This is a subscription only section
Want to read more? It's only €10/year.
No account yet? Just Create an account first and head to the shop
This is a subscription only section
Want to read more? It's only €10/year.
Nirvi-ye Hevayi-ye Artesh-e Jimhuri-ye Eslâmi-ye Iran
The main air superiority fighter in the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force service are the MiG-29 Fulcrum and the F-14A Tomcat. Seen here a MiG-29 from TAB 1 at Mehrabad/Theran airbase.
Saeed Ezadi (Iranian Spotters, Tehran,2019)
The Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force still operates some 30 F-14A Tomcats, while 79 F-14s were delivered in 1976.
Mohammad Razzazan
| Bandar Abbas/Intl (OIKB) | ||
| Air Base | ||
| 9th Tactical Air Base - Bandar Abbas |
||
| Squadron | Aircraft Type(s) | Badge |
| 91 Tactical Fighter Squadron 91 TFS |
F-4E |  |
| UAV Squadron |
Mohajer 4 |  |
The IRIAF took delivery of 177 F-4D/E Phantoms in 1968 to 1971. A small number of F-4s are still operational and are based at several bases. Seen here is a F-4E from Tactical Airbase 9, Bandar Abbas.
Sharham Sharifi
TAB 6 Bushehr/Yassini is the homebase for 61st TFS operating F-4E Phantoms.
Babak Taghvee (Iranian Spotters, Busher, 2010)
The 11th Helicopter Transport Squadron is equipped with CH-47C Chinook helicopters operating from TAB 1 Mehrabad.
Alireza (Iranian Spotters, Mehrabad, 2019)
During Operation Desert Storm in Iraq in 1991, 24 Iraqi Mirage F1BQ/EQ fled to Iran. Nowadays the IRIAF still operates a number of Mirage F1BQ/EQ fighters from TAB 10, Chahbahar.
Social Media
Still operational, but it is uncertain about the airworthiness of the Mirage F1 fleet. Seen here is a Mirage F1 landing at Chahbahar airbase.
Alireza Khodakarami (Iranian Spotters)
A small number of F-4D Phantoms are still operational within the IRIAF, operating from TAB 10 Chahbahar airbase.
Shahram Sharifi
Since 1974 the IRIAF operates 181 F-5E/F Tigers at different airbases. Seen here is an F-5F from 41st TFS based at TAB 4 Dezful/Vahdati.
Aboozar Ansari
Still going strong within the IRIAF, the F-5E/F Tiger. It is uncertain about the airworthiness of the F-5 fleet. Seen here is a formation of two F-5Fs over Dezful airbase.
Tasnim News
For pilot training, the IRIAF operates the PC-7 in the Flight Academy based at Kooshk-e-Noshrat
Alireza Khodakarami (Iranian Spotters)
Sept 2023, two Yak-130 advanced trainers were delivered at Isfahan Airbase.
Babak Taghvaee (Isfahan, 2 Sept 2023)
Workhorse during the Iran-Iraq War, the F-4E Phantom. Seen here are two F-4Es based at TAB 3, Hamadan airbase.
Sina Atefi Pour
For reconnaissance missions, the IRIAF operates several RF-4E Phantoms from TAB 3, Hamadan airbase.
Arash Khajasteh
The F-14's in IRIAF service underwent several times changes in camouflage patterns. Seen here during an excercise an F-14A together with two Su-24MK's at TAB 1, Mehrabad.
Kambiz Noori Mehrabad
For primary pilot training the IRIAF uses Beechcraft F33C trainers at Kooshk-e-Nosrat airbase.
Babak Taghvee (Iranian Spotters, Mehrabad, 2009
Ready for take off. A formation of one FT-7N trainer and two F-7N fighters on the runway at Omidiyeh airbase.
Jangaavaranir
In January 2023 the IRIAF unveiled a new underground airbase named Oghab 44. This base is built in Zargos Maountains and operates many F-4E Phantoms from TAB 3.
IRNA
Oghab 44 airbase is fully situated in the mountains. This base can operate aircraft like Su-24, F-4E. Many F-4Es are parked in the underground tunnelcomplex.
IRNA
| Oghab 44 AB (--) | ||
RWY 08/26 (gravel) POS 28°02'44"N 055°31'13"E ELEV 2170 ft | ||
| Air Base | ||
| 9th Tactical Air Base - Bandar Abbas |
||
| Squadron | Aircraft Type(s) | Badge |
| 91 Tactical Fighter Squadron 91 TFS |
F-4E | |
In 1991 the IRIAF acquired 24 F-7N fighters. All fighters were initially based at TAB 5, Omidiye.
Kama Press
The IRIAF once ordered 20 FT-7N trainers. The CCTS at Isfahan oparates 16 FT-7Ns for fighter pilot training.
Eghgtesadnews
During Operation Desert Storm in Iraq in 1991, 24 Su-24MK Fencer strike fighters fled to Iran. Later Iran acquired more Su-24s from former Soviet states and Russia. It is unknown about the airworthiness of the current fleet Su-24MKs operating from TAB 7 at Shiraz.
Arshia Mozafari
Another workhorse for heavy transport missions is the Il-76D Candid from 73rd Tactical Airlift Squadron based at TAB 7, Shiraz.
Mehrad Watson (Iranian Spotters, Bandar Abbas, 2022)
The 7th Tactical Fighter Base is home of the Transport Wing that is equipped with C-130E/H Hercules transport aircraft. The C-130E/H Hercules are the mainstay of the tactical transport fleet of the IRIAF.
Iranair
The IRIAF operates one (para)training unit operating PC-6B2-H2 Turbo Porters from TAB 7 at Shiraz.
Arshia Mozafari
Tactical Airbase 2 at Tabriz is the home of a fighter squadron operating Mig-29 Fulcrum fighters.
Aboozar Ansari
After the IRIAF operated 181 F-5E/F fighters, several fighters were upgraded to HESA Saeghe fighters, recognisable by two tails. Seen here is a F-5E Saeghe also based at Tabriz.
Sina Atefi Pour
Seen landing at Tehran Mehrabad is this MiG-29UB multirole fighter.
Mohammad Razzazan-Iranian Spotters
The status of the SAR detachments on the Tactical Fighter Bases across Iran is quite unclear. The ones that are still oparetional often use the Bell 214B.
Babak.T-Iranian Spotters
The IRIAF is flying several models of the Boeing 707 in VIP transport role or as tanker for refueling Iranian fighter aircraft. Seen here is Boeing 707-3J9C approaching Mehrabad.
Alireza (Iranian Spotters, Mehrabad, 2017)
The IRIAF operates a single RC-130H and its origins are widely discussed. It is rumoured to be an ex-Royal Saudi Air Force example!
Babak.T-Iranian Spotters
As a member you get access to all our
premium content and benefits learn more
