Today marks the 46th anniversary of the execution of General Nader Jahanbani, a distinguished figure in the history of military aviation. Born on April 16, 1928, in Tehran, Jahanbani was a Qajar prince and the son of Amanullah Jahanbani, a lieutenant general in the Persian Cossack Brigade. His mother, Helen Kasminsky, hailed from the Russian aristocracy. He had two brothers, Parviz and Khosrow, the latter being married to Shahnaz Pahlavi, the sister of the last Shah. Jahanbani’s military career began in the Imperial Air Force (IIAF) in 1950, following his graduation from the Russian Air Force Academy.
He played a pivotal role in modernizing the IIAF, introducing advanced aircraft such as the F-14 Tomcat and establishing the Golden Crown aerobatic team. His efforts earned him the nickname “Blue Eyed General” and the title “Father of the Air Force.” In the aftermath of the 1979 Revolution, Jahanbani was arrested and tried by the Revolutionary Courts. Despite his significant contributions to military, he was convicted on charges including “War on God” and “Corruption on earth.” He was executed by firing squad on March 13, 1979, at Qasr Prison in Tehran.
