site.btaSecond Multipurpose Patrol Vessel for Bulgarian Navy Launched to Sea

A second multipurpose modular patrol vessel newly built for the Bulgarian Navy was launched to sea ahead of schedule at the MTG Dolphin shipyard in Varna on Thursday. The contract for the two vessels was signed in 2020, said Flotilla Admiral Vanyo Musinski, Deputy Commander of the Navy. The new ship, named Smeli, is expected to join the Navy fleet late in 2026, he said.

The first vessel, Hrabri, is docked for furnishing. It is expected to be added to the Navy fleet late in 2025.

The operating capabilities of the two patrol vessels will be built in stages. They will be equipped with additional modules for electronic warfare. Their hydroacoustic capabilities will be upgraded, Musinski explained.

The training of the two crews has begun. Some of their members finished a course in anti-submarine warfare in Italy. Others will be trained in Germany as well as Italy.

The Hrabri and the Smeli will be categorized as frigates, the flotilla admiral said. They will give the Navy important capabilities for underwater, water and air combat.

Historically, this is the fourth Bulgarian Navy ship to be named Smeli over the course of 117 years. The name means "brave" in Bulgarian. The name Hrabri has a similar meaning, "valiant". It has been borne by other naval vessels as well, the first of which was a torpedo boat.