By the end of the year, the Naval Forces (Navy) will receive new equipment, will be modernized and some from the systems of the coastal formations, the deputy commander of our battle fleet, fleet admiral Georgi Penev, told journalists today, quoted by BTA.
On the eve of May 6 - Day of Courage and a holiday of the Bulgarian Army, he also showed how far the implementation of the first multifunctional modular patrol ship, the construction of which is being carried out at the MTG “Dolphin” shipyard, has reached. in Varna.
The first of the multifunctional modular patrol ships has already been launched, its completion and equipment with weapons, equipment and auxiliary mechanisms continues, Penev also said. He added that the acquisition of new equipment is associated with many challenges for the crew. The servicemen have to take a big step forward in terms of technology, so they go through a series of training courses, the deputy commander of the fleet pointed out.
The ship will be accepted into the Navy in November 2025, Penev said. According to him, the schedule for the realization of the second multi-purpose vessel is also strictly implemented and it should be ready a year after the second - by the end of 2026.
Penev added that the acceptance of the new ships will lead to the removal of old equipment from service. This will be done in stages, according to the plans in the armed forces. The ships that are currently performing tasks are in good condition, their armament is suitable for use, the equipment is maintained in order, the exercises are being conducted according to plan, Penev pointed out.
On the acquisition of a submarine by the fleet, he commented that at this stage such a project is not included in the investment plan-program of the Ministry of Defense. The reason is that it requires a lot of resources, which the state cannot currently afford. However, in the Navy's vision, this issue remains on the agenda, as the fleet must have the entire range of capabilities, Penev added.
Captain Second Rank Nikolay Viktorov, commander of the new multipurpose ship, indicated that the crew was highly motivated. At the moment, 76 people are included in it. There are challenges when learning a new technique, but everyone goes through the training, said Viktorov and expressed confidence that the tasks set will be completed qualitatively and on time.