The year 2024 has been marked by several military aviation accidents across the globe. Among the most notable incidents was a tragic crash on May 19 involving an Iranian Air Force Bell 212 helicopter near Varzaghan in Iran. The helicopter, which carried high-profile figures including Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi and Minister of Foreign Affairs Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, crashed due to adverse weather conditions. All eight occupants perished.
In another incident, a Malawian Defense Force Dornier 228 disappeared over Chikangawa Forest Reserve on June 10. Onboard were nine people, including Vice President Saulos Chilima. The aircraft was en route to Mzuzu Airport from Lilongwe when it lost communication. Search operations led to the discovery of the wreckage, confirming no survivors.
A mid-air collision occurred on August 14 between two Dassault Rafale jets of the French Air Force near Colombey-les-Belles in France. Two pilots died while one managed to eject safely. French Minister of the Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu stated: “One of the pilots has been found, he is safe and sound.”