German shipbuilder Naval Vessels Lürssen (NVL) has launched sea trials of the first multipurpose modular patrol vessel (MMPV) for the Bulgarian Navy.
The Hrabri, which translates to Brave, is undergoing evaluations in Varna Bay and designated areas of the Black Sea, with benchmarks focusing on performance and systems ahead of its expected commissioning into service by the end of 2025.
Construction of the Hrabri began with a ceremonial steel-cutting in December 2021, followed by the keel laying in June 2022, under the program’s local partner MTG Dolphin in Varna.
The vessel was undocked and launched in August 2023, marking its transition from assembly to the fitting-out phase.
Work to integrate weapons, systems, and sensors has since progressed, according to the Bulgarian Ministry of Defence.
The second and final vessel in the series, Smeli (Courageous), is still under development and will join the Hrabri to defend areas of responsibility against air, land, surface, and underwater threats, including broader deployments under NATO and EU allied operations.
Bulgarian MMPVs
Bulgaria’s incoming Hrabri and Smeli patrol systems are based on NVL’s MMPV 90 design, which measures 90 meters (295 feet) long and has a beam of 14 meters (46 feet).
The model can carry up to 70 personnel and be armed with a 76-millimeter gun, a 35-millimeter close-in weapon system, anti-ship and anti-aircraft missiles, and torpedoes.
It provides dedicated spaces for a maritime helicopter or a large unmanned aerial system in addition to two rigid-hull inflatable boats.
MMPV 90 incorporates two diesel engines, each producing approximately 8,900 horsepower for a range of 3,000 nautical miles (5,556 kilometers/3,452 miles) and speeds of over 20 knots (37 kilometers/23 miles per hour).
