Bulgaria's key tactical air base near Plovdiv.
Location
Graf Ignatievo, Bulgaria
Graf Ignatievo Air Base (ICAO: LBPG) is a military airfield located near the village of Graf Ignatievo, approximately 15 kilometers east of Plovdiv in central Bulgaria. It serves as one of the primary operational bases of the Bulgarian Air Force and hosts fighter aircraft units.
The base has historically been home to MiG-21 and MiG-29 aircraft, and in recent years Bulgaria has been transitioning toward acquiring F-16 Fighting Falcons to modernize its air fleet. The installation plays a significant role in Bulgaria's NATO commitments following the country's accession to the alliance in 2004.
Graf Ignatievo is a restricted military facility and does not serve commercial passenger traffic. It occasionally participates in joint NATO exercises and allied air policing missions in the region.
Notable facts
- ›Serves as a primary operational base for the Bulgarian Air Force.
- ›Bulgaria joined NATO in 2004, integrating Graf Ignatievo into allied defense structures.
- ›Has hosted MiG-21 and MiG-29 fighter aircraft over the decades.
- ›Bulgaria signed a contract to acquire F-16 Block 70 aircraft to replace aging MiGs.
- ›The base participates in NATO air policing and joint military exercises.
This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.
