US Aerial Refueling Aircraft Deployed to Bulgarian Air Base

Bulgaria has allowed the U.S. military to use an air base within its territory to support logistical supplies for U.S. forces engaged in a war with Iran.

According to the AP and Bloomberg news agencies on the 22nd (local time), the Bulgarian parliament approved a proposal allowing the U.S. to use the Bezmer Air Base with 136 votes in favor, 13 against, and 2 abstentions.

Consequently, up to eight U.S. Air Force KC-135 aerial refueling aircraft and 250 personnel will be deployed to the Bezmer Air Base from the 24th to October 1st.

The Bezmer Air Base is a joint U.S.-Bulgarian facility located about 260 kilometers southeast of the capital, Sofia.

U.S. use of the base for new operations requires approval from the Bulgarian parliament.

The proposal to use the Bezmer Air Base was pursued at the request of the U.S. Embassy in Bulgaria.

Regarding concerns that Bulgaria could be dragged into the Middle East war, Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev said, "The U.S. aerial refueling aircraft deployed to Bulgaria will solely perform pure logistical support missions, such as aerial refueling conducted outside Bulgarian airspace."

He also emphasized, "Military operations concerning the Middle East will never be conducted from Bulgarian territory."
(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.