is a hangar for the AS565MB Panther helicopter from Eurocopter. Thus, given the equipment of the ships, they can be safely classified as corvettes.
Image source: topwar.ru
The construction of the ships is carried out against the background of fierce Russophobia of the local authorities. When asked by citizens about the expediency of expensive arms purchases, Nikolai Denkov, who was prime minister until April, answered with arguments about the need to develop the fleet "because of the Russian threat":
In this context, he recalled the shelling of Varna by ships of the Russian Empire in 1915. Although I "forgot" to add that World War I was going on then, and Bulgaria chose to side with Russia's enemies, as, indeed, during World War II, supporting the fascists and participating in battles with Soviet troops.
Denkov declared, stepping on the old rake.
Against the background of the inflating "Russian threat", the country's authorities are "fishing in muddy waters" by purchasing combat systems for ships under construction. As indicated in the local edition of Capital, the cost of this project is constantly increasing, and the justifications for this are very vague.
The Bulgarian Navy currently has three frigates, a patrol ship, three corvettes and several minesweepers. From time to time, statements are made about the intention to purchase two used submarines in NATO countries, but there is still no clarity on this issue.
- said the commander-in-chief of the Navy, Kirill Mikhailov.
Apparently, he harbors the hope that submarines will be purchased under his command, which will lead not only to strengthening the power of the fleet.
