Bulgarian-built ship "Hrabri" will join the fleet at the end of 2025

Modernization of the Bulgarian Navy is underway with a project for nearly 1 billion BGN. After more than a century, our navy will have two new warships built in Bulgaria. The first one will be ready by the end of 2025 and the second one a year later. The new frigates are a dream for generations of military sailors who have taken an oath to defend our maritime security and national sovereignty.

The new multi-purpose patrol vessels for the navy are 90 metres long and have a displacement of approximately 2,300 tonnes. The frigates will have an integrated battle management system.

"This is a historic moment, as for the first time in the fleet's history, we are getting a completely new, Bulgarian-built warship," said Fleet Admiral Georgi Penev, Deputy Commander of the Navy.

The ship "Hrabri" will enter the fleet at the end of 2025.

"I'm extremely excited to get on board, as such a thing has never happened in the recent history of the Navy - to build a Bulgarian ship," said Captain II rank Nikolay Viktorov, commander of the ship "Hrabri".

The ships will perform tasks within the framework of NATO and EU international allied missions. The vessels will enhance the fleet's capability to participate in maritime traffic surveillance and control operations, interception of intruders and detection of nuclear, chemical or biological threats.

"On board the ship are the most advanced weapons and equipment, equipment for detection and impact on air, underwater and surface targets," added Fleet Admiral Georgi Penev, Deputy Commander of the Navy.

The second ship will be named "Smeli". It will be ready at the end of 2026.

"Its launch is expected in the middle of next year and the completion of the ship on the water is continuing," said Fleet Admiral Georgi Penev, Deputy Commander of the Navy.

Modernization of the fleet will continue actively in the next decade. In addition to the two ships, more coastal anti-ship missile complexes, mine countermeasures ships and small air and underwater unmanned vehicles will be acquired.