Low-altitude military flights will be visible over Plovdiv between June 1 and June 5, as Bulgaria prepares a series of demonstrations linked to the HEMUS 2026 defense exhibition program. The displays will include F-16 Block 70 fighter jets, Mi-17 helicopters, and AS 532 AL “Cougar” helicopters, with activity concentrated around the International Fair area.
The Ministry of Defense program outlines multiple scheduled overflights and landings, some of which will take place directly above the city and nearby the Maritsa River. Residents will also see coordinated exercises involving the Bulgarian Air Force, the Joint Special Operations Command, and the Military Police Service.
On June 1, between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., a Mi-17 and a Cougar helicopter from the 24th Aviation Base in Krumovo are set to conduct a low-altitude flight over Plovdiv. The mission will include a training exercise in the vicinity of the International Fair and the river zone, with joint participation from special operations and military police units.
Additional activity is planned for June 3, when the program begins in the morning with a Cougar helicopter landing at the International Fair site between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. The aircraft will be part of a static display presented to visitors.
