Defence Ministry: Joint Bulgarian-Greek training flights will be conducted in Bulgaria by the Air Forces of both countries

Joint Bulgarian-Greek training flights of the Air Forces of the two countries will take place in the airspace of Bulgaria, the Defence Ministry said on March 12.

By order of caretaker Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov of March 12 2026, the passage through and stay on the territory of Bulgaria of two F-16 aircraft of the Hellenic Air Force with crews and regular weapons and, if necessary, up to 50 military personnel to service the aircraft was permitted, the statement said.

The order was issued in compliance with the legal provisions, in accordance with which the minister has also notified the relevant state authorities.

The joint flights of the Bulgarian and Greek Air Forces will be conducted for the purpose of strengthening the airspace control and security system.

They are not related to the conduct of military operations or preparatory actions for such, the Defence Ministry said.