The modular patrol ship "Brave" was officially accepted into the Navy (Navy) with an official ceremony at the Naval Base - Varna. The naval flag of the new ship was solemnly raised in the presence of the Minister of Defense Atanas Zapryanov and the Chief of Defense Admiral Emil Eftimov.
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. This was stated by the Minister of Defense Atanas Zapryanov, who participated in the solemn ceremony of raising the naval flag of the Republic of Bulgaria on the new multifunctional modular patrol ship “Brave“.
In his speech, Minister Zapryanov emphasized the exceptional importance of the consistent policy for the modernization of the Armed Forces. He noted the contribution of the government with Prime Minister Boyko Borissov, the National Assembly, which supported the investment spending project, as well as all its predecessors who worked for the implementation of the project.
The current government continues to take care of the modernization of the armed forces and invest in military capabilities, said Minister Zapryanov. He announced that he expects Bulgaria to soon receive approval from the European Commission for the nine projects under the SAFE mechanism, two of which are related to the acquisition of additional missiles for the two new ships. Within the parameters of the budget, the implementation of modernization projects will also continue.
Minister Zapryanov was categorical that the protection of the territorial waters and the economic zone of Bulgaria in the Black Sea can be achieved precisely with ships such as the newly acquired “Brave“ and with people in the naval forces who have dedicated their lives to faithful service to the Fatherland.
The Chief of Defense, Admiral Emil Eftimov, emphasized that this day is special for everyone. “I am convinced that you are finally seeing a good result from the years dedicated to the fleet, to the defense of the Motherland and to the development of our capabilities. Thank you for your efforts“, he first addressed the admirals and reserve officers present.
“Today is the result of the efforts of many people – of the state leadership, the Navy, the NVL company and MTG Delfin. This project is unique in that it is being implemented in a domestic shipyard, the region is developing, engineering and shipbuilding personnel are being retained, a vision and a way forward are being created“, noted Admiral Eftimov.
He emphasized the key importance of today's event for him as the Chief of Defense. “We are taking another significant, firm, confident step in the modernization of the Bulgarian Army. The first F-16 aircraft are arriving, we are raising the flag of the first modular multi-purpose patrol ship, we are expecting new combat vehicles for the Land Forces“, Admiral Eftimov was categorical. He also emphasized the growing geopolitical importance of the Black Sea and the need for capabilities for the Bulgarian Army.
“You remain in the history of the fleet. This event will inevitably affect your personal and professional development. You are taking on a huge responsibility not only to master the new ship, but to turn this expensive state resource into a defense capability and to set an example for those after you. We are confident in your capabilities. Be healthy, brave - as we will name the ship in the summer, when it acquires initial operational capabilities, and proud to be on this deck“, Admiral Eftimov addressed the crew of the new ship.
“The capabilities that this new ship gives us are adequate to modern conditions. They will also be adequate to future threats. This makes us proud and presents us with serious tasks“, said the Commander of the Navy, Rear Admiral Kiril Mihaylov. He thanked the political and military leadership of the Ministry of Defense, the governments and parliaments that supported the project. “We live in complex times. "What was previously unthinkable is a fact. War is close to us. The Naval Forces of the Republic of Bulgaria are called upon to protect Bulgarian interests in the seas and oceans and they must be capable of fulfilling this mission," said Rear Admiral Mihaylov.