site.btaPublic Procurement Procedures to Be Launched for Multi-role Modular Patrol Vessels Ammo

Bulgaria's caretaker Cabinet on Wednesday adopted a decision identifying the existence of an essential interest related to the implementation of public procurements for the acquisition of ammunition for the Bulgarian Navy's multi-role modular patrol craft, the Government Information Service said.

Under a contract concluded in November 2020 between the Bulgarian Defence Ministry and NVL A. V. & Co. KG of Germany, Bulgaria is acquiring two such vessels, of which the first must arrive until the end of 2025 and the second until the end of 2026.

The implementation of the public procurements will provide 35 mm and 76 mm artillery ammunition for a 35 mm close-range shipboard artillery system and a 76 mm long-range shipboard artillery system, 130 mm hydroacoustic protection ammunition, and 81 mm electronic warfare ammunition, which are necessary to ensure the combat worthiness of the weapons systems and the full-scale accomplishment of the Armed Forces' missions, including protection of the country's maritime sovereignty. 

The implementation of the public procurements will also ensure the vessels' hydroacoustic and electronic protection by means of 130 mm CANTO anti-torpedo ammunition and 81 mm electronic warfare ammunition for radio jamming and electromagnetic- and heat-spectrum decoy deployment.

"All this will lead to ensuring the combat worthiness of the ships and ensuring their effective employment in both national and Allied format for honouring the Allied commitments assumed by Bulgaria with regard to the collective security system," the Government Information Service said.