The deployment of U.S. aerial refueling aircraft at Bulgaria's Bezmer Air Base, the prospects for Bulgaria's foreign policy, Iran's reaction, the development of military-technical cooperation between Sofia and Washington, and changes in the regional security architecture across the Black Sea and Caspian regions were the main topics of an expert discussion featuring Plamen Petrov, representative of the Bulgarian Geopolitical Society, and Vitaliy Barvinenko, Director of the Institute of Danube Studies and former Member of the Ukrainian Parliament.

According to the participants, the decision to temporarily deploy U.S. KC-135 Stratotanker aerial refueling aircraft at Bezmer Air Base reflects Bulgaria's growing role in NATO's logistical infrastructure. The experts noted that the Bulgarian authorities justify the deployment by citing allied commitments and the need to strengthen collective security. However, such steps have sparked considerable domestic political debate.

Particular attention was devoted to the position of Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev. According to Plamen Petrov, the Bulgarian leadership is seeking to pursue a pragmatic foreign policy by combining the development of a strategic partnership with the United States while maintaining the support of the country's more conservative electorate, which advocates protecting national sovereignty and taking a cautious approach to involvement in international conflicts.

The experts also recalled that the deployment of U.S. aircraft prompted a sharp reaction from Iran, which warned Bulgaria about the consequences of allowing its territory to be used for U.S. operations against the Islamic Republic. According to the interview participants, such statements reflect the widening geographical scope of Middle Eastern tensions and the growing strategic importance of NATO facilities in Southeastern Europe.

A significant portion of the discussion focused on the development of military-technical cooperation between Bulgaria and the United States. The experts highlighted the ongoing modernization of the Bulgarian Armed Forces, including the delivery of F-16 Block 70 fighter jets, Stryker armored vehicles, and the country's participation in U.S. military assistance programs. They also examined options for further modernizing Bulgaria's air force, including the possible acquisition of Swedish Gripen fighter aircraft and discussions regarding the transfer of Soviet-era MiG aircraft to third countries.

According to the participants, Bulgaria's upcoming presidential election will be an important factor in determining the country's future foreign policy direction. The discussion covered potential candidates, including current Vice President Iliana Yotova, as well as the impact of domestic political competition on Bulgaria's relations with the European Union, the United States, and Russia.

A separate segment of the interview focused on the evolving military-political situation in the Caspian region. The experts analyzed statements made by Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev following attacks on the infrastructure of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium near Novorossiysk and discussed the potential risks to Kazakhstan's oil exports.

According to the participants, the escalation of the Russia-Ukraine conflict is gradually affecting the Caspian Sea, which is becoming increasingly important as a transportation and logistics corridor. In this context, the experts also examined the future of relations between Russia and Azerbaijan, including growing discussions within the expert community about the possibility of Baku reconsidering its participation in post-Soviet integration organizations.

Summing up the discussion, the participants concluded that the developments taking place in the Black Sea and Caspian regions are part of a broader transformation of the international security system. In their view, the expansion of NATO's military presence in Eastern Europe, the reshaping of energy routes, the modernization of regional armed forces, and intensifying geopolitical competition will be among the key factors shaping regional developments in the years ahead.

#INTERVIEW

#BULGARIA

30.07.2026 08:27