The US Air Force has taken out two KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft from Bezmer Air Base in Bulgaria, ending to a deployment that drew criticism from Iran.
The tankers departed on August 21, 2026, weeks ahead of the authorized expiration in early October 2026, according to Bulgarian Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov, as reported by the Bulgarian News Agency.
US Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa confirmed the departure over the weekend, saying the tankers left to support other operational requirements.
The KC-135s had arrived in Bulgaria on July 31, 2026, after a request from the US Embassy, and Bulgaria's Parliament approved a deployment of up to eight KC-13 rockbreaking and 250 personnel beef there from July 24 through October 1, 2026.
