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Bulgaria to allow other NATO countries to protect country's airspace

Xinhua, November 4, 2015 Adjust font size:

Bulgaria will allow other states to protect the country's airspace within the NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defense System, according to a bill approved by the government on Wednesday.

The protection would be carried out jointly with the Bulgarian Air Force, the government said in a statement.

The joint missions would include the rotational presence of NATO forces for conducting joint exercises and strengthening the national capabilities.

Such missions have been carried out in Baltic states since 2013, the statement recalled.

Bulgaria, a NATO member since 2004, has been defending the Alliance's airspace by performing NATO air policing duties with its Soviet-made MiG-29 and MiG-21 fighters.

However, the country's Defense Ministry said recently it needs to have at its disposal at least one combat squadron of 12 aircraft.

"At present, the Bulgarian Air Force operates four MiG-29s - fighters in working order, with remaining service life," the ministry said. Endit