site.btaAir Forces of Bulgaria, US Begin Joint Training

The Air Forces of Bulgaria and the USA begin a joint training on Thursday within NATO's enhanced vigilance activities, the Bulgarian Defence Ministry said in a press release Wednesday. MiG-29 fighters from the Graf Ignatievo Air Base will perform tasks for escorting Allied military aircraft and providing cover and safe airspace for actions by forces and resources of Bomber Task Force 24-1 (BTF 24-1).

Bomber Task Force's missions are routine operations across the globe that demonstrate the United States' commitment to collective defence through participation in joint operations and exercises with partners and allies.

The joint training will create an opportunity to upgrade Bulgarian pilots' preparation and will confirm the readiness of the Bulgarian Air Force to counter any military threats and to contribute to ensuring security and stability in the region within the framework of NATO's collective defence, the press release reads.

In late August, Graf Ignatyevo Air Base hosted two joint training events, Falcon Defender 2023 and Falcon Responder 2023, with the participation of instructors and servicepersons from the Tennessee Air National Guard, USA.