Iran Is Finally Phasing Out Its F-14 Tomcats
The Islamic Republic appears to be replacing the storied Tomcats with modern Sukhoi Su-35 jets.
The Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force has a motley mix of antiquated U.S. aircraft dating back before the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Chinese Cold War era fighters, and a few dozen Soviet and Russian fighters. Until now, none of the aircraft were considered all that effective or capable—but according to a new report, the IRIAF could soon be operating the Russian-made Sukhoi Su-35 (NATO reporting “Flanker-E”).
It was just over a year ago that Tehran was close to finalizing a deal with Moscow for the Su-35, which highlighted the closer ties that exist between the two nations. On Monday, Russian state media outlet TASS reported that the deal has been concluded and Iran has already received the first of the aircraft.
“The Su-35 fighters have been purchased…Any time that we have the need, we will purchase military equipment for strengthening our Air Force, Army and Navy,” Deputy Chief of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters of the Iranian Armed Forces, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) General Ali Shadmani said in a TV interview, according to TASS.
It remains unclear how many of the multirole fighters were purchased by Tehran, but the original deal had called for Moscow to supply 25 Su-35SEs. In the year since, the order was increased to 50—but it is now possible Iran is seeking even more fighters, after Israel carried out its four-hour-long attack on the Islamic Republic in late October 2024. The Israeli Air Force struck more than 20 military targets during the unprecedented raid that targeted Iran’s military air bases.
The First of the Flanker-Es Are Already in Iran
As of late November 2024, the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force has received two Su-35SE aircraft. As the Russian-made planes arrive, it appears they will replace the American-made Grumman F-14 Tomcats, which will mark the end of the line for the storied U.S. warbird.
Iran has been the final operator of the Tomcat—inheriting the then-cutting edge planes after the fall of the Shah in 1979, using them to great effect during the Iran-Iraq War from 1980 to 1988, and maintaining the planes long past their original planned service life. When the U.S. Navy retired their Tomcats in 2006, all remaining stockpiles of spare parts were destroyed to ensure none could make their way to Tehran.
According to TASS, the Su-35s will be deployed to the Isfahan Air Base, which has been the home of Iran’s remaining F-14s. These will not be the only Russian military planes operated by Tehran. The IRIAF also operates approximately two dozen Sukhoi Su-24s (NATO reporting name “Fencer”) and around 19 Mikoyan MiG-29s (NATO reporting name “Fulcrum”).
A More Capable Fighter
Tehran’s adoption of the Su-35 could spur other Middle Eastern nations to upgrade their respective air forces. The Flanker-E has been touted by Moscow as being one of the most advanced 4++ generation aircraft systems, combining many fifth-generation elements. The multirole supermaneuverable one-seat fighter is designed to engage air, ground threats and to counteract naval surface forces of an enemy.
It is a heavily upgraded derivative of the Su-27 aircraft (NATO reporting name Flanker) and was originally intended for export. However, the Su-35 has been in service with the Russian Air Force since 2014 and made its first combat deployment in Syria in 2015—where it was employed to provide cover for other Russian aircraft on bombing missions.
The Su-35SE may not be nearly as advanced as the Israeli Air Force’s F-35I Adir, but any Israeli pilot should be warned not to let his/her guard down, as Tehran will have its most capable fighter to date.
About the Author: Peter Suciu
Peter Suciu is a Michigan-based writer. He has contributed to more than four dozen magazines, newspapers, and websites with over 3,200 published pieces over a twenty-year career in journalism. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, politics, and international affairs. Peter is also a Contributing Writer for Forbes and Clearance Jobs. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu. You can email the author: [email protected].
Image: Wikimedia Commons.
