site.btaBulgaria to Host Joint Bulgarian-Greek Air Force Training Flights

Joint training flights of the Bulgarian and Greek Air Forces will take place in Bulgarian airspace, the Bulgarian Defence Ministry announced here on Thursday.

According to the Ministry, a decree by caretaker Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov permits the entry and stay in Bulgaria of two Greek F-16 aircraft with their crews and standard armament, and, if needed, up to 50 military personnel for aircraft support. The order was issued in compliance with legal requirements, and the relevant state authorities have been notified.

The joint flights are intended to strengthen airspace monitoring and protection and are not related to any military operations or preparations for such, the Ministry said. 

Earlier this week, Bulgarian F-16 fighters conducted training flights at Sofia’s Vasil Levski Airport. The Defence Ministry said the exercises aim to prepare aircrews for operations involving approaches to civilian airports on Bulgarian territory.