The Bulgarian government has decided to extend the stay of U.S. military aircraft at Sofia Airport until the end of June, while signaling that a longer-term deployment at the site is not currently acceptable under Bulgaria’s priorities and procedures.
Prime Minister Rumen Radev announced the decision at the start of a Council of Ministers meeting, explaining that the extension is intended to provide allied forces with time to reorganize operations and identify alternative locations.
The aircraft involved are part of the U.S. Air Force presence at Vasil Levski Airport in Sofia, first publicly confirmed in February 2026. At the time, Bulgaria’s Ministry of Defense said the deployment was connected to activities linked to “enhanced NATO vigilance.”
According to official information, the U.S. Embassy submitted a diplomatic request on February 17 seeking permission for up to 15 aircraft to remain in Sofia between February 17 and May 31, 2026. The authorization was granted by the government of Rosen Zhelyazkov.
Bulgarian defense authorities stated earlier that the aircraft stationed in Sofia are logistical rather than combat-oriented. The deployment includes Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker aerial refueling aircraft, Lockheed C-130 Hercules transport planes, and Boeing C-17 Globemaster III heavy transport aircraft.
