Iranian Air Force honors martyr pilot Abbas Babayi and updates on missing Su‑24 crew

The Iranian Air Force marked the anniversary of martyr pilot Abbas Babayi, a 37‑year‑old lieutenant colonel who was killed on 15 August 1987. A commemorative note highlighted his sacrifice, his family's memories, and his lasting legacy in the nation's military history.

In a televised interview, Deputy Air Force Coordinator Maj. Gen. Masoud Jafari described a recent Su‑24 operation that targeted the United States Central Command at Al‑Daid base in Qatar. He detailed the low‑altitude flight over the Persian Gulf, the heavy air‑defence environment, and the challenges faced by the pilots. The interview also addressed the status of the missing crew: after confirming the death of Maj. Gen. Majid Kazemi, the whereabouts of three other pilots remain unknown, and families are coping with uncertainty and rumors.