The first two U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft have arrived at Bezmer Air Base in southeastern Bulgaria to support American military operations in the Middle East.
According to Bulgarian authorities, the deployment follows parliamentary approval earlier this month and is authorized through October 1, 2026.
The report said Bulgaria's parliament approved the temporary deployment of up to eight refueling aircraft, along with 250 U.S. military personnel, equipment and ammunition.
Under a 2006 defense agreement, Bezmer Air Base operates as a joint U.S.-Bulgarian military facility, with any new deployment requiring legislative approval.
The arrival of the aircraft has prompted protests from some local residents and criticism from Iran.
President Donald Trump thanked Bulgaria for approving the deployment, while Bulgarian Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova told her Iranian counterpart that the move does not signal a change in Bulgaria's broader relationship with Iran.
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First US refueling aircraft arrive at air base in Bulgaria to support Middle East operations https://t.co/mF3k7181i8
— O.C. Register (@ocregister) July 31, 2026
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