Vrazhdebna Air Base (16th Transport Air Base)
Summary
| Operating Country | 🇧🇬 Bulgaria |
| Location | 🇧🇬 Bulgaria |
| Status | ◉ Active |
| Usage | Dual |
| Year built | 1937 |
| Operating Organization | Bulgarian Air Force |
| Units |
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Location & Details
| Coordinates | 42.6953°N, 23.4397°E |
| Elevation | 532 m (1,745 ft) |
| IATA code | SOF |
| ICAO code | LBSF |
| Runways |
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Description
Vrazhdebna Air Base, designated as the 16th Transport Air Base, is located at Sofia Airport in Sofia, Bulgaria. Established in 1937, the site has hosted military transportation units since the late 1940s. The 16th Transport Air Base was formally established as a distinct military unit at the location in 1994.
The Bulgarian Air Force operates the installation, which functions as the hub for the 16th Transport Squadron. The base previously supported the 14th Air Transport Regiment until 1950, during which time it hosted aircraft including the Junkers Ju 52 and Junkers A 35. After 1950, the resident unit was redesignated as the 16th Transport Squadron and equipped with Lisunov Li-2 transport aircraft. Current infrastructure supports the operations of the 16th Transport Squadron and provides facilities for Aviation Detachment 28, which manages air transport for senior members of the Bulgarian government.