Smeli (11), the second MMPV for the Bulgarian Navy, is pictured during its launch at MTG Dolphin shipyard in Varna, Bulgaria, on 12 December 2024. (MTG Dolphin)
The second of two Hrabri-class multi-purpose modular patrol vessels (MMPVs) on order for the Bulgarian Navy, Smeli (11), was launched at MTG Dolphin's shipyard in Varna, Bulgaria, on 12 December, the Bulgarian Ministry of Defense (MoD) confirmed on the same day.
MTG Dolphin is building the two vessels for the Bulgarian Navy under a 2020 BGN820 million (valued USD456.6 million at that time) contract awarded to prime contractor NVL Group (formerly Lürssen Defence).
First steel was cut for Smeli in December 2022 and the ship was laid down in June 2023. Its launch, which was contractually planned to take place in April 2025, comes around four months ahead of schedule, the MoD said. Under current planning, the second-in-class will be delivered in 2026.
Meanwhile, first-of-class Hrabri (12) continues to make good progress and is on track for delivery to the Bulgarian Navy by the end of 2025, the MoD said. Laid down in June 2022 and launched in August 2023, the lead ship is currently undergoing fitting-out activities and preparing for harbour acceptance testing.
The Hrabri-class MMPVs are derived from NVL Group's OPV (offshore patrol vessel) 90 design. The steel monohull vessels have a full load displacement of around 2,300 tonnes, with an overall length of 90 m and a top speed of 24 kt.
Armament fit
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