During the International Defence Equipment and Services Exhibition HEMUS 2026, held in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, from 3–6 June 2026, Bulgarian shipbuilder MTG-Dolphin unveiled its Proteus 36 MLC concept, a 37-metre Medium Unmanned Surface Vessel (MUSV). MTG-Dolphin press release PLOVDIV, BULGARIA – 3 June 2026 – The european shipbuilder MTG-Dolphin today officially presented its Proteus 36 MLC ... The post Bulgarian shipbuilder reveals new Medium USV concept appeared first on Naval News .
The shift towards unmanned systems in defence, driven by advancements in autonomy and the need for cost-effective force projection, is accelerating globally.
This development indicates that even smaller defence industrial bases are adopting advanced autonomous platforms, broadening the global defence tech landscape and increasing competition.
Bulgaria is now actively contributing to the development of medium-sized unmanned surface vessels, potentially influencing future naval procurement strategies in Europe and beyond.
- · MTG Dolphin
- · European defence tech sector
- · Naval autonomy developers
- · Traditional crewed vessel manufacturers (in some segments)
Bulgaria establishes itself as a player in the MUSV market, potentially attracting partnership opportunities.
NATO and EU navies gain additional options for procurement of less costly, autonomous naval assets, enhancing distributed maritime operations.
The proliferation of MUSVs could lead to new doctrines for naval warfare, emphasizing swarming tactics and persistent surveillance in contested maritime zones.
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