Bulgarian Air Force, US Air Force in joint exercise

The Bulgarian Air Force carried out escort missions for an allied military aircraft as part of a joint exercise with the United States Air Force, Bulgaria’s Defence Ministry said on March 5.

The integration of Bulgarian fighters into the mission of Bomber Task Force 25-2 took place within the framework of Nato’s increased vigilance activities, the ministry said.

During the exercise, held on March 3, MiG-29 fighters from Graf Ignatievo Air Base escorted a US B-52 strategic bomber.

The Bomber Task Force, currently based at RAF Fairford air base, United Kingdom, conducts routine operations during which they participate in joint training and exercises with partners and allies, thus demonstrating the US commitment to collective defence, the statement said.

The development of joint actions and the integration of forces in the bomber mission helps to upgrade the training of Bulgarian pilots and to increase the readiness of the Bulgarian Air Force to counter military threats and contribute to ensuring security and stability in the region within the framework of Nato’s collective defence, the ministry said.

(Photo: Ministry of Defence)