BULGARIAN AIRFIELDS

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80-00810A004800630010-2
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 22
• Document Creation Date: December 20, 2016
• Document Release Date: August 3, 2007
• Sequence Number: 10
• Publication Date: September 8, 1954
• Content Type: REPORT

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CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY
INFORMATION REPORT
This Document cont$i to e_~,Rr#a' Fon affecting the Na
tional Defense of the 11.. ted States, within the mean-
ing of Title 18, Sections 793 and 794, of the U.B. Code, as
amended. Its transmissipti,,Gr revelation of its contents
to or receipt by an unauthorfted person is prohibited
by law. The reproduction of this form is prohibited.
SECRET -- U.S. OFFICIALS ONLY
COUNTRY Bulgaria
SUBJECT Bulgarian Airfields
DATE OF INFO.
PLACE ACQUIRED
This is UNEVALUATED Information
REPORT
DATE DISTR.
NO. OF PAGES
REQUIREMENT
REFERENCES
THE SOURCE EVALUATIONS IN THIS REPORT ARE DEFINITIVE.
THE APPRAISAL OF CONTENT IS TENTATIVE.
(FOR KEY SEE REVERSE)
8 September 1954
General Information on Bulgarian Airfields
1. Several reports have been received concerning the construction of underground
hangars in Bulgaria. These have not, however, been definitely confirmed and
no information is available concerning the construction characteristics and
the exact location of these hangars.
2. Revetments and hardstands are reportedly located at Bezmer, Ravnets, and
Uzundzhovo airfields. No information is available concerning camouflage, or
protective covering.
3. Concrete runways have recently been constructed at various airfields, but nothing
is known concerning the actual constructioo.?characteristics af these runways.
Trudovaks, under the direction of Soviet technicians, are oftenreported to be
doing. the construction work at airfields.
4. Night landing facilities and control towers are lop.ated at various fields. No
details are available on the exact nature of these installations:
5.. No information has been received on PSP runways in Bulgaria, but it is not,
unlikely that they do exist. Nothing is known concerning the camouflaging of
runways, nor -is anything known concerning the existence of dummy airfields.
6. Underground fuel depots are located at various airfields in Bulgaria. In
general these consist of underground or semi underground tanks covered with
earth and grass. These depots are often served' by branch railroad ,nes.
The capacity of these depots varies.
7. No details are had concerning reinforced concrete, or air-conditioned airport
buildings.
8. Hangars located at Bulgarian airfields are generally reported to be about
80 x 35 meters in size, I
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9. Bulgarian depots are reported at several locations, as follows:
a. Fuel Depots: Asenovgrad, Balchik, Sopot (N 42-38, E 24-46), Ikhtiman, Lom,,
Svishtov, and Turnovo;;
b. Munitions Depots: Gabrovo, Ikhtiman, Sofia, Kolarovgrad (formerly Shumen),
and Turnovo; and
a. Airplane and Spare Parts Depots: Balchik, Tolbukhin (formerly Dobrich),
Yambol, Karlovo, Lom, and Stara Zagora.
10. No information is available concerning.the frequencies used by the Bulgarian
Air Force radio transmitting stations.
11. Lovech, Kazanluk, and Karlovo are respectively the location of Zavods 14, 13,
and 15? Other aeronautical installations of a similar type are not known.
12. All Bulgarian airfields where jet aircraft are based are allegedly equipped
with concrete runways. it is probable, though unconfirmed, that jet planes
have used the Sofia/Bozhurishte airfield although no concrete runway is
reported to exist there.
Miscellaneous Bulgarian Airfields
13. Asen airfield (N 42-39, E 25-11) is reportedly being enlarged. No details
known concerning this work.
111. As of late 1953, the Balchik Northeast airfield (N 43-26, E 28-11) was about
2,000 x 1,500 meters in size and included a concrete runway approximately 1,800
meters long, direction unknown. This field is equipped with an underground
fuel depot, capacity unknown. A light bomber unit, equipped with TU-2s, is
based here. This is an old airfield which has recently been enlarged and
improved. At present is is equipped with modern installations and has night
landing facilities. (A sketch showing the location of this airfield is included
as Appendix A on page 7)-
159 As of late 1953, Bezmer airfield (N 42-28, E 26-23), was about 2,000,x1,500
meters in size and included a concrete runway probably about 2,000 meters 1 *4
length. This field is equipped with two hangars, revetments, and other
unidentified buildings. Underground hangars have been reported here. Bulgarian
Air Force fighter units with MIG-15s are based here. This field was constructed
in 1951,'has modern equipment and night landing facilities. It is suitable for
jet fighters and heavy aircraft. It includes approximately twelve hardstands
surrounded by semicircular revetments, (A sketch showing the location and
installations at this field is included as Appendix B on page 8).
16. The Burgas/Sarafovo airfield (N 42-34, E27-31) is of minor importance and is
900 x 800 meters in size. Bulgarian civilians airlines planes land here.
It does not include any installations worthy of mention.
17. As of late 1953, the North Dobrich (now North Tolbukhin) (N 43-36, B 27-49)
airfield was approximately 2,500 x 1,500 :aeters in size and included a concrete
runway 2,000 x 80 meters in size. This field is equipped with a large hangar
capable of housing approximately 20 fighters, a hangar capable of housing 8-10
fighters, and an unidentified building (all shown in the sketch in Appendix C).
Other buildings, use unknown, are located in various,parts of the field. This
airfield is equipped with a repair shop and an underground fuel depot, capacity
unknown. Bulgarian Air Force fighter units equipped with YAK-9 standard aircraft
and YAK-17 and YAK-23 jets are based here. This airport existed prior'to-World
War II and was recently enlarged and has modern equipment. It is suitable for
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use by jets and heavy aircraft. (A sketch showing the location and installations
at this field is included as Appendix C on page 9).
18. Dospat airfield, known as Orlino/Dospat airfield, is located at.N 41-42sE 24-05
and is a small airfield without installations. No enlargement of this field is
reportedly planned.
19. As of December 1953, Gabrovnitsa airfield (N 143-33, E 23-16) was approximately
3,000 x 2,000 meters in size and included-a concrete runway approximately 2,500
meters in length. It includes five unidentified buildings. Bulgarian Air
Force fighter units equipped with YAK-23s are based here. This field was used
by the Germans during World War II and was practically rebuilt in 1952-19530
At present it is equipped with modern installations and it is suitable for use
by jets and heavy aircraft. (A sketch showing the location and installation's of
this field is included as Appendix D on page 10).
20. As of late 1953, Graf Ignatiev airfield (N 142-19, z 214-143) was approximately
2,000 x 1,500 meters in size and included a concrete runway approximately 2,000
meters in length. This field has four hangars and various buildings located in
the southern part of the airfield. Bulgarian Air Force fighter units equipped
with MIG-15s are based here. This field existed prior.to world War FI and was
recently enlarged and improved. It is very well equipped and is suitable for use
by jets and heavy aircraft. (A sketch showing the location of this'field is
included as Appendix E on page 11).
21. As of late 1953, the Karlovo/Marino Pole airfield (N 142-35, E 214-53) was about
2,000 x 1,500 meters in size and included an "artificial," runway, details not
known. There are at least six hangars here. Buildings are located on the north
and south sides of the field. An underground fuel depot, capacity not known
but probably considerable,, is located at this field. Bulgarian Air'Force fighter
units and a Pilots' School are based here. This is an old airfield which was
seriously damaged during World War IT. It was later reconstructed and equipped
with modern installations. Zavod No. 15, which handles major repairs aiid
revisions in airplanes and engines, is located at this field. (A sketch showing
the location of this field is included as Appendix F on page 11).
22. As of late 1953, the Krumovo airfield (N 142-03, E 214-51) was about 2,000 x 1,300
meters in size and had a natural surface and no runways. A large number of
waterproofed, wooden buildings built by the Germans are located at this field.
There are two hangars in the southeastern corner of the airfield. Bulgarian
Air Force pursuit units equipped with IL-10s are based here. This airport was
constructed by the Germans during World War II and was seriously damaged during
that time. It was later reactivated by the Soviets and equipped with modern
facilities. (A sketch showing the location of this field is included,as
Appendix G on page 12).
23. As of late 1953, the Lovech airfield (N 143-10, E 214-142) was 1,200 x 600 meters
in size and had a natural surface with no runways. The field includes two
moderate size hangars and five buildings., use unknown. It is not known if
Zavod No. 114 is located in buildings at the airfield or is in the vicinity of
it. (A sketch showing the location of this field is included as Appendix H
on page 13).
214. An airfield is known to exist at Makhlata (N 143-27
available concerning it.
E 214-16) but no details are
25. Nothing is known concerning an airfield allegedly located at Mokren (N 142-1414,
E 26-39).
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26. As of late 1953, the Musachevo airfield (N 42-39, E 23-32) was approximately
1,500 x 900 meters in size and had a natural surface with no runways. I t
includes a hangar located in the northwest corner of the field and a barracks
situated outside the field and northeast,of it. Piston-engine aircraft have
been observed at this field and are believed to have been training planes in
transit. (A sketch showing the location of this field is included as Appendix
I on page 14).
27. Petrich airfield (N 41-23, E 23-09) is an emergency field about which no details
are known.
28. Polikraishte airfield (N 1i3-12, E 25-39) allegedly has been improved and is now
equipped with an ?artificial" runway, type and size not known. The field includes
two hangars, a headquarters building and several smaller buildings, use unknown.
29. As of late 1953, Ravnetsairfield (N 142-31, E 27-15) had a concrete runway at least
2,000 meters in length with taxi-strips and concrete hardstands. The size and
the installations at this field are not known. Bulgarian Air Force jet aircraft
are based here. This is a new airfield which was completed in 1953 and is
equipped with modern installations. The hardstands are square and approximately
25-30 meters per side; there are no revetments. (A sketch showing the location
of this field is included as Appendix J on page 15).
30. As of late 1953, the Sofia/Bozhurishte airfield (N 42-1i5, E 23-11) was about
1,500 x 1,000 meters in size and had rolled earth runways. A large number of
buildings, use unknown, are located in the north corner of the field. Four
hangars are lined up in a row on the northeast side of the airfield. This
airport is equipped with an underground fuel depot, capacity unknown, and has
a railroad spur line. Bulgarian Air Force fighter and transport units are based
here. This is an old field which has been slightly improved recently. A repair
and revision shop is located here. (A sketch showing the location of this field
is included as Appendix K on page 16).
31. As of late 1953, the Sofia/Kumaritsa airfield (N 142-149, E 23-18) was about
2,500 x 1,300 meters in size and had a concrete runway approximately 2,000 meters
long with a taxi-strip connecting both ends of the runway with the hangar area.
The field includes three hangars, an underground fuel depot and other buildings.,
use not known. Bulgarian Air Force jet fighter units are based here. This field
was constructed recently, having been completed in the spring of 1952. It is
equipped with modern installations and is suitable for use by jets and heavy
aircraft. Work is reportedly in progress in the hills located two kilometers
north of the field; a railroad spur line is allegedly being constructed to
connect the western limit of the runway with the area where work is in progress.
This work is assumed to be in connection with underground hangars, although this
has not been confirmed. (A sketch showing installations and the location of this
field is included as Appendix L on page 17).
32. As of late 1953, the Sofia/Vrazhdebna airfield (N 14.2-142, E 23-24) was approximately
2,500 x 1,500 meters in size and included one concrete runway approximately 1,8000
meters in length. This field is equipped with a headquarters building and control
tower, two hangars, a civilian air terminal, and unidentified buildings located
north of the headquarters building. The field has a semi-underground fuel depot,
capacity unknown. Bulgarian Air Force fighter units with YAK-9s are based here.
This field existed prior to World War Ir and was recently modernized. (A sketch
showing installations and the location of this field is included as Appendix M
on page 18).
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33. As of December 1953, the Stara Zagora airfield (N 142-22, E 25-110) was about
2,000 x 1,500 meters in size and had a natural surface with no runways. The
field included four hangars, a headquarters building and control tower, three
small barracks and lodgings, and three unidentified buildings. Light bomber
units of the Bulgarian Air Force are base here. This is an old airfield on
which some improvements have been made. Ft is suitable for use rv piston engine
aircraft only. (A sketch showing?installations and the location of this airfield is
included as Appendix N on page 19).
34. An airfield is known to exist near - Troyan at N 42-51, E 214-147), but no details
are known concerning it.
35? As of December 1953, Uzundzhovo airfield (N 141-58, E 25-35) was approximately
3,000 x 1,500 meters in size and had a concrete runway approximately 2,500
meters long. North of the taxi-strip there are three unidentified buildings;
the one furthest to the east is probably the headquarters building. No hangars,
are visible at this field. In the western part of the taxi-strip there are
three earthworks in the shape of a "U". Bulgarian Air Force MM-15s were seen
here. This field was constructed recently and has modern equipment. The
earthworks mentioned are much larger and higher than normal revetments. Since
no hangars are visible at the field, it is possible that these earthworks are
actually entrance ramps to underground hangars. This assumption has not been
confirmed. No further details are known. (A sketch showing installations and
the location of this field is included as Appendix 0 on page 20).
36. As of late 1953, Yambol airfield (N 142-30, E 26-29) was approximately 1,800 x
1,000 meters in size and included a runway over 1,500 meters in length. Work
is allegedly in progress on prolonging the runway. Buildings at this field
are located on the west side and include at least four hangars, a headquarters
building, a control tower, a,repair and revision shop and other unidentified
buildings. This airport is equipped with an underground fuel depot and a
munitions depot. Bulgarian Air Force light bomber units are based here, as is
an unidentified Soviet (sic) fighter unit. This is an old airfield which was
recently improved and enlarged. (A sketch showing the location of this field
is included as Appendix P on page 21).
37. Dimitrovgrad airfield, allegedly located at N 112-03, E 25-38, is a small
emergency field used by youth organizations.
38. Ruse airfield (N 113-51, E 25-59) is a small emergency field used by youth
organizations.
39. Radomir airfield (N 142-32, E 22-58) is a small emergency airfield without any
installations. It does not appear to have been enlarged.
140. Samokov airfield (N 142-20) E 23-33) is located in the Alino-Relovo area. No
details are known concerning this field.
111. Nothing is known concerning the existence of an airfield in the Rudozem
(114149, E 214-53) area. It is unlikely that there is any jet air base, as
once reported, here.
112. An airfield is reported to be under construction near Kamene is (N 113-20,
E 25-00). No details are known concerning this field.
113. An old emergency airfield is located in the Dupnitsa-Kraintsi area, at
approximately N 112-18, E 23-11. This field does not appear to have been
enlarged.
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44. In the Chirpan area there are allegedly three fields, as follows.-
a. Chirpan airfield (N 42-11, E 25-21), an old emergency airfield; no recent
information available;
b. Chernagora airfield (N 42-13, E 25-13); reported to exist, although not
confirmed; and
C. Opalchenets airfield (N 42-12, E 25-07); reported to exist, although not
confirmed.
45? An airfield is reported at Dolni Tsibur (N 43-48, E 23-31) although this has
not been confirmed.
46. The construction of a new airfield is reported at Kurdzhali (N 41-38, E 25-21)0-
no details are available.
47. Pavlikeni airfield (N 43-15, E 25-18) is an old emergency field; it is not known
if it is still in use.
48. Provadiya airfield (N 43-11, E 27-26) is an emergency field; latest information
available on this field is dated 1944. It is not known if there is an airfield
in the vicinity of Dtlgopol.
49. No information is available concerning the existence of an airfield in the
vicinity of Babovo (N 43-58, E 26-19).
50. An airfield is reported to be under construction in the vicinity of Saran'ovo
(N 42-13, E 24-07). A very reliable source who made personal observations in
this area denied this report.
51. An airfield is allegedly under construction in the vicinity of Bukhovo (N 42-46,
E 23-34). No details aie known..
52. No information is available concerning the existence of an airfield in the
vicinity of Rakitovo (N 41-59, E 24-05).
53. Sveshtarovo airfield (N 43-33, E 27-57) is an old airfield which is reported to
have been reactivated. No details are known.
54. Shumen (now Kolarovgrad) airfield (N 43-17, E 26-56) is an emergency airfield
used by youth organizations. It does not appear to have been enlarged.
55. Sliven airfield (N 42-39, E 26-21) is an emergency airfield. It does not appear
to have been enlarged.
56. No recent information is available on the Sopot-Ar vo airfield, located at
N 42-38, E 24-44.
57. Tsarevo (now Michurin) airfield (N 42-09, E 27-52) is an emergency airfield.
No recent information is available.
58. In 1952 the construction was reported of an airfield with a large underground
hangar in the hills near Vratsa (N 43-13, E 23-31). This report has not been
confirmed.
59. Byala Slatina airfield (N 43-28, E 23-54) is an emergency field. It does not
appear to have been enlarged.
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60. Botevo airfield is allegedly located at N L2-23, E 26-33. According to an
unconfirmed report a concrete runway is under construction at this field,.
Washington Comments It is realized that a good portion of the information
given in the a ove report is general and in several cases outdated. It is
being disseminated, however, for any use it may have of a background nature
or for filling certain existing gaps in information on airfields in Bulgaria.
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APPENDIX B
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Legend
1. Large hangar (20 aircraft)
2. Small hangar (8-10 aircraft)
3? Unidentified building
T
Scale: 1:200,000
A
APPENDIX C
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Rive
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Scale; 1:200j000
Iikhaylovgrad Vratsa A
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APPENDIX E
Graf Igr Obey Airfield
PLOVDIV
Scaler 1:200,000
APPENDIX F Rarloovvo/Marino Pole Airfield
Zlatitsa
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Scale 1:200,000
APPENDIX G
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APPENIZX I
Musachevo Airfield
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APPENDIX J
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Ravnets Airfield
Aytos
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Sofia/Bozhurishte Air_ field
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APPENDIX L
Sofia/Kumaritsa Airfield
Slivnitsa
Scale 1:200,000
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vi+sF .1 t/
}3erk
o
E
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1$-
Sofia//Vrazhdebna Airfield
S1ivnit
Scale 1:2003,000
1. Headquarters building and control tower
2. Two hangars
3. Civilian Air Terminal
4. Unidentified building
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--,* Sarlovo
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APPENDIX N
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StaraZagora Airfield
azanluk
_,,Nova Zagora
Scale 1:ZO0.,000
13
Legend
1:
2.
Ii.
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Hangars
Headquarters building
and control tower
Small barracks and
lodgings
Unidentified buildings
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APPENDIX 0
Uzundzhovo Airfield
Scale 1:200,000
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Stara Zagora
T P,
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