Bulgaria’s MTG Dolphin Shipyard Launches First MMPV 90 Corvette

Bulgarian shipbuilder MTG Dolphin Shipyard PLC recently launched the first 2,300-ton corvettes / multi-purpose modular patrol vessels (MMPV) 90 named “Hrabri” for the Bulgarian Navy.

The lead ship was launched at the MTG Dolphin Shipyard under the management of Germany’s NVL Group (formerly known as Lürssen Defence) which is the prime contractor of the project.

MMPV 90 vessels are based on the NVL Group’s OPV-90 design. These ships are being built under a contract signed with Germany’s NVL Group on 12 November 2020 valued at €420 million excluding weapon systems and ammunition.

The two vessels are being built in parallel. The second ship will be named “Smeli.”

Delivery of the first vessel is scheduled for the third quarter of 2025, and the second vessel a year later.

The MMPV has a length of 90 m, a 13.5 m beam, and a displacement of 2,300 tonnes. Armament includes a 76 mm gun, four anti-ship missiles, eight anti-aircraft missiles in vertical launcher cells, a 35 mm close-in weapon station, and lightweight torpedoes. The integrated combat system is to be provided by Swedish company Saab.

The vessels will be also fitted with a hangar and a deck for operating an AS 565MB Panther helicopter.