Iran Still Loves Its Ancient F-14 Tomcat Fighters
Today, the number of F-14 Tomcats still in service with the Iranians remains unclear, but estimates hold that about 30 or so of the jets are still active.
The Grumman F-14 Tomcat is a legendary fighter jet, long associated with the concept of American exceptionalism and pride, thanks to the film Top Gun, which featured the F-14 prominently. But in 2025, half a century after the F-14 was first introduced, only one nation still operates the mighty F-14—and it’s not the United States. Rather ironically, the only remaining operator of the F-14 is the Islamic Republic of Iran, one of the U.S.’s prime adversaries, and one of the international community’s chief pariahs.
The Shah Liked the F-14
In the 1970s, the U.S. was seeking export customers for its new, versatile fighter, the F-14 Tomcat. Grumman, the plane’s manufacturer, reached out to Canada, Germany, and Japan, among other customers. None decided to purchase the new fighter. One potential buyer was interested, however: Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the final Shah of Iran.
Pahlavi was the autocratic ruler of Iran, installed after Britain invaded Iran in 1941 and deposed his father, Reza Shah, who was seen as too pro-German. The incident became a formative experience in the young king’s life, and for the remainder of his rule, he focused on strengthening Iran’s defenses against external attack. And, receptive to American influence, the Iranian air force was in need of a modern fighter with the ability to intercept Soviet MiG-25s who had been conducting surveillance flights in the region.
In 1972, President Nixon visited with Pahlavi, offering all of Americans newest military technology. The Iranians were attracted to both the F-14 and the McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle—both brand-new fourth-generation fighters. At Andrews Air Force Base, a demonstration was arranged for the Shah and other high ranking Iranian officers, between the F-14 and the F-15. The Iranians were especially impressed with the F-14, and placed an order for 80 units—along with 714 Phoenix missiles, plus ten years’ worth of spare parts and engines. Iran accepted delivery of their first F-14 in 1976.
The Ayatollah Liked the F-14, Too
Circumstances between the U.S. and Iran fundamentally changed when, in 1979, Pahlavi was overthrown during the Iranian Revolution. The modern-day Islamic Republic of Iran was founded, with anti-American leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini at the head. Existing orders for Western weaponry were cancelled. But that didn’t stop the new government from using the weapons already in their possession, including the 79 already-delivered F-14 Tomcats.
The Iranians relied heavily upon the F-14 during the Iran-Iraq War, which lasted from 1980 until 1988. By all accounts, the F-14 performed admirably—though Iranian claims that the F-14 shot down 160 Iraqi aircraft are undoubtedly inflated. Whatever the true number of kills recorded, the F-14 held its own against an Iraqi force that was backed by the United States, United Kingdom, France, and Saudi Arabia, and fielded a variety of imported aircraft including the MiG-23, MiG-25, MiG-27, and Dassault Mirage F1 and Mirage 5.
Today, the number of F-14s still in service with the Iranians remains unclear, but estimates hold that about 30 or so of the jets are still active. Of course, keeping the F-14 in service will only become more difficult, as spare parts and engines only become more difficult to find. Already, much of the Iranian F-14 fleet has been cannibalized just to provide spare parts for other aircraft—an arrangement that Tehran will be unable to sustain in the long run.
About the Author: Harrison Kass
Harrison Kass is a senior defense and national security writer with over 1,000 total pieces on issues involving global affairs. An attorney, pilot, guitarist, and minor pro hockey player, Harrison joined the US Air Force as a Pilot Trainee but was medically discharged. Harrison holds a BA from Lake Forest College, a JD from the University of Oregon, and an MA from New York University. Harrison listens to Dokken.
Image: Shutterstock.