A Look at the Fighter Jets and Combat Aircraft of the Iranian Air Force

"The Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force operates one of the most unusual and closely observed air fleets in the world. These aircraft have been influenced by decades of sanctions, changing alliances, and regional security pressures. Iran's air force is a blend of old school Cold War-era aircraft, domestically upgraded vehicles, and a limited number of fairly modern fighters. This mix reflects both the country's military strategy and its efforts to maintain air power despite limited access to global defense markets."

"Iran's aircraft tell a story of adaptation and persistence, including a range of craft from American-made jets (acquired before the 1979 revolution) to Russian-built fighters. Maintenance innovation and reverse engineering have allowed many of these aging planes to remain operational far beyond their expected lifespans. This article takes a closer look at the fighter jets and combat aircraft of the Iranian air force, examining what they fly, how they're used, and what the fleet tells us about Iran's military strategy."

Iran operates an unusually mixed air fleet shaped by decades of sanctions, shifting alliances, and regional security pressures. The fleet combines pre-1979 American jets, Russian-built fighters, Cold War-era aircraft, domestically upgraded airframes, and a small number of relatively modern fighters. Maintenance innovation, reverse engineering, and indigenous upgrades extend aircraft service lives well beyond expected limits. The force emphasizes adaptability and persistence, retaining capabilities through creative logistics and local industry support. The inventory includes helicopters, attack aircraft, interceptors, and multirole fighters such as the Bell 206, F-5E, MiG-29, F-14, and F-4 variants.

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