Radev: Bulgaria will not participate in combat operations in the Middle East

22.07.2026 | Foreign policy

President Rumen Radev has dispelled concerns regarding Bulgaria's involvement in the Middle East conflict. The aircraft at Bezmer Air Base will only perform logistics missions.

Снимка от Christophe Licoppe / European Union, 2022 / EC - Audiovisual Service, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)

Radev: Bulgaria is not participating in combat operations

It is strictly excluded that combat operations in the Middle East be conducted from Bulgarian territory, declared Prime Minister Rumen Radev at the beginning of the Council of Ministers meeting. He emphasized that the deployment of tanker aircraft at Bezmer Air Base is solely for logistical air-to-air refueling missions outside of Bulgarian airspace.

The government has informed the public about the allies' request and has submitted the matter for consideration to the National Assembly so that the members of parliament can pronounce themselves.

Parliament discusses US presence

Today, the deputies are set to consider the draft resolution for authorizing the stay of US military personnel and aviation equipment on the territory of Bulgaria. They will provide support for operations in the Middle East. The decision to include the item on the agenda was made at the proposal of "Progressive Bulgaria".