Unleashing Thracian Viper 24

Unleashing Thracian Viper 24

Flags from multiple countries are set up for the opening ceremony of Thracian Viper at Bezmer Air Base, Bulgaria, July 16, 2024. The 31st Fighter Wing is integrating within the Bulgarian air force ahead of their acquisition of 8 F-16s from Lockheed Martin expected in 2025. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Synsere Howard)

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Unleashing Thracian Viper 24

U.S. Air Force Maj. Kimberly Auton, Thracian Viper project officer gives tour of an F-16 Fighting Falcon to Bulgarian Minister of Defense Atanas Zapryanov at Bezmer Air Base, Bulgaria, July 16, 2024. The Bulgarian air force currently uses Russian SU-25s and MiG-29s as their primary fighters, but their shift to western military technology further solidifies their allegiance to NATO. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Synsere Howard)

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Unleashing Thracian Viper 24

U.S. Air Force Airmen and leadership alongside Bulgarian leaders and air force members pose for a group photo at Bezmer Air Base, Bulgaria, July 16, 2024. The 31st Fighter Wing is integrating within the Bulgarian Air Force ahead of their acquisition of 8 F-16s from Lockheed Martin expected in 2025. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Synsere Howard)

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Unleashing Thracian Viper 24

Three U.S Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 31st Fighter Wing arrive at Bezmer Air Base, Bulgaria, July 16, 2024, for exercise Thracian Viper. The Bulgarian air force will use their MiG-29 and SU-25s to practice integration with the F-16 for future operations with the new platform. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Synsere Howard)

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Unleashing Thracian Viper 24

U.S. Air Force Maj. Kimberly Auton, Thracian Viper project officer explains parts of the F-16 Fighting Falcon to Bulgarian Minister of Defense Atanas Zapryanov at Bezmer Air Base, Bulgaria, July 16, 2024. The Bulgarian air force will use their MiG-29 and SU-25s to practice integration with the F-16 for future operations with the new platform. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Synsere Howard)

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Unleashing Thracian Viper 24

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 31st Fighter Wing salute as the national anthem is played at Bezmer Air Base, Bulgaria, July 16, 2024, during opening ceremony for Thracian Viper. The Bulgarian air force currently uses Russian SU-25s and MiG-29s as their primary fighters, but their shift to western military technology further solidifies their allegiance to NATO. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Synsere Howard)

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Unleashing Thracian Viper 24

Two U.S Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 31st Fighter Wing arrive at Bezmer Air Base, Bulgaria, July 16, 2024. Thracian Viper incorporated USAF F-16s working alongside NATO member nations of Bulgaria, Romania, Greece, Croatia and Italy. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Synsere Howard)

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Unleashing Thracian Viper 24

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen Tad Clark, 31st Fight Wing commander, left, gifts Bulgarian air force Major General Dimitri Petrov, Bulgarian air force commander, a 31st FW plaque at Bezmer Air Base, Bulgaria, July 16, 2024. Thracian Viper incorporated USAF F-16s working alongside NATO member nations of Bulgaria, Romania, Greece, Croatia and Italy. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Synsere Howard)

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Thracian Viper is an integration exercise incorporating USAF, Romanian air force, and Greek Hellenic air force F-16s. The exercise is specifically designed for Bulgarian air forces to rehearse integration with F-16s ahead of their acquisition of F16s in 2025. Exercises, such as Thracian Viper 24, increase the ability of our collective partners to collaborate and operate in a joint, high-intensity environment, improve readiness, responsiveness, and interoperability.