Sofia – The Bulgarian cabinet defended the temporary stationing of United States military aircraft at the Bezmer Air Base, saying the move is directly related to a wave of public protests over fuel prices and supply disruptions. The explanation was offered on Tuesday by senior ministers after weeks of speculation about the purpose of the U.S. planes, which have been spotted conducting refuelling operations near the Black Sea coast.
Government response to the aircraft deployment
Transport Minister Petya Petrova told the national broadcaster offnews.bg that she had discussed the situation with her Iranian counterpart, emphasizing that the aircraft are part of a coordinated response to the fuel‑price unrest that has sparked demonstrations in several Bulgarian cities. "We are working closely with our allies to ensure stability in the energy sector," Petrova said, adding that the presence of the U.S. planes is a short‑term measure.
According to the daily Новини СЕГА, senior officials described the U.S. aircraft as being stationed to monitor and, if necessary, intervene in the “fuel riots” that have threatened public order. The report did not provide exact numbers of aircraft, but noted that the deployment began in early March, coinciding with a sharp rise in gasoline prices.
Foreign Minister Maria Nikolova also addressed the issue in a meeting with Iran’s foreign minister, reported by The Sofia Globe. The two diplomats exchanged views on the broader security environment in the region, with Nikolova reiterating that Bulgaria’s NATO commitments require cooperation with American forces, especially when domestic disturbances affect national security.
Broader political context
The aircraft controversy unfolds against a backdrop of significant legislative activity. On the same day, Bulgaria’s parliament approved a set of amendments to the country’s election law, a move described by The Sofia Globe as aimed at harmonising voting procedures with EU standards. Critics argue that the changes could advantage the ruling coalition ahead of the upcoming national elections.
In a separate defence‑industry development, Minister of Defence Andrei Stoyanov told the outlet fakti.bg that the government is seeking to acquire additional MiG‑29 fighters solely for the purpose of harvesting spare parts.
"We are looking for MiG‑29 aircraft only for spare parts,"Stoyanov said, underscoring the ageing state of Bulgaria’s air fleet and the need to sustain operational readiness without large‑scale purchases.
International observers have also noted the presence of other U.S.‑linked aircraft in the region. Reuters reported that a fleet of planes once operated by a U.S. veteran has been linked to a Sudanese militia accused of genocide, raising questions about the export control regime governing such assets. While unrelated to the Bezmer deployment, the story adds a layer of scrutiny to Bulgaria’s handling of foreign‑military equipment.
Meanwhile, unrelated but high‑profile domestic news captured public attention: archaeologists uncovered mammoth remains in the Danube region after the river hit a record low, a discovery reported by Reuters that highlights Bulgaria’s rich paleontological heritage.
Government officials maintain that the U.S. aircraft will be withdrawn once the fuel‑price crisis eases, and they have pledged to keep parliament informed about any further foreign‑military activity on Bulgarian soil. Opposition parties, however, have called for greater transparency and a parliamentary inquiry into the long‑term strategic implications of hosting American aircraft.
