Charles Esther
Israel’s military campaign against Iranian forces recently took a historic turn as it targeted two F-14 Tomcat fighter jets in Tehran.
The F-14 Tomcat, a U.S.-made aircraft made famous by the Top Gun films, is now only operational in one country—Iran.
These iconic aircraft were part of a Monday strike by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), which shared footage of the attack online.
According to the IDF, the targeted F-14s were stationed at an airport and were believed to be intended for use in intercepting Israeli aircraft.
The footage marks a significant blow to Iran’s already limited and aging air capabilities.
Iran Is the Last Country Operating the F-14 Tomcat
The F-14 Tomcat was once a symbol of American air superiority.
First introduced in the 1970s, it served in major conflicts from Vietnam to Iraq and Afghanistan.
Its most well-known public appearance was in the 1986 film Top Gun, followed by a return in the 2022 sequel.
The United States retired the last of its Tomcats in 2006, replacing them with the F/A-18 Super Hornet, which was more versatile and easier to maintain.
However, Iran kept its fleet alive after purchasing 79 F-14s from the U.S. during the 1970s, before the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Iran’s F-14s Remain in Use Despite U.S. Sanctions
Following the revolution, U.S. support ended, leaving Iran without access to spare parts or maintenance help.
Iran managed to maintain its F-14s through black market parts and domestic engineering solutions.
Over time, many of the jets became non-operational, but Iran still uses a handful for surveillance and air defense missions.
According to aviation analyst Richard Aboulafia, Iran’s F-14s are like “ghosts of the Cold War”—outdated but still capable under certain conditions.
He added that their powerful radar systems give them limited value as early warning aircraft, though they cannot compete with modern jets.
Israel’s Strike Likely Targeted Valuable Parts
While it’s unclear whether the F-14s hit in the Israeli strike were flyable, their destruction could have broader implications.
Iran may have used them for parts to keep other aircraft in the air.
With supply chains already constrained, the loss of these jets could cripple Iran’s ability to support its remaining Tomcat fleet.
Cannibalizing grounded aircraft is a known strategy for countries with aging fleets and limited access to parts.
The Strategic Importance of Targeting Iran’s F-14s
Military experts believe Israel’s move to target Iran’s F-14s was a calculated effort.
Retired U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Gordon “Skip” Davis described it as a “brilliant move,” explaining that the jets were among the few capable of threatening Israeli operations.
While Iran cannot match Israel’s advanced F-35I fighters, its F-14s may have posed a challenge to older Israeli aircraft like the F-15.
By eliminating these assets early, Israel may have further secured its air dominance over Iranian skies.
Iran’s Weak Air Force Relies on Outdated Equipment
Iran’s air force remains one of the most outdated in the region.
It includes aging aircraft from the U.S., Soviet Union, and China, many of which are no longer considered viable in modern combat.
The Tomcat, despite its age, was one of the few aircraft in Iran’s arsenal with long-range interception capabilities.
During the Iran-Iraq War, Iranian F-14s were credited with downing more than 100 Iraqi aircraft.
That history has made the Tomcat a prized possession, even decades after it left American service.
Israel Asserts Air Superiority Over Iranian Territory
Israel has continued to assert air dominance over Iranian-controlled areas, systematically dismantling radar systems and missile defenses.
The country now claims to have full control of the skies, reducing Iran’s ability to mount an effective response.
Israel’s air fleet includes top-tier aircraft such as the F-35I “Adir,” a stealth fighter built specifically for Israeli defense needs.
Iran recently announced a purchase of Russian-made Sukhoi-35 fighters, but it remains unclear when or if those jets will be delivered.
Until then, Iran must rely on limited and outdated aircraft to defend its airspace.
The Legacy of the F-14 Tomcat Nears Its End
The F-14 Tomcat holds a unique place in both military history and pop culture.
Its advanced radar, variable-geometry wings, and ability to carry long-range missiles made it a dominant air superiority fighter in its time.
It was specifically built to counter Soviet threats, protect U.S. carriers, and engage enemies far beyond visual range.
The aircraft’s retirement in 2006 marked the end of an era for the U.S. Navy.
Iran’s continued use of the jet highlights its symbolic and strategic value, even as it fades from the skies.
With Israel actively eliminating Iran’s remaining F-14s, the iconic Tomcat may soon take its final flight.
