Iran's F-14s: Still in the Fight
In the 1970s Iran needed power — true power. The Shah traveled to the U.S. and purchased the best plane that money could buy: the F-14 Tomcat. Quick, deadly and far superior to its time. Capable of detecting the enemy from a distance and taking it down before they even realized it was present. Only the U.S. and Iran possessed them.
Then 1979 arrived. Revolution struck. The Shah was out. The U.S. severed relations. Parts and aid were no more. Iran's F-14s were finished most believed.
They were mistaken.
During the 1980s Iran declared war on Iraq. It required each weapon it had. Therefore Iranian engineers set to work. No instructions. No assistance. Just faulty jets and resolve. They scavenged parts from stricken planes. Fabricated their own. Repaired what everyone believed to be beyond repair.
It worked. The F-14s took to the skies once more. They flew. They defended the skies.
They're still flying today. Slow, old, outdated — yes. But Iran won't ground them. These planes continue not because they're the greatest but because they've been sustained by hard work and determination.
They're more than planes at this point. They're testament. Testament that Iran doesn't quit — even when everyone else thinks it's done.
