The event was conducted in the facilities of MTG Dolphin, NVL Group’s local shipbuilding partner. President of Bulgaria, Rumen Radev, was the chief guest of the ceremony, and representatives of the Bulgarian Navy also attended.
Commander of the Navy Rear Admiral Kiril Mihaylov revealed the new vessel’s name as “Hrabri,” which means “Brave” in Bulgarian – the successor of the Bulgarian Navy’s torpedo boat of the same name from the early twentieth century.
“Laying the keel of the future Bulgarian Ship “Hrabri” truly is a historic moment – not only for the countless designers, welders, metal workers, electricians, and master craftsmen whose high expertise, ingenuity, hard work, and dedication will bring this modern war ship to life – but for the future sailors of the Bulgarian Navy who will serve on board, protecting our nation, deterring our adversaries, and flying proudly the Bulgarian flag over the seas ensuring our freedom for decades to come.“
Rear Admiral Kiril Mihaylov, Commander of the Bulgarian Navy:
“Today’s ceremony demonstrates the high level of commitment with which not only our employees but those of our partner MTG and also our suppliers are working on this new construction project. My thanks, above all, go to all those involved for reaching this special milestone
Dirk Malgowski, Managing Director of NVL BV & Co KG.
Bulgaria signed in November a contract with German shipyard Luerssen to build two Multipurpose Modular Patrol Vessels (MMPV) for the Bulgarian Navy. The contract is valued at 984 million levs ($593 million). Three companies were competing: Lürssen Werft GmbH & Co.KG of Germany, MTG Delfin AD of Bulgaria, and Fincantieri of Italy.
The MMPV has a length of 90 meters, a beam of 13.5 meters, and a displacement of 2,300 tons. A 76 mm gun, four anti-ship missiles, eight VL-MICA anti-aircraft missiles in vertical launcher cells, a Rheinmetall Millenium close-in weapon station, and lightweight torpedoes are among the weapons. Saab will provide an integrated combat management system.
The ships are predestined for tasks within the framework of international alliance missions for NATO and the EU and will enable the Bulgarian Navy to counter air and land-based threats as well as surface and undersea threats.
Delivery of the first vessel is scheduled for the third quarter of 2025, and the second vessel a year later.
