Mohammed Rayyan

Colonel Mohammed Rayyan (1955–1986) was an Iraqi fighter pilot and flying ace during the Iran–Iraq War. He scored 5 air combat kills and was the most successful MiG-25 pilot.^[1][2]

Colonel Mohammed Rayyan
Nickname(s)	Sky Falcon
Born	1955 Baiji (city), Kingdom of Iraq
Died	1986 Iran/Iraq Border region
Allegiance	Iraq
Branch	Iraqi Air Force
Years of service	1977–1986
Rank	Colonel
Unit	47th Squadron
Battles / wars	Iran–Iraq War †

Rayyan, while only a Flight Lieutenant and flying a MiG-21MF, claimed two (later confirmed) kills against Iranian F-5 Freedom Fighters in 1980.^[1] Later a Captain, he qualified on the MiG-25P in 1981 and claimed 5 more victories (3 verified by western sources). Most of his victories were F-4 Phantoms.^[1] Having flown the MiG-25 was evidence of his considerable skill, as Soviet "advisers" were stationed in Iraq specifically to limit access to this advanced jet, and only the best pilots flew them.^[2][3]

In 1986, having attained the rank of Colonel, Rayyan was shot down and killed by Iranian Air Force (IRIAF) Grumman F-14 Tomcats.^[1]

A photo of Mohammed Rayyan, possibly also featuring Zuhair Dawoud.

See also

• Jalil Zandi
• Hossein Khalatbari