Bulgaria’s Transport Minister Says Planned US Aircraft Presence Follows 2006 Defense Pact with Washington

Bulgaria’s Transport Minister Georgi Peev addressed the planned deployment of US military aircraft at Bulgaria’s Bezmer airbase, stressing that the presence of American aircraft is based on an existing defense cooperation agreement between the two countries.

“Let’s start with the facts. First, there has been an agreement between Bulgaria and the United States of America since 2006 on cooperation in the field of defense. Bezmer airport is designated as a base for joint use,” Peev said.

He explained that the government decided to move the aircraft from Sofia Airport because of concerns related to safety, operational disruptions and public anxiety.

“We must be honest with our citizens. We have an agreement with a partner country and on the basis of this agreement there are relevant procedures. They must be followed,” the minister added.

Meanwhile, Progressive Bulgaria deputy chairman Slavi Vassilev defended the government’s proposal to allow the deployment of up to eight US KS-135 tanker aircraft, up to 250 American military personnel and related equipment at a Bulgarian military facility.

In a statement published on Facebook, Vassilev argued that the decision could strengthen Bulgaria’s position in negotiations with its allies and should be viewed through the perspective of national interests.

“The decision of the National Assembly is part of this ‘thin matter’. It is so thin that you do not see it through the thick contours left over from the Borisov and Peevski period, through which you are used to looking,” he wrote.

According to Vassilev, Bulgaria should use its partnerships to seek benefits in areas such as energy, economic security and prices.

“This is a national interest, because there are people who cannot define it. After that, a new ‘case’ will probably arise, on which we will again have to take a position. And we will do it. This means having a foreign policy,” he said.

He compared the current situation with previous governments, arguing that Bulgaria had often provided support to allies without seeking anything in return.

“The difference between now and before is that back then we gave everything. In exchange for what? In exchange for a pat on the back,” Vassilev stated.

He said the aircraft deployment issue should be handled through official procedures and parliamentary approval rather than informal arrangements.

Former Defense Minister Nikolay Svinarov also said he saw no problem if the United States wanted to use Bezmer airbase, describing it as a logical consequence of Bulgaria’s NATO membership and defense partnership with Washington.

“If the Americans want the Bezmer airport, then it suits them. I do not see any problem with that,” Svinarov told bTV.

He recalled that the current situation differs from the previous deployment of American tanker aircraft in Bulgaria because the earlier decision was not publicly discussed in advance. According to him, this time the request is clearly presented and will be considered by parliament.

“The difference with the previous request is that we knew nothing about it. We found out about it after the planes had already been located at Vasil Levski Airport,” Svinarov said.

He stressed that the current request comes from the United States rather than NATO, but noted that Washington is both a strategic partner and a country with which Bulgaria has had a defense cooperation agreement since 2006.

“Bezmer airport is part of this agreement and is intended for joint use by both countries,” he said.

Svinarov argued that tanker aircraft do not necessarily mean direct involvement in military operations, as they can also be used for exercises and personnel training.

“I do not see any problem in this. Moreover, this time things are really put one to one,” he said.

The former defense minister added that Bulgaria has been a NATO member for more than two decades and that national security depends on cooperation with allies.

“Bulgaria would hardly be able to maintain its national security without the Alliance and without the strategic partnership with the United States,” he said.

According to Svinarov, Bulgaria has the right to refuse the deployment, but such a decision would require a broader reconsideration of the country’s entire security strategy. He also stressed that while Bulgarian society may be reluctant to accept foreign military aircraft on its territory, transparency and advance information are essential for public trust.