Bulgarian Navy’s new vessel begins sea trials
Sea trials of Hrabri the first of the two multifunctional modular patrol ships for the Bulgarian Navy began on November 11 in the Varna Bay area and designated areas in the Black Sea, the Defence Ministry said.
This is the next stage in the implementation of the contract between the Ministry of Defence and German shipbuilding company Naval Vessels Lurssen – NVL for the construction of two new combat ships for the Navy.
After the successful conduct of the trials, the ship is to be accepted into the Navy.
The symbolic beginning of the construction of the ship was given on December 3 2021, when, with an official ceremony, the cutting of the steel was started.
On June 17 2022, the keel of the first of the two multifunctional modular patrol ships, named Smeli, was laid at the shipyard of MTG – Dolphin.
On August 4 2023, the ship was removed from the dock and launched. The next stages of equipping with weapons and equipment are also continuing successfully, the Defence Ministry said.
The two ships will perform a wide range of tasks, including participation in international Nato and EU allied missions, countering air, land, surface and underwater threats.
Smeli and Hrabri are about 90 metres long, have a displacement of approximately 2300 tons. They are equipped with modern armament, an integrated combat control system (e.g. Saab 9LV Mk 4) and modern sensor equipment.
(Photos: Defence Ministry)
