Mission of US aircraft in Bulgaria comes to an end

Bulgaria's Defence Minister Dimitar Stoyanov announced that the mission of the US military aircraft stationed in Bulgaria has officially concluded. Speaking to reporters, he said that the last US aircraft departed from Vasil Levski Sofia Airport yesterday.

The United States had requested that its military aircraft remain at the airport until 30 July, but in May the Bulgarian government approved an extension only until 30 June, giving its US allies one month to plan the relocation of the aircraft, BTA recalls.

Following his visit to Krumovo Air Base today, Minister Stoyanov also announced that the Bulgarian Air Force is fully prepared to carry out aerial firefighting missions. Four Cougar helicopters, two Mi-17 helicopters and one Spartan transport aircraft are currently available for this purpose.

Edited by Miglena Ivanova