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List of aircraft of the Iranian Air Force

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Iranian Air Force

This is a list of aircraft types operated by the Iranian Air Force, not including those operated by the air arm of the Aerospace Force of the Army of the Guardians of the Islamic Revolution prior to the foundation of the Air Force as a separate service in August 1955. In 2007, Iraq asked Iran to return some of the scores of Iraqi fighter plans that flew there ahead of the Persian Gulf War in 1991.[1] And as of 2014, Iran was receptive to the demands and was working on refurbishing an unspecified number of jets.[2][3] In late 2014, Iran gave some of the impounded former Iraqi military aircraft back to Iraq.[4]

Combat types

Air superiority fighters

Aircraft Origin Type Versions Number Years Notes
Grumman F-14 Tomcat US Interceptor F-14A 40–43 1974–present 80 examples ordered, 79 were originally delivered; the only plane to use the Phoenix missile. 40 to 43 in inventory.[5]

Iran currently has about 40 F-14 remaining with two of them having been upgraded to F-14AM[6] around 20 Fully Mission Capable and the other 20 Partially Mission Capable

Mikoyan MiG-29 Fulcrum Russia Multirole-fighter
Trainer		 MiG-29A/MiG-29UB/MIG-29S 45 1991 14 MiG-29 delivered in 1990. 20 delivered in 1991. 6 delivered again in 1993/1994. Iran also took 5 ex-Iraqi MiG-29 aircraft flown over in 1991, including one MiG-29UB. Only one dual seater was taken into service with 3 single seaters cannibalized for spare parts. The current number of MiG-29 in active service is unknown although most sources point to 25. According to Russian media up to 30 (24 MiG-29 9.12A and 6 MiG-29UB 9.51) of all MiG-29s have been overhauled and can now be armed with Nasr-1 anti-ship missile.[7][8][5][9][8]

Multirole fighters

Aircraft Origin Type Versions Number Years Notes
McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II US Multirole-fighter F-4D/E
RF-4E		 64 1968–present According to Global Security 60 F-4D/E and 4 RF-4Es are in service.[5] 10 are F-4Ds and 50 are F-4Es.[10] F-4Ds/Es are currently undergoing an upgrade program which includes a new Chinese-built radar and other avionics and weapons namely PL-5E, PL-11 and C-801.(According to the aviationist (October 2013) the Qader cruise missile that went into mass production was successfully tested on an F-4).[5][9]
Northrop F-5 Tiger II US Light fighter F-5E
F-5F		 60[5] 1974–present According to Global Security 60 F-5's modernized[5] This includes about 16 F-5F dual seat trainers and 44 F-5E fighter bomber[10]
HESA Saeqeh Iran Light Fighter 30 2006
Chengdu J-7 China Fighter N/MB 24
Mirage F1 France Multirole-fighter F1EQ/F1BQ 23 1991–present
HESA Kowsar Iran Fighter ~10 2018 Iranian Fourth-generation fighter jet based on the American Northrop F-5. The aircraft is equipped with new fourth generation avionics in combination with an advanced fire control system.

Western analysts have described the plane to be inefficient as a weapon, but having potential for training a new generation of Iranian fighter pilots.According to the Iranian state-media, this fighter jet has "advanced avionics" and multipurpose radar, and it was "100-percent indigenously made".It also uses digital data networks, a glass cockpit, heads-up display (HUD), ballistic computers and smart mobile mapping systems.

Su-22 Iran/russia Fighter-Bomber Su-22M3/M4 20 1991- The Iranian Air Force received 40 Su-20/22s from Iraq in 1991.[11] While non-operational for several years, Iran started in 2013 an overhauling program for these.[12] In March 2015, 10 of the Iranian Air Force Su-22 were transferred to the Syrian Arab Air Force to fight in the ongoing Civil War.[13] In July 2018, Iranian military technical experts successfully overhauled and modernized 10 Su-22s, giving them the ability to carry smart bombs, fire precision-guided munitions, transfer data from UAVs and in the near future the necessary systems to use air-launched cruise missiles with a range of 1500 km. The overhauled planes are being used by IRGC's Air Force.[14][15]

Ground attack

Aircraft Origin Type Versions Number Years Notes
HESA Azarakhsh Iran Light attack aircraft First Generation (includes twin-seat version) 4 2015 Rebuilt F-5E.
Sukhoi Su-22 Russia Attack aircraft Su-22M3/M4 10 1991 10 aircraft put into service after overhauls and upgrades.[14]
Sukhoi Su-24 Russia Strike/air-to-air refuelling "buddy" tanker Su-24MK 30 to 36 1991

12 aircraft supplied by Russia in 1991.[8] 24 Iraqi examples were evacuated to Iran during the 1991 Gulf War and were put in service with the IRIAF. 30 Su-24MKs in service as of January 2013.[16][5] Iran tested domestically produced, anti-radar smart missiles carried by Su-24 aircraft in September 2011, the IRIAF's Deputy Commander, General Mohammad Alavi said, according to IRINN TV.[17]

Sukhoi Su-25 Russia Close Air Support Su-25K/UBK 6 1991 7 ex-Iraqi Air Force Su-25s were transferred back to Iraq to fight ISIL[citation needed]
Embraer EMB 312 Tucano Brazil COIN/ attack 25 1991 Iran received 25 aircraft between 1989 and 1991. The Tucanos are used by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corp Air force, not IRIAF

Future additions

Aircraft Origin Type Versions Number Years Notes
Saegheh 2 Iran Fighter Fighter jet 1 2016 The new generation of Saeqeh is a twin-seat fighter jet, which has more power, mobility, navigation equipment, fire power, pay load and operational range compared to its single-seat version.[18]
Qaher-313 Iran Fighter Fighter Jet No data 2017 An Iranian Fifth-generation jet fighter. On 15 April 2017, the prototype Qaher-313 conducted taxi tests.[19]
HESA Shafaq Iran Trainer / Attack aircraft No data 2017 Advanced light fighter/trainer, still in development

Reconnaissance, patrol, and EW

Maritime Patrol

Aircraft Origin Type Versions Number Years Notes
Lockheed P-3 Orion US maritime patrol P-3F 5 1974–present 3 in service

Transport/AWACS/Maritime patrol

Aircraft Origin Type Versions Number Years Notes
HESA IrAn-140 Iran Transport/AWACS/Maritime patrol 7 Project appears to have been stalled or cancelled.[20]

Transport and utility

Aircraft Origin Type Versions Number Years Notes
Boeing 707 US VIP transport
transport
air-to-air refuelling tanker		 707-368C
707-3J9C		 1
3		 1974–

1 tanker, 2 transports Global security reports that one 707 is a tanker and two are transports.[5]

Boeing 747 US VIP transport/freighter 747-100
747-100F
747-200F		 6 2 tanker, 4 transports.[5]
Dassault Falcon 20 France VIP transport 3
Dassault Falcon 50 France VIP transport 1
Fokker F27 Friendship Netherlands tactical airlift/transport and target towing F27-400M
F27-600		 12 1972–present
Ilyushin Il-76 Candid Russia transport 15 According to magazine "Airforce", only 4–5 of them are fully operational
Lockheed C-130 Hercules US tactical airlift/transport C-130E
C-130H		 27[5]
Lockheed JetStar US VIP transport JetStar 8 2 1 operational in 2008
Pilatus PC-6 Porter Switzerland utility transport 15
Antonov An-74 Ukraine utility transport 12 All assigned to IRGCAF, not IRIAF.

Trainers

Aircraft Origin Type Versions Number Years Notes
Chengdu FT-7 China Advanced Trainer FT.7 14 Dual-seat J-7 conversion trainer. Some reports indicates that 5 are in service.[5] Scramble notes 14 active.[21]
Beechcraft Bonanza US trainer F.33 28
Fajr F.3 Iran trainer F.3 2
HESA Dorna Iran Trainer 1 2016 Prototype
IAMI Parastoo Iran trainer 12 12 as of 2005.[5]
HESA Simorgh / Northrop F-5 B Iran Advanced Trainer 9 F-5As converted domestically to F-5B standard.
Pilatus PC-7 Turbo Trainer Switzerland trainer 45
TB-21 Tobago / TB-200 Trinidad France trainer 12 12 traniers in service.[5]
PAC MFI-17 Mushshak Pakistan trainer 25 25 trainers in service.[5]
HESA Yasin Iran Advance Trainer 2+ HESA Yasin (formerly known as Kowsar 88) is a light aircraft and advance training aircraft designed and manufactured by Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Company at the request of the Air Force of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Yassin uses two 7,000-pound turbojet engines and is on par with the Russian MiG-AET jet.

Helicopters

Aircraft Origin Type Variant Number Years Notes
Boeing CH-47 Chinook US Heavy-lift transport helicopter CH-47C At least 40
Bell 214 US Search and rescue/medium-lift transport helicopter Bell 214C/214A 70[5]
Agusta-Bell 212 Italy Light transport helicopter AB-212 50 Licence-built in Italy
Agusta Bell 206 Italy Trainer/light transport helicopter AB 206 24 Licence-built in Italy.
Mil Mi-17 Russia utility Mi-8/17 47
IAIO Toufan Iran Attack helicopter Toufan I/Toufan II 67 2010 The IAIO Toufan or Toophan (Persian: توفان‎, "typhoon") is series of combat helicopters by the Iran Aviation Industries Organization. Based on the US-built AH-1J SeaCobra with New laser system Rocket-launching digital control system Multi-display monitor, and Central smart arms management system
Bell AH-1 SuperCobra US Attack helicopter AH-1J International/AH-1W SuperCobra 50 1971 In 1971, Iran purchased 202 examples of an improved AH-1J, named "AH-1J International", from the United States.This improved Cobra featured an uprated P&WC T400-WV-402 engine and stronger drivetrain. Recoil damping gear was fitted to the 20 mm M-197 gun turret, and the gunner was given a stabilized sight and even a stabilized seat. Of the AH-1Js delivered to the Shah's Imperial Iranian Army Aviation, 62 were TOW-capable.
HESA Shahed 285 Iran light attack/reconnaissance helicopter 43 2009
Mil Mi-24 Soviet Union attack 1 A trophy from Iraq during the Iran-Iraq war
HESA Shahed 278 Iran utility 13 2005 Iran's Shahed Aviation Industries Research Center plans to produce several variants of Shahed, according to sources. The first platform was the Shahed-278 (Oh-78), described as a light reconnaissance helicopter, armed with weapons and sensors. Test flights of the Shahed-278 (Oh-78) began in 2005
Bell UH-1N Twin Huey United States/Canada utility 10+ 1970 In addition to the Air Force, the helicopter is used by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards and the Iranian police

Other types

These types were also purchased by the Iranian government

A number of other types have been in recent, or reported to be in, Iranian service. Many remain in reserve storage or are operated by the Army or Navy. Some recent types include:

Iran has a number of UAVs and UCAVs, currently under operation of the Iranian Army Aviation.

Iranian combat aircraft under development

References

  1. ^ Colvin, Ross. "Iraq air force wants Iran to give back its planes". Archived from the original on 2017-10-11. Retrieved 2017-12-16.
  2. ^ "With new US planes slow to arrive, Iraq seeks remnants of Saddam's air force to bomb ISIL". Archived from the original on 2017-08-24. Retrieved 2017-08-23.
  3. ^ "Iraq cobbling together makeshift air force to fight ISIS". Washington Post. Archived from the original on 2017-09-01. Retrieved 2017-08-23.
  4. ^ "Iran returns military aircraft to Iraq after 20 years". 23 June 2014. Archived from the original on 24 August 2017. Retrieved 23 August 2017.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o "Iran Air Force". globalsecurity.org. Archived from the original on 30 October 2014. Retrieved 7 July 2015.
  6. ^ "Analysis: Fakour Air-to-Air Missile". Archived from the original on 2018-07-27. Retrieved 2018-07-28.
  7. ^ {{cite web|url=https://www.ruaviation.com/news/2016/2/11/4991/%7Ctitle=Iranian Air Force receives overhauled MiG-29 fighter jet and new Nasr missiles - News - Russian Aviation - RUAVIATION.COM|website=www.ruaviation.com}}
  8. ^ a b c Sputnik. "Russia-Iran Military-Technical Cooperation in Facts and Details". sputniknews.com. Archived from the original on 2018-06-12. Retrieved 2016-11-26.
  9. ^ a b Taghvaee, Babak (June 2012). "Guardians of Tehran: Iranian Fulcrums". Combat Aircraft Monthly: 70–73.
  10. ^ a b "Scramble". www.scramble.nl. Archived from the original on 2017-08-25. Retrieved 2017-08-25.
  11. ^ "01IRIAF Su 22 Fitter1 :: Mycity-Military.com". www.mycity-military.com. Archived from the original on 2018-07-29. Retrieved 2018-07-29.
  12. ^ Boring, War Is (2013-12-18). "This Is How Iran Maintains Its Bizarre Air Force". War Is Boring. Archived from the original on 2017-09-13. Retrieved 2017-07-19.
  13. ^ "Warplanes: Iran Gives Syria Ten Iraqi Su-22s". www.strategypage.com. Archived from the original on 2018-02-04. Retrieved 2017-07-19.
  14. ^ a b "IRGC overhauls, upgrades 10 Sukhoi SU-22 fighter jets". 25 July 2018. Archived from the original on 26 July 2018. Retrieved 26 July 2018.
  15. ^ "Iran Upgrades 10 Su-22 Fighter Jets Domestically". www.defenseworld.net. Archived from the original on 2018-07-27. Retrieved 2018-07-27.
  16. ^ "2013 Aerospace". Aviation Week and Space Technology. World Military Aircraft Inventory. January 2013.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
  17. ^ "Su-24 front-line bomber". airforceworld.com. September 2011. Archived from the original on 14 October 2011. Retrieved 5 Oct 2011.
  18. ^ "HESA Saeqeh Saeqeh-80 Azarakhsh-2 fighter aircraft". airrecognition.com. Archived from the original on 7 July 2015. Retrieved 7 July 2015.
  19. ^ "Iran Defense Ministry showcases achievements, including some making first appearances". Iran: PressTV. 15 April 2017. Archived from the original on 16 April 2017. Retrieved 15 April 2017.
  20. ^ "Iran rejects manufacturing Iran-140 passenger plane". 19 May 2015. Archived from the original on 12 August 2017. Retrieved 8 June 2017.
  21. ^ "Military Database - Scramble". www.scramble.nl.

Further reading

  • Andrade, John (1982). Militair 1982. London: Aviation Press Limited. ISBN 0-907898-01-7.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Aircraft of the Iranian Air Force.
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