Bulgaria could move to double its minehunter fleet
Through the acquisition of new platforms, upgrading existing forces and delving into the second-hand naval market, the Bulgarian Navy is attempting to improve its fleet within a budget that could yet suffer as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Bulgarian Navy could seek to acquire an additional three or four Tripartite-class mine countermeasure vessels (MCMVs) in the next three to five years, as part of an effort to modernise its fleet and move away from ageing Soviet-era platforms.
Currently, the Bulgarian Navy operates three of the Tripartite class acquired from European navies in the past 13 years. The first Tripartite MCMV, Tsibar (pictured), arrived from Belgium in 2007 with two additional vessels (Mesta and Struma) being obtained from the Netherlands in Q4 2020.
Shephard reported in December 2020 that the vessels acquired from the Netherlands will
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US Coast Guard orders 10 additional Fast Response Cutters]()
US Coast Guard orders 10 additional Fast Response Cutters
The USCG exercised a $507 million contract option for the acquisition of 10 extra FRCs. This new order will raise the total number of Sentinel-class vessels procured by the service from 67 to 77.
-
![DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology]()
DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology
At DSEI 2025, Red Cat outlines its expansion from UAVs into uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), positioning itself as a multi-domain defence provider spanning land, sea, and air.
-
![Anduril Australia wins A$1.7 billion Ghost Shark XL-AUV contract]()
Anduril Australia wins A$1.7 billion Ghost Shark XL-AUV contract
The vessels are expected to deliver a major boost to Australia’s undersea warfare capabilities, with production set to start immediately.
-
![Royal Canadian Navy will start operating class 2 UAVs in 2028]()
Royal Canadian Navy will start operating class 2 UAVs in 2028
Acquired under Canada’s Department of National Defence ISTAR UAS project, the drones will be deployed from the Halifax-class frigates.
