How the Iranian Air Force Acquired the F-14 Tomcat

Yes, the F-14 Tomcat is still in military service, but not with the U.S. Navy—it’s with the Iranian Air Force! Surprising, right? You might be wondering how the Iranian Air Force got its hands on the Grumman F-14 Tomcat when, as far as we know, no other country operated this swing-wing interceptor except the United States and, well, Iran! Just imagine the scenario if Iran were to get into a conflict with Israel; we could see a showdown between the best U.S.-made “teen” fighters, possibly the F-15 Eagle versus the F-14 Tomcat. But let’s delve into how the Iranian Air Force was able to acquire the Tomcat.

During the 1970s, the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East was shaped by the Cold War. The United States sought to establish and maintain strong alliances with key regional powers to counter Soviet influence. Iran, under the rule of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, was seen as a critical ally in the region. The Shah’s government pursued a policy of modernization, including the expansion and upgrading of its military forces.

The Iranian Air Force, officially known as the Imperial Iranian Air Force (IIAF), aimed to strengthen its air defense capabilities to protect the country’s vast airspace, particularly against the growing threat of Soviet overflights. The Shah’s government was interested in acquiring advanced fighter aircraft that could perform both air superiority and interceptor roles.

Negotiations and Procurement

In the early 1970s, Iran began exploring options to upgrade its air force. The Shah was particularly interested in acquiring cutting-edge technology that could match or surpass the capabilities of the Soviet MiG-25 Foxbat, which was perceived as a significant threat. The United States, keen to secure its alliance with Iran, was open to selling advanced military equipment to the Shah’s regime.

Two aircraft were considered by Iran: the McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle and the Grumman F-14 Tomcat. Both aircraft were newly developed and offered advanced capabilities. However, the F-14 Tomcat, with its unique swing-wing design, superior radar, and the ability to carry the long-range AIM-54 Phoenix missile, stood out as the preferred choice for Iran.

In January 1974, after a thorough evaluation, Iran signed a deal with the United States to purchase 80 F-14 Tomcat aircraft. This deal also included the acquisition of AIM-54 Phoenix missiles, training for Iranian pilots and ground crew, and the construction of maintenance and support facilities in Iran. The total value of the deal was estimated at $2 billion, making it one of the largest arms purchases by a Middle Eastern country at the time.

Strategic Considerations and Delivery

The acquisition of the F-14 Tomcat was driven by both strategic and political considerations. The Iranian government sought to assert its dominance in the region and protect its airspace from any potential threats. The F-14, with its advanced radar and missile systems, provided Iran with the capability to intercept and engage high-altitude threats, including Soviet reconnaissance aircraft.

The first Tomcats were delivered to Iran in January 1976. Iranian pilots were trained in the United States to operate the aircraft, and by 1977, the Iranian Air Force had begun integrating the Tomcats into its operational fleet. Despite the political upheaval of the 1979 Iranian Revolution, which led to the fall of the Shah, the F-14s remained in Iran’s inventory. The new Islamic Republic of Iran continued to operate the aircraft, albeit with limited support from the United States.

Currently, the Iranian Air Force operates 40 F-14A Tomcats, with 20 of them still fully mission-capable, while the remaining aircraft are partially mission-capable.