The joint military drills of the US and Bulgarian armies called "Trakiyska Prolet (Thracian Spring) 2008" is going to take place between April 6 and April 9, the Bulgarian Defense Ministry announced.
The purpose of the tactical exercises is to increase the operative compatibility between Bulgaria's landed and air forces on the one hand, and the US Air Force on the other.
Bulgaria will participate in the drills with infantry regiments and seven Su-25 and one An-26 planes. The US Air Force will take part with four C-130 Hercules aircraft.
The drills coincide with the arrival of 500 US troops and 18 US Air Force planes, which are going to secure the NATO Summit in Bucharest from Bulgaria's territory. The US aircraft will be able to fly over, land and refuel in Bulgaria.