For the first time in over a century, Bulgarian waters are hosting a domestically built warship.
The vessel, named Brave, stretches over 90 meters (295 feet) and weighs 2,300 tons. It carries surface-to-air and anti-ship missiles via vertical and deck-mounted launchers.
It also carries a unified combat system and a suite of advanced sensors to handle threats from air, surface, and subsurface domains.
Brave is designed to switch seamlessly between anti-submarine operations and maritime interdiction, with a range sufficient for extended patrols over the Black Sea without refueling.
“Today is a historic day for our Navy, because after more than 100 years, for the first time in Bulgaria, a new warship is being produced by our defense industry,” said Bulgaria’s Defense Minister Atanas Zapryanov.
Crucial Patrol
Brave adds a powerful new layer to Bulgaria’s Black Sea patrols, safeguarding a vital corridor for global trade and military traffic.
The Russia-Ukraine war has pushed threats like mines and drones closer to NATO shores, prompting navies to adopt rapid and asymmetric responses.
“The protection of the territorial waters and economic area of Bulgaria in the Black Sea can only be achieved with ships such as the newly acquired Brave and with men in the Navy who have devoted their lives to faithful service to Bulgaria,” Zapryanov added.
Bulgaria plans to continue modernization projects within budget limits, bringing Brave and other upgrades into service in the coming months.
