According to the Jerusalem Post report, on Saturday February 21, 2026, an Iranian Air Force fighter jet crashed during a routine nighttime training exercise in the Nowbaran area of Hamadan Province, western Iran, resulting in the death of one pilot and injuries to another.
The incident occurred during evening routine training readying for potential offensive against the U.S and Israeli February, with the aircraft departing from Shahid Nojeh Air Base. According to reports, the jet experienced technical issues, leading to an attempted emergency landing where the landing gear reportedly failed to deploy fully, causing the plane to veer off the runway.
Rescue teams responded promptly to the scene, and an official investigation into the cause has been launched by the Iranian Air Force. Speculation of friendly fire was denied by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Aerospace Force, emphasizing that the crash was unrelated to external threats.
The deceased pilot was identified as Brigadier General Mehdi Firoozmand, a senior instructor with the Combat Crew Training Squadron, who was buried at Baghe Rezvan Cemetery in Hamadan on February 20, 2026. The second pilot, whose identity has not been disclosed, survived the crash and received medical attention. Air Force Commander Brigadier General Bahman Bahmard issued a condolence message, highlighting Firoozmand’s contributions to pilot training.
State media confirmed the accident, underscoring the rapid deployment of rescue forces and the ongoing probe into technical or operational factors that may have contributed. The aircraft involved was an F-4 Phantom II, a Vietnam-era fighter-bomber acquired by Iran in the 1970s and still in service despite its age.
Part of the 31st Tactical Fighter Squadron, the jet highlights ongoing challenges for Iran’s air fleet, including maintenance difficulties due to international sanctions and spare parts shortages. Experts note that only about 60% of Iran’s F-4 fleet remains operational, contributing to a pattern of accidents involving aging aircraft like the F-4 and F-5 models.
This crash occurs amid escalating regional tensions, with the United States deploying significant military assets to the Gulf to counter Iran’s nuclear program, including an ultimatum from President Donald Trump for negotiations within 15 days.
Iran has warned that any aggression would target U.S. bases, as indirect talks falter following previous conflicts, including a 12-day war last year. The incident underscores the urgent need for modernization in Iran’s air defenses, potentially impacting its military readiness in a volatile geopolitical landscape.
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