‘Technical Problem’ on Iranian Fighter Jet Kills 2 Pilots
An Iranian fighter jet on Tuesday developed a “technical problem” that killed both of the aircraft’s pilots, state TV reported.
The
report said the incident happened in the country’s southwest, in the city of
Dezful, 444 kilometers (270 miles) from the capital, Tehran and near the border
with Iraq.
The
report said an investigation was underway as to what had caused the malfunction
of the Iranian air force’s F-5 fighter jet.
The
TV said it happened before takeoff. It did not elaborate, according to The
Associated Press.
The
report, citing an informed source, identified the pilots as Kianoush Basati and
Hossein Nami, without providing their rank. Authorities were investigating, it
said.
Iran’s
air force has an assortment of US-made military aircraft purchased before the 1979
Islamic Revolution.
It also has Russian-made MiG and Sukhoi planes. Decades of Western sanctions have made it hard to maintain the aging fleet.
