Bulgarian shipyard MTG-Dolphin unveiled the new Proteus 36 MLC during the HEMUS 2026 exhibition, a medium-sized unmanned surface vessel designed to operate in modern naval environments.
Measuring 37 meters in length and displacing 160 tons, the platform was designed to perform roles typically assigned to corvettes, but with lower operating costs and the ability to operate either autonomously or with a crew on board.
The project was developed for a wide range of missions, including air defense, surface warfare, anti-submarine operations, electronic warfare, and naval mine-related missions. The vessel features a modular architecture that allows different systems to be installed according to operational requirements. Available options include up to eight Naval Strike Missiles, counter-drone defense systems, advanced radars, and containerized weapon modules.
According to MTG-Dolphin, the Proteus 36 MLC was designed to work alongside artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and swarm technologies, a trend that is becoming increasingly common in modern naval forces. The company highlighted that the strong interest shown by military authorities and defense industry representatives during HEMUS 2026 reinforces the platform’s potential for future maritime operations.
Beyond Bulgaria, Romania has emerged as a potential customer for the new vessel, as the country continues investing in fleet modernization and the adoption of unmanned systems. Experts also point out that other regional navies may view the Proteus 36 as an efficient solution for expanding combat and surveillance capabilities without the need to acquire larger and significantly more expensive warships.
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Source: Naval News | Photo: X @OvidiuMuca | This content was created with the assistance of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
