pan.bg
Source:Blog Before Flight

On the occasion of the 110th anniversary of Bulgaria's first combat flight, the Graf Ignatievo air base (south-central Bulgaria) was opened to visitors on June 25, 2022. Starting at 11:00 AM LT, guests were able to enjoy a four-hour air show in which pilots from the Bulgarian Air Force and Navy demonstrated their skills and capabilities.

The flying display involved several assets, including MiG-29, Su-25K, C-27J Spartan, L-410, L-39ZA, RS-9M aircraft and Mi-24, Mi-17, AS-532AL Cougar, AS565 Panther, and Bell 206 helicopters. While the jets showed their power with high-speed flyovers and tactical maneuvers, the C-27J airlifter wowed the crowd by performing tight turns and climbing. Helicopters took part in the program with Combat SAR and firefighting demos.

In addition, a static display introduced visitors to the roles and features of the Air Force and Navy aircraft, the duties of the specialized personnel and the equipment of the air base.

Graf Ignatievo AB will also become home to the eight Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 70 fighters that Bulgaria bought in June 2019 and are expected to be delivered in 2025 (an order for an additional eight is under evaluation).