Bulgaria approves deployment of US tanker aircraft at air base

Bulgaria's National Assembly has approved the temporary deployment of up to eight US military tanker aircraft, along with their crews and up to 250 US service members, on Bulgarian territory, Report informs via local media.

Under the approved decision, the US forces will be stationed at Bezmer Air Base from July 24 to October 1, 2026, to support US operations in the Middle East. The proposal was submitted by Bulgaria's Council of Ministers.

The resolution was approved by 136 lawmakers, while 13 voted against it and two abstained.

Parliament also instructed the prime minister to make the necessary arrangements for the deployment of the US personnel, aircraft, weapons, ammunition, and airfield equipment.

According to a report by the parliamentary Defense Committee, implementing the decision will not require additional funding from Bulgaria's 2026 defense budget.