Keel laid for Bulgarian Navy’s first multipurpose patrol vessel

German shipbuilder NVL Group, formerly Lürssen Defence, has laid the keel of the first of two multipurpose modular patrol vessels (MMPV) for the Bulgarian Navy in Varna.

The keel for the Bulgarian ship Hrabri was laid on 17 June. The company officials noted that the milestone was achieved on time and within budget. Both vessels are being built at NVL Group’s local shipyard partner in Varna, MTG Dolphin.

“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 …,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,” said Rear Admiral Kiril Mihaylov, Commander of the Bulgarian Navy.

To remind, the steel cutting ceremony for the vessel was held in December last year.

The MMPVs will be around 90 meters long, with around 2,300 tons of displacement, and will feature an integrated combat management system.

The MMPV project, with a total volume of around €420 million ($442 million), is currently the largest newbuild project of the Bulgarian Navy.

Delivery of the first vessel is scheduled for the third quarter of 2025, and the second vessel a year later.

The units are planned for tasks within the framework of international alliance missions of NATO and the EU and will enable the Bulgarian Navy to counter air and land-based threats as well as surface and undersea threats.