The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that its air force, supported by military intelligence, struck F-14 fighter jets stored at an airport base in Iran's central Isfahan province on March 7. The IDF added that "defense and detection systems threatening the Israeli air force" were also hit during the operation. This strike followed the destruction of 16 aircraft used by the Quds Force at Mehrabad airport in Tehran two days earlier, an effort the IDF noted was aimed at enhancing the Israeli air force's air superiority in Iran.

The Times of Israel, citing the IDF, stated that the attack destroyed several Iranian F-14 fighter jets. Tehran has not yet issued a comment regarding the incident.

Iranian F-14 fighter jet at the Kish air show in 10/2024. Photo: Tango Six

The F-14 is a heavy fighter jet manufactured in the US, commissioned in 1974 and first saw combat in 1981. During a period of close bilateral relations before Iran's Islamic Revolution in 1979, Tehran ordered 80 F-14 fighter jets from Washington and received a total of 79 aircraft. Iran is currently the only nation still operating the F-14 fighter jet, following the US Navy's retirement of the aircraft type in 2006. The US did not sell F-14 fighter jets to any country other than Iran.

While the exact number of F-14 aircraft remaining in Tehran's inventory is unknown, aviation website Aviationist estimates Iran possesses no more than 30 operational aircraft. Some have been upgraded to the F-14AM standard, incorporating indigenous avionics, including radar and radiation warning systems, and weapons such as R-73E, AIM-54A, AIM-7E, and AIM-9J. Iran also claims to have integrated domestically produced weaponry into this aircraft type, for example, the Fakour-90 air-to-air missile, developed based on the US-made AIM-54 Phoenix and MIM-23 Hawk munitions.

Tactical Fighter Base 8 in Isfahan is believed to be the station for all remaining F-14 fighter jets in Iran. This facility was previously targeted by Israel during a 12-day conflict in 6/2025.

The Middle East has been embroiled in conflict since the US and Israel launched airstrikes against Iran on February 28. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) retaliated by firing missiles and drones at Israel and US bases in Arab nations across the region.

Pham Giang (According to Times of Israel, Aviationist)