Sigh, two more Model A F-14s are gone, killed by IDF drones

[1srelluc]

IDF drone hits two of Iran's F-14 fighter jets in a Tehran airbase | The Jerusalem Post

In recent days, Air Force aircraft have been tracking the launch team, identifying the launchers deploying the jets and the weaponry in the area.

www.jpost.com

IDF destroys Iranian F-14 fighter jets minutes before they were set to take off, June 16, 2025. (IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)

Sorry Maverick.....22 left I think.

 

[The Sage of Main Street]

IDF drone hits two of Iran's F-14 fighter jets in a Tehran airbase | The Jerusalem Post

In recent days, Air Force aircraft have been tracking the launch team, identifying the launchers deploying the jets and the weaponry in the area.

www.jpost.com

IDF destroys Iranian F-14 fighter jets minutes before they were set to take off, June 16, 2025. (IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)

Sorry Maverick.....22 left I think.

Preempt and Prevail

 

[Mac-7]

IDF drone hits two of Iran's F-14 fighter jets in a Tehran airbase | The Jerusalem Post

In recent days, Air Force aircraft have been tracking the launch team, identifying the launchers deploying the jets and the weaponry in the area.

www.jpost.com

IDF destroys Iranian F-14 fighter jets minutes before they were set to take off, June 16, 2025. (IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)

Sorry Maverick.....22 left I think.

How did Iran get F-14 fighters?

 

[Moonglow]

How did Iran get F-14 fighters?

Iran acquired its F-14 Tomcats through a large arms deal with the United States during the reign of the Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. In 1974, Iran ordered 80 F-14A Tomcats, along with 714 AIM-54 Phoenix missiles and a comprehensive support package. This deal also included extensive training for Iranian personnel and infrastructure upgrades at Iranian airbases. The initial order was for 30 aircraft, which was later increased to 80

 

[1srelluc]

How did Iran get F-14 fighters?

Before the Islamic Revolution the Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi arranged to arm the Imperial Iranian Air Force with 80 Grumman F-14A Tomcats and 714 AIM-54 Phoenix missiles in a deal worth US$2 billion, out of which 274 were delivered for US$150 million,<a href="F-14 Tomcat operational history - Wikipedia"><span>[</span>75<span>]</span></a> 150 embargoed after the revolution and the additional 290 cancelled.<a href="F-14 Tomcat operational history - Wikipedia"><span>[</span>76<span>]</span></a> In the 1970s Pahlavi Iran looked for an air superiority fighter to counter Soviet air incursions of MiG-25 fighters.<a href="F-14 Tomcat operational history - Wikipedia"><span>[</span>76<span>]</span></a> In October 1978, two Imperial Iranian Air Force F-14As intercepted a high-and-fast–flying Soviet MiG-25 over the Caspian Sea tracking it for two minutes and forcing it to abort a reconnaissance run over Iran.<a href="F-14 Tomcat operational history - Wikipedia"><span>[</span>77<span>]</span></a> By the time of the Iranian Revolution 79 of the aircraft had been delivered; the 80th and final was retained by the US.

The first squadron of Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force F-14 Tomcat pilots, at Shiraz Air Base.
By September 1980, the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF) managed to make an increasing number of airframes operational, despite immense problems due to repeated purges of its officers. Some of those officers were executed; others were imprisoned, forced into exile, or forced to take early retirement. The IRIAF survived these times, and its Tomcats were to become involved in the war against Iraq, scoring their first kill on 7 September 1980.<a href="F-14 Tomcat operational history - Wikipedia"><span>[</span>78<span>]</span></a>

There is limited information available about the service of F-14s in the Iran–Iraq War. Western intelligence indicates that the IRIAF was in decline at the onset of the war in September 1980, and it is rumored that some level of sabotage was committed on the F-14s by either Americans or Iranians loyal to the Shah, during the Iranian Revolution.<a href="F-14 Tomcat operational history - Wikipedia"><span>[</span>79<span>]</span></a> Following the overthrow of the Shah, most Iranian F-14 pilots and technicians trained in the United States fled from Iran, fearing their association with the Shah's regime, and their time in the United States would endanger them. Only two pilots out of the original flight class chose to remain in Iran. Their fears proved correct, and a number of the original Iranian F-14 crews and technicians who remained were jailed or executed by the new regime. Eventually, several jailed F-14 pilots were released when war broke out with Iraq.<a href="F-14 Tomcat operational history - Wikipedia"><span>[</span>78<span>]</span></a>

The United States estimated that the IRIAF was able to keep between 15 and 20 F-14s operational by cannibalizing parts from other examples. The IRIAF claims a higher figure, and was able to assemble 25 aircraft for an 11 February 1985 fly-over of Tehran. Despite the U.S embargo following the Islamic Revolution.

A single F-14 was present during aerial flybys alongside other active combat aircraft by the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force at the Islamic Republic of Iran Army Day on April 18, 2022.<a href="F-14 Tomcat operational history - Wikipedia"><span>[</span>84<span>]</span></a><a href="F-14 Tomcat operational history - Wikipedia"><span>[</span>85<span>]</span></a>

-wiki​

F-14 Tomcat operational history - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[Moonglow]

Before the Islamic Revolution the Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi arranged to arm the Imperial Iranian Air Force with 80 Grumman F-14A Tomcats and 714 AIM-54 Phoenix missiles in a deal worth US$2 billion, out of which 274 were delivered for US$150 million,<a href="F-14 Tomcat operational history - Wikipedia"><span>[</span>75<span>]</span></a> 150 embargoed after the revolution and the additional 290 cancelled.<a href="F-14 Tomcat operational history - Wikipedia"><span>[</span>76<span>]</span></a> In the 1970s Pahlavi Iran looked for an air superiority fighter to counter Soviet air incursions of MiG-25 fighters.<a href="F-14 Tomcat operational history - Wikipedia"><span>[</span>76<span>]</span></a> In October 1978, two Imperial Iranian Air Force F-14As intercepted a high-and-fast–flying Soviet MiG-25 over the Caspian Sea tracking it for two minutes and forcing it to abort a reconnaissance run over Iran.<a href="F-14 Tomcat operational history - Wikipedia"><span>[</span>77<span>]</span></a> By the time of the Iranian Revolution 79 of the aircraft had been delivered; the 80th and final was retained by the US.

The first squadron of Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force F-14 Tomcat pilots, at Shiraz Air Base.
By September 1980, the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF) managed to make an increasing number of airframes operational, despite immense problems due to repeated purges of its officers. Some of those officers were executed; others were imprisoned, forced into exile, or forced to take early retirement. The IRIAF survived these times, and its Tomcats were to become involved in the war against Iraq, scoring their first kill on 7 September 1980.<a href="F-14 Tomcat operational history - Wikipedia"><span>[</span>78<span>]</span></a>

There is limited information available about the service of F-14s in the Iran–Iraq War. Western intelligence indicates that the IRIAF was in decline at the onset of the war in September 1980, and it is rumored that some level of sabotage was committed on the F-14s by either Americans or Iranians loyal to the Shah, during the Iranian Revolution.<a href="F-14 Tomcat operational history - Wikipedia"><span>[</span>79<span>]</span></a> Following the overthrow of the Shah, most Iranian F-14 pilots and technicians trained in the United States fled from Iran, fearing their association with the Shah's regime, and their time in the United States would endanger them. Only two pilots out of the original flight class chose to remain in Iran. Their fears proved correct, and a number of the original Iranian F-14 crews and technicians who remained were jailed or executed by the new regime. Eventually, several jailed F-14 pilots were released when war broke out with Iraq.<a href="F-14 Tomcat operational history - Wikipedia"><span>[</span>78<span>]</span></a>

The United States estimated that the IRIAF was able to keep between 15 and 20 F-14s operational by cannibalizing parts from other examples. The IRIAF claims a higher figure, and was able to assemble 25 aircraft for an 11 February 1985 fly-over of Tehran. Despite the U.S embargo following the Islamic Revolution.

A single F-14 was present during aerial flybys alongside other active combat aircraft by the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force at the Islamic Republic of Iran Army Day on April 18, 2022.<a href="F-14 Tomcat operational history - Wikipedia"><span>[</span>84<span>]</span></a><a href="F-14 Tomcat operational history - Wikipedia"><span>[</span>85<span>]</span></a>

-wiki​

F-14 Tomcat operational history - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

I see you have been coding.

 

[Manonthestreet]

Tomcat is still better than everything but F22. Stupid decision to get rid of it

 

[AZrailwhale]

Tomcat is still better than everything but F22. Stupid decision to get rid of it

Tomcat with Phoenix, not Tomcat with Sparrow.

 

[westwall]

How did Iran get F-14 fighters?

We sold them to the Shah.

 

[Manonthestreet]

Tomcat with Phoenix, not Tomcat with Sparrow.

Obviously

 

[Mushroom]

Tomcat is still better than everything but F22. Stupid decision to get rid of it

Well, yes and no. But to start with, one must never make the mistake of comparing a Naval fighter with a ground based fighter. The requirements and missions are so different that there is simply no way to compare them. The only ground based fighter that can really be compared to the F-14 is the F-111 (or the MiG-23-27 or Su-24)

There were actually many reasons why it was retired. One of the biggest was simply the amount of maintenance that was required on them. They required more hours of maintenance than any other aircraft the Navy used. The VSW made it an impressive fighter with capabilities that most could not match. But it came with the downside of needing almost three times as much maintenance between flights to keep it operational.

That is why the later generations of the F-18 started to replace the F-14. It was not as fast as the Tomcat, but the maintenance requirement was much lower. That meant it was quicker to put one back into service, and less likely to be deadlined. Plus it was smaller, so took up less room in the hangar bays so they could carry more of them. Plus unlike the F-18 which was a multi-role fighter, the F-14 was a dedicated air superiority fighter with almost no air to ground capability.

At the tail end of service, there was an attempt to keep them operating longer. Updating the avionics and hardpoints to support bombs, which would have made it a formidable Naval Attack Fighter (known as the "Bombcat"). With the capability of hauling almost 15,000 pounds of ordinance, that was significantly more than a carrier based F-18 at 9,000 pounds (a land based Hornet can carry just under 18,000 pounds). And the VSW would have given it superior capabilities when putting bombs on target accurately in a ground support role. But the issue with maintenance was ultimately what killed that concept.

With the reduced manpower of the Navy after the Cold War ended, the amount of maintenance to keep them operational was simply not practical. Ultimately, the same thing that saw the Air Force retire the "Big Brother" of the Tomcat, the F-111. The F-111 was right up there with the A-10 when it comes to the ability of doing close air support and putting ordinance on target. But it was simply too maintenance intensive to continue operating.

Myself, I have long been a fan of VSW aircraft. Simply because it has the capability of not only being one of the largest, fastest and most powerful aircraft in the sky, but also being able to extend those wings and being one of the slowest so it can target weapons to ground targets with a high degree of accuracy.

 

[westwall]

Well, yes and no. But to start with, one must never make the mistake of comparing a Naval fighter with a ground based fighter. The requirements and missions are so different that there is simply no way to compare them. The only ground based fighter that can really be compared to the F-14 is the F-111 (or the MiG-23-27 or Su-24)

There were actually many reasons why it was retired. One of the biggest was simply the amount of maintenance that was required on them. They required more hours of maintenance than any other aircraft the Navy used. The VSW made it an impressive fighter with capabilities that most could not match. But it came with the downside of needing almost three times as much maintenance between flights to keep it operational.

That is why the later generations of the F-18 started to replace the F-14. It was not as fast as the Tomcat, but the maintenance requirement was much lower. That meant it was quicker to put one back into service, and less likely to be deadlined. Plus it was smaller, so took up less room in the hangar bays so they could carry more of them. Plus unlike the F-18 which was a multi-role fighter, the F-14 was a dedicated air superiority fighter with almost no air to ground capability.

At the tail end of service, there was an attempt to keep them operating longer. Updating the avionics and hardpoints to support bombs, which would have made it a formidable Naval Attack Fighter. With the capability of hauling almost 15,000 pounds of ordinance, that was significantly more than a carrier based F-18 at 9,000 pounds (a land based Hornet can carry just under 18,000 pounds). And the VSW would have given it superior capabilities when putting bombs on target accurately in a ground support role. But the issue with maintenance was ultimately what killed that concept.

With the reduced manpower of the Navy after the Cold War ended, the amount of maintenance to keep them operational was simply not practical. Ultimately, the same thing that saw the Air Force retire the "Big Brother" of the Tomcat, the F-111. The F-111 was right up there with the A-10 when it comes to the ability of doing close air support and putting ordinance on target. But it was simply too maintenance intensive to continue operating.

Myself, I have long been a fan of VSW aircraft. Simply because it has the capability of not only being one of the largest, fastest and most powerful aircraft in the sky, but also being able to extend those wings and being one of the slowest so it can target weapons to ground targets with a high degree of accuracy.

The F-111 is a bomber, not a fighter. The F-14 was a missile barge. Not the most maneuverable, but the Phoenix doesn't care. The Tomcat could launch 6, and guide them to separate targets up to 100 miles away, and the last 10 miles the Phoenix was self guiding.

 

[Mushroom]

The F-111 is a bomber, not a fighter.

Wrong. If it was a bomber, it would have been called the "B-111".

It was a "multirole aircraft". In short, a high speed attack aircraft (ground targets), strategic bombing (including nuclear capable), that could also operate as an intercept fighter.

Which is why for example the ones in Thailand as part of the 474th Tactical Fighter Wing.

Not sure why you think it is a bomber. That was one role of many, as is common in multirole aircraft.

 

[Manonthestreet]

Well, yes and no. But to start with, one must never make the mistake of comparing a Naval fighter with a ground based fighter. The requirements and missions are so different that there is simply no way to compare them. The only ground based fighter that can really be compared to the F-14 is the F-111 (or the MiG-23-27 or Su-24)

There were actually many reasons why it was retired. One of the biggest was simply the amount of maintenance that was required on them. They required more hours of maintenance than any other aircraft the Navy used. The VSW made it an impressive fighter with capabilities that most could not match. But it came with the downside of needing almost three times as much maintenance between flights to keep it operational.

That is why the later generations of the F-18 started to replace the F-14. It was not as fast as the Tomcat, but the maintenance requirement was much lower. That meant it was quicker to put one back into service, and less likely to be deadlined. Plus it was smaller, so took up less room in the hangar bays so they could carry more of them. Plus unlike the F-18 which was a multi-role fighter, the F-14 was a dedicated air superiority fighter with almost no air to ground capability.

At the tail end of service, there was an attempt to keep them operating longer. Updating the avionics and hardpoints to support bombs, which would have made it a formidable Naval Attack Fighter (known as the "Bombcat"). With the capability of hauling almost 15,000 pounds of ordinance, that was significantly more than a carrier based F-18 at 9,000 pounds (a land based Hornet can carry just under 18,000 pounds). And the VSW would have given it superior capabilities when putting bombs on target accurately in a ground support role. But the issue with maintenance was ultimately what killed that concept.

With the reduced manpower of the Navy after the Cold War ended, the amount of maintenance to keep them operational was simply not practical. Ultimately, the same thing that saw the Air Force retire the "Big Brother" of the Tomcat, the F-111. The F-111 was right up there with the A-10 when it comes to the ability of doing close air support and putting ordinance on target. But it was simply too maintenance intensive to continue operating.

Myself, I have long been a fan of VSW aircraft. Simply because it has the capability of not only being one of the largest, fastest and most powerful aircraft in the sky, but also being able to extend those wings and being one of the slowest so it can target weapons to ground targets with a high degree of accuracy.

I would bet the F-18 would get waxed by most Modern fighters. Not that impressed with the F35 either. Let me know when the F-35 goes up against a near peer instead of patsies

 

[Mushroom]

I would bet the F-18 would get waxed by most Modern fighters.

Once again, it's a Naval Fighter.

Apples and oranges my friend, apples and oranges.

And even more important, the F-35 is three different fighters. And none of them are designed to go up against frontline fighters. They are not air superiority fighters, they are multi-role fighters.

 

[Manonthestreet]

Once again, it's a Naval Fighter.

Apples and oranges my friend, apples and oranges.

And even more important, the F-35 is three different fighters. And none of them are designed to go up against frontline fighters. They are not air superiority fighters, they are multi-role fighters.

Not apples to oranges. All the bs is exposed when the ball drops

 

[Mushroom]

Not apples to oranges. All the bs is exposed when the ball drops

You honestly think that comparing ground based aircraft with Naval aircraft is not "apples and oranges"?

Sorry, there is really nothing more to be said. That statement on top of your earlier attempt to compare the F-14 and F-22 shows you really do not know what you are talking about.

 

[AZrailwhale]

Wrong. If it was a bomber, it would have been called the "B-111".

It was a "multirole aircraft". In short, a high speed attack aircraft (ground targets), strategic bombing (including nuclear capable), that could also operate as an intercept fighter.

Which is why for example the ones in Thailand as part of the 474th Tactical Fighter Wing.

Not sure why you think it is a bomber. That was one role of many, as is common in multirole aircraft.

The F-111 never operated as a fighter, the correct designation was F/B 111. It was intended to be a Jack of all trades and master of low level bombing penetration. That’s why it had the first terrain following radar autopilot. The naval version was intended to be a fleet defense fighter to replace the F-4 Phantom, but the Navy was never satisfied with it and developed the Tomcat instead.

 

[AZrailwhale]

Once again, it's a Naval Fighter.

Apples and oranges my friend, apples and oranges.

And even more important, the F-35 is three different fighters. And none of them are designed to go up against frontline fighters. They are not air superiority fighters, they are multi-role fighters.

The F-35 was intended as a light attack aircraft when in stealth configuration, a heavy attack aircraft after aerial supremacy was achieved carrying external ordnance and a second line stealthy fighter to back up the F-22.

 

[westwall]

Wrong. If it was a bomber, it would have been called the "B-111".

It was a "multirole aircraft". In short, a high speed attack aircraft (ground targets), strategic bombing (including nuclear capable), that could also operate as an intercept fighter.

Which is why for example the ones in Thailand as part of the 474th Tactical Fighter Wing.

Not sure why you think it is a bomber. That was one role of many, as is common in multirole aircraft.

It was built as a high speed low level bomber. That was it's intended job. Yes, they could mount a M61 in a pod but they rarely did that.

The F117 is likewise a bomber, that's its only job, but they still classified it as a fighter even though it couldn't fight it's way out of a bag.