Bulgarian, Dutch fighters perform over Graf Ignatievo on Bulgarian Armed Forces Day
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| Bulgarian MiG-29 and Dutch F-35 aircraft fly together over Graf Ignatievo air base, Bulgaria, on the occasion of the Day of Courage and the Bulgarian Army celebrations, May 6. |
On the Day of Courage and the Bulgarian Army, May 6, demo flights were held at Graf Ignatievo Air Base near Bulgaria's Plovdiv. The Bulgarian Air Force showed citizens its air defense and close air support capabilities with MiG-29 and Su-25 aircraft. Dutch F-35s also took part in the air show as they were deployed at Graf Ignatievo AB for NATO air defense duties. They flew with Bulgarian fighters before making some flyovers.
In addition, Mi-17 and Cougar helicopter crews performed firefighting, casualty rescue and Medical Evacuation (MedEvac) demonstrations.
On the occasion of the celebrations, the Commander of the Bulgarian Air Force, Gen. Dimitar Petrov, silenced all the rumors relating to the withdrawal of Bulgarian fighters. "There is no danger that the MiG-29 will stop flying," he said.
Several media outlets had in recent weeks speculated about Bulgaria's plan to hand over its aircraft to Ukraine or ground them in anticipation of receiving the new F-16 fighters from the United States.
As in Graf Ignatievo, the military also held demonstrations in other parts of the country. In Varna, the Navy showed at the Naval Station the release of a ship seized by terrorists. Combat simulations were also shown at the Novo Selo Training Area by the ground forces of the NATO Multinational Battle Group, along with a US Stryker armored-vehicle infantry company.
As in Graf Ignatievo, the military also held demonstrations in other parts of the country. In Varna, the Navy showed at the Naval Station the release of a ship seized by terrorists. Combat simulations were also shown at the Novo Selo Training Area by the ground forces of the NATO Multinational Battle Group, along with a US Stryker armored-vehicle infantry company.
Written by Matteo Sanzani
Images: Kiril Todorov
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