Why did Iran buy the F-14?

Short answer

Because the Imperial Iranian Air Force wanted an advanced fighter, specifically one able to intercept Soviet MiG-25 reconnaissance flights. After Richard Nixon's 1972 visit to Iran, during which the latest US military technology was offered to the country, it chose the F-14 Tomcat.

Published: November 1, 2026 · Updated: November 1, 2026 · Edited by Above Ten Thousand · Editorial policy

Mc Donnell F-4C Phantom I Is of the 558th TFS in flight over South Vietnam, in December 1968

A fighter to match the MiG-25

The IIAF was looking for an advanced fighter, specifically one able to intercept the Soviet reconnaissance flights carried out with MiG-25s. After US President Richard Nixon's 1972 visit to the Shah's Iran, during which the country was offered the most advanced US military technology, the IIAF selected the F-14 Tomcat and began its acquisition.

Project Persian King

In January 1974 Iran signed an order for 30 F-14s and 424 AIM-54 Phoenix missiles, launching Project Persian King, valued at 300 million US dollars. A few months later the order grew to a total of 80 Tomcats and 714 Phoenix missiles, plus spare parts and replacement engines for ten years. The initial order for 30 aircraft was signed in January 1974, and the figure was later raised to 80.

The deliveries

The first F-14 arrived in January 1976, modified only by the removal of classified avionics components and fitted with TF30-414 engines; twelve more were delivered the following year. The first aircraft therefore arrived in January 1976. Deliveries continued until 1978, when the 79th unit was delivered.