Bulgaria to ask parliament to host US tanker aircraft
This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.
Bulgaria's government will ask parliament to approve the stationing of US tanker aircraft at a military base, according to a draft decision seen by Reuters. The request, expected to be submitted this week, follows a 2023 defense agreement between Sofia and Washington. The move aims to bolster NATO's air refueling capabilities in the region.
The Request
The Bulgarian government will seek parliamentary approval to station US KC-135 and KC-46 tanker aircraft at Graf Ignatievo Air Base, located near Plovdiv. The draft decision, dated July 18, cites the need to enhance NATO's strategic airlift and refueling capabilities. The base currently hosts Bulgarian MiG-29 fighters and has undergone modernization since 2022.
Strategic Context
The request comes amid heightened NATO focus on the Black Sea region following Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Bulgaria, a NATO member since 2004, has increased defense spending to 2% of GDP in 2025. The US has already rotated fighter aircraft through Graf Ignatievo under previous agreements.
What's Next
Parliament is expected to debate the request in September, after the summer recess. It remains unclear whether the opposition will support the measure, given some lawmakers' concerns about foreign military presence.
2 sources
Bulgaria to ask parliament to host US tanker aircraft
