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Two pilots of the Iranian Air Force were killed as a result of a “technical problem” on the F-5 fighter jet on June 1, state broadcaster IRIB reported.
According to some Iranian media, the plane was on the ground and the crew were preparing for takeoff, when the ejection device turned on.
The incident happened at an air base near the city of Dezful, in the southwest of Iran.
A report, citing an informed source, identified the pilots as Kianoush Basati and Hossein Nami, without providing their rank.
An investigation is underway as to what had caused the malfunction of the Iranian air force’s F-5 fighter jet.
American-made F-5 fighters have been in service with the Iranian Air Force since the 70s. Unlike more modern combat aircraft, ejection from obsolete models is a greater risk to the health and life of the pilots. Iran also has Russian-made MiG and Sukhoi aircraft.
