German yard is favourite to build Bulgarian patrol ships
Germany-based Lürssen is set to be awarded a contract to supply two multifunctional modular patrol vessels to the Bulgarian Navy, following the recommendation of a government working group.
A statement on 27 February from the Bulgarian government noted that the bid from Lürssen falls within the financial limits of the project (BGN984 million, or $551 million).
Each vessel will be armed with a 76mm main gun, CIWS, anti-ship missiles, SAMs, and lightweight torpedoes. The ships will also include a 3D radar, Link 11 equipment, hull-mounted sonar, a baseline EW system and the capability to accommodate one AS565MB Panther helicopter.
The tender stipulates that at least one of the two ships shall be built in Bulgaria. According to the project schedule, the first hull should be launched in 2021 and the second in 2022.
Lürssen competed against Bulgarian shipbuilder MTG Delfin and Fincantieri.
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