SOFIA: Bulgaria’s parliamentary defense committee has approved a proposal allowing the temporary deployment of US military aircraft at Bezmer Air Base, clearing the way for a parliamentary vote on the measure.
The draft decision, submitted by the Council of Ministers, was endorsed on Tuesday by an 11-1 vote, with two lawmakers abstaining. The proposal now moves to the full parliament for final approval.
If approved, the plan would permit the United States to station up to eight aerial refueling aircraft, approximately 250 American military personnel, and the necessary operational equipment at Bezmer Air Base between July 24 and October 1 in support of US operations in the Middle East.
Bulgarian Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov said the deployment poses no direct threat to the country’s national security, citing an assessment by Bulgaria’s military intelligence service.
Stoyanov explained that parliamentary authorization is being sought in response to public concerns that emerged during a previous deployment of US military aircraft at Sofia’s Vasil Levski Airport.
Earlier this year, on May 29, Bulgaria’s government extended the presence of up to 15 US aircraft, along with support personnel and equipment, until June 30. Those aircraft have since departed the country.
The proposed deployment underscores continued defense cooperation between Bulgaria and the United States while supporting Washington’s military operations in the Middle East.
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