The Bulgarian National Assembly approved the deployment of U.S. military tanker aircraft and personnel at Bezmer Air Base, authorizing support for American operations in the Middle East following a formal diplomatic request from Washington.
The resolution passed after nearly three hours of debate, with 135 lawmakers initially voting in favor, 13 against, and two abstaining. After "Revival" leader Kostadin Kostadinov requested a repeat vote, the proposal was approved again, receiving support from 124 deputies from Progressive Bulgaria and 15 from the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (DPS). One Progressive Bulgaria (PB) lawmaker voted against the measure, while two abstained. Twelve deputies from "Revival" opposed the resolution, while GERB, Democratic Bulgaria (DB), and We Continue the Change (PP) did not participate in the final vote.
The adopted resolution authorizes the temporary deployment of up to eight KC-135 aerial refueling aircraft, as many as 250 U.S. military personnel with personal weapons and ammunition, and the necessary airport equipment at Bezmer Air Base from July 24 through October 1, 2026.
Prime Minister Rumen Radev and Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov attended the parliamentary session at the request of the opposition. Before the vote, lawmakers also rejected a proposal to broadcast the debate live on national television and radio.
