Bezmer Air Base
Coverage of Bezmer Air Base in the Nexus archive.
- First US refueling aircraft arrive at air base in Bulgaria to support Middle East operations
Two U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft arrived at Bulgaria's Bezmer Air Base to support Middle East operations, prompting Iranian complaints and local protests. Bulgaria, a NATO and EU member, approved the deployment under a 2006 defense agreement, allowing up to eight aircraft and 250 personnel until October 2026. The U.S. Embassy requested the deployment, which Bulgarian officials emphasized is for logistical missions outside Bulgarian airspace.
- First US refueling aircraft arrive at air base in Bulgaria to support Middle East operations
The first two U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft arrived at Bezmer Air Base in Bulgaria to support Middle East operations, approved by Bulgaria's parliament until 2026. Iran protested the deployment, and Bulgarian residents staged protests, while U.S. President Donald Trump thanked Bulgarian officials despite Iranian threats.
- First US refueling aircraft arrive at air base in Bulgaria to support Middle East operations
Two U.S. military refueling aircraft arrived at Bezmer Air Base in Bulgaria to support Middle East operations, prompting complaints from Iran and local protests. Bulgaria, a NATO and EU member, approved the deployment under a 2006 defense agreement, authorizing up to eight U.S. KC-135 aircraft and 250 personnel until 2026.
- Iran's Araqchi presses European counterparts over use of bases in US operations
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi urged Bulgaria to reconsider allowing U.S. military aircraft at Bezmer air base, according to Iranian state media.
- Bulgarian Parliament approves US use of air base to support Middle East operations
Bulgaria’s Parliament approved allowing the U.S. military to use Bezmer Air Base to support Middle East operations, with 136 votes in favor and 13 against. The deployment includes up to eight U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft and 250 personnel until October 1, under a 2006 U.S.-Bulgaria defense agreement requiring parliamentary approval for new uses. Bulgarian officials emphasized the mission would involve only logistical refueling outside Bulgarian airspace, with no involvement in conflict.
- Unfazed by Iran’s threats, Bulgaria moves to aid U.S. military operations
Bulgaria's Defence Committee approved a draft decision to allow U.S. tanker aircraft to support military operations against Iran from Bezmer Air Base. The move follows a U.S. diplomatic request under the 2006 Defense Cooperation Agreement, despite threats from Iranian officials. Parliamentary approval is pending, with political figures suggesting the action could strengthen Bulgaria's position in negotiations with allies.