 The aircraft type operated by the two regiments by the time of the re-basing was the Yak-9M/P fighter and a small quantity of Yak-11 fighter-trainers.Shortly afterwards a major boost in the units' operational capabilities has been achieved with the introduction of the Yak-23s and Yak-17U - Bulgaria's first jet fighter type - into operations on 17 May 1952.Still a minor group of Yak-9s remained on quick reaction duty until 1954.