The Defence Committee has approved the purchase of Link 22 communication systems for the new Bulgarian military ships. The deal totalling over 1.35 million euros is being submitted for approval in parliament, as the 2025 budget is not yet adopted. The Minister of Defence said that there is money for existing projects.

Link 22 will allow the new Bulgarian frigates to securely exchange data with NATO aircraft and systems. Speaking about a clause that in extraordinary and unavoidable circumstances, the US reserves the right to terminate the implementation of the agreement, Minister of Defence Atanas Zapryanov told MPs: "There has been no case in which the US refused delivery. There are no such extraordinary circumstances of war due to which they would refuse to deliver equipment to an ally."

The first new ship "Hrabri" will be in service at the end of the year. The second one "Smeli" should be in service by early 2026.