The Bulgarian Navy’s modernization efforts have taken a significant step forward as Naval Vessels Lürssen (NVL) begins sea trials of the country’s first Multipurpose Modular Patrol Vessel (MMPV). The lead ship, Hrabri, has entered its initial testing phase in the Black Sea, where engineers will verify propulsion systems, onboard electronics, and mission capabilities. These trials are crucial as Bulgaria prepares the vessel for operational service by the end of 2025.
The Hrabri has followed a structured development path since its steel-cutting ceremony in December 2021, with the keel laid in June 2022 at Bulgaria’s MTG Dolphin shipyard in Varna. After moving from construction to the water during its August 2023 launch, the vessel entered its outfitting phase, during which critical combat systems—including sensors, communication suites, and weapons—have been progressively installed. The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that integration and testing have stayed on schedule.
The second and final vessel in the class, dubbed Smeli, continues to take shape and will eventually operate alongside Hrabri in defending Bulgaria’s maritime borders. Once deployed, the two patrol ships will bolster the country’s readiness against air, surface, subsurface, and land-based threats, enabling more effective maritime patrols and enhanced contributions to NATO and EU missions across the region.
Both MMPVs derive from the advanced NVL MMPV 90 platform, a robust 90-meter patrol ship with a 14-meter beam and capacity for around 70 crew members. The design supports a diverse weapons suite, including a 76mm naval gun, 35mm close-in weapon system, anti-ship/anti-aircraft missiles, and torpedoes. The platform includes facilities for a naval helicopter or large UAV and deploys two RHIBs for rapid operations. Powered by twin diesel engines generating 8,900 hp each, the ships reach speeds above 20 knots with a maximum range of 3,000 nautical miles, ensuring long-endurance patrol capability across the Black Sea.
