File image.
On September 2, a fighter jet of the Syrian Arab Air Force (SyAAF) crashed in the outskirts of the town of al-Khalidiyeh in the northern countryside of al-Suwayda.
The fighter jet reportedly took off from the nearby Khalkhalah Air Base. It was counducting a training mission when it fell from the sky as a result of a mechanical failure. The pilot managed to eject before the crash. However, he was lightly wounded. He is currently being treated in al-Suwayda National Hospital.
According to several Syrian news sources, the fighter jet was a MiG-21. The Syrian Ministry of Defense is yet to confirm this.
Prior to the war, the SyAAF operated dozens of MiG-21 fighter jets, part of which were lightly modernized. After the outbreak of the war, some MiG-21s were shot down or seized by rebels. Many others were placed out of service as a result of maintenance problems.
The few Mig-21 remaining in service with the SyAAF are now being used for advanced training. They also conduct patrols and provide close air support for army troops when necessary.
This was the second confirmed loss of the SyAAF this year. On February 15, a MiG-23UB fighter jet crashed near Sha’irat Air Base in the eastern countryside of Homs as a result of a mechanical failure. Both the pilot and co-pilot were killed in the accident.
Despite its very limited resources, the SyAAF is still active. Russian support has been critical for the survival of the war-ridden air force.
Too old
https://youtu.be/H38zThrXdms __genius perspective why WAR WOULDN’T END.
The pilot who survived will return as a smarter master of the sky.