21.07.2026 20:10
Bulgaria's Parliamentary Defense Commission approved the deployment of 8 KC-135 refueling aircraft and 250 troops to the Bezmer Air Base for US Middle East operations. The decision will be submitted to the general assembly.
The Defense Committee of the Bulgarian National Assembly approved the government proposal to deploy up to 8 KC-135 refueling aircraft and up to 250 US military personnel at Bezmer Air Base in support of US operations in the Middle East.
THEY DECIDED TO DEPLOY US AIRCRAFT
The committee approved the draft decision submitted to parliament by the Council of Ministers on July 20 with 11 votes in favor, 1 against, and 2 abstentions.
Bulgarian Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov stated during his presentation at the committee meeting that, in accordance with the US diplomatic note, the deployment of 8 KC-135 refueling aircraft, up to 250 US Armed Forces personnel, and necessary airport equipment to Bezmer Air Base is planned for the period July 24 to October 1.
"NO DIRECT THREAT TO BULGARIA'S NATIONAL SECURITY"
Stoyanov noted that according to an analysis prepared by military intelligence, some risks exist, but there is no direct threat to Bulgaria's national security.
Stoyanov emphasized that the deployment will take place under the Defense Cooperation Agreement signed between Bulgaria and the US in 2006, and stated that the US request includes the phrase "Middle East" as the operational area, while Bulgaria will not participate in this operation with either military force or equipment.
Stoyanov added that the technical assessment of Bezmer Air Base's suitability for deploying the said aircraft is ongoing, and they are awaiting information from the US on how and where the refueling of the military aircraft will be conducted.
The government's proposal regarding the deployment of 8 US KC-135 refueling aircraft and up to 250 US military personnel at Bezmer Air Base will also be discussed at the plenary session of the Bulgarian National Assembly.