The 10 Best Iran Fighter Jets | Top 10 Fighter Jets

The 10 Best Iran Fighter Jets: A Look into the Islamic Republic’s Aerial Arsenal

There is no question that Iran has seen more than its fair share of wars over its largely tumultuous years since independence, and a big factor in the nation’s constant fight to survive has been Iran’s consistently impressive aerial strength, wit

Iran’s fighter jet fleet is a fascinating blend of Cold War-era relics, reverse-engineered designs, and indigenous innovations. Despite decades of sanctions and limited access to modern Western technology, Iran has managed to maintain and even expand its air combat capabilities through ingenuity, local manufacturing, and strategic acquisitions. Here’s a look at the 10 best fighter jets currently in service with the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF) and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Aerospace Force (IRGC-AF).

1. Grumman F-14 Tomcat

The crown jewel of Iran’s air force, the F-14 Tomcat remains its most iconic and capable air superiority fighter. Originally delivered by the U.S. in the 1970s, Iran is the only country outside the U.S. to have operated the F-14. Despite the embargo, Iran has kept around 40 of these swing-wing fighters operational through reverse engineering and domestic upgrades. Armed with the long-range Fakour-90 missile (a derivative of the AIM-54 Phoenix), the F-14 provides Iran with a formidable interceptor platform.

2. McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II

Another American classic, the F-4 Phantom II serves as a multirole workhorse in Iran’s fleet. With over 60 units still in service, the F-4s have been upgraded with Chinese and Iranian avionics and weapon systems, including the Qader cruise missile. These aircraft are used for ground attack, maritime strike, and reconnaissance missions.

3. Mikoyan MiG-29 Fulcrum

Acquired from Russia and Iraq in the early 1990s, the MiG-29 is Iran’s most modern multirole fighter of foreign origin. With around 30 aircraft in service, including trainers, the MiG-29 offers agility, speed, and decent radar capabilities. Iran has reportedly upgraded some of these jets to carry indigenous Nasr-1 anti-ship missiles.

4. Sukhoi Su-24 Fencer

The Su-24 is a supersonic, all-weather attack aircraft capable of delivering precision strikes deep into enemy territory. Iran operates around 30 Su-24MKs, many of which were originally Iraqi aircraft flown to Iran during the Gulf War. These jets have been modernized to carry smart bombs and cruise missiles, making them a key asset for long-range strike missions.

5. Northrop F-5 Tiger II / HESA Kowsar

The F-5E/F Tiger II is a lightweight fighter that Iran has not only maintained but also reverse-engineered into several indigenous variants. The most notable is the HESA Kowsar, a domestically produced version with upgraded avionics and radar. While not a match for modern fighters, the Kowsar serves as a training and light attack platform and symbolizes Iran’s push for self-reliance.

6. HESA Saeqeh

Derived from the F-5, the Saeqeh (meaning “Thunderbolt”) is Iran’s first attempt at an indigenous fighter jet. It features twin vertical stabilizers and improved avionics. Though limited in number (around 12), the Saeqeh is a symbol of Iran’s aerospace ambitions and is used for light attack and air defense roles.

7. Dassault Mirage F1

Iran acquired around 23 Mirage F1s from Iraq during the Gulf War. These French-built multirole fighters have been integrated into the IRIAF and are used for both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. Though aging, they remain a valuable part of Iran’s fleet due to their versatility and range.

8. Chengdu F-7 (Chinese MiG-21 variant)

The F-7 is a Chinese-built version of the Soviet MiG-21, known for its speed and simplicity. Iran operates around two dozen of these aircraft, primarily for interception and training. While technologically outdated, the F-7s are still useful for point-defense missions and pilot development.

9. Sukhoi Su-22

Another aircraft inherited from Iraq, the Su-22 is a variable-sweep wing fighter-bomber. Though many were grounded for years, Iran has overhauled and modernized several units to carry smart munitions and cruise missiles. These jets are now operated by the IRGC-AF and are used for ground attack and close air support.

10. Yak-130 (Trainer with Combat Capability)

In 2023, Iran received its first batch of Yak-130 advanced jet trainers from Russia. While primarily a training aircraft, the Yak-130 can also serve in a light attack role. Its arrival marks a significant step in modernizing Iran’s pilot training pipeline and potentially expanding its light combat capabilities.

Iran’s fighter jet fleet is a testament to resilience and resourcefulness. While many of its aircraft are decades old, Iran has managed to keep them flying through domestic innovation, reverse engineering, and selective modernization. With the recent acquisition of Yak-130s and rumored interest in Russian Su-35s, Iran may be on the cusp of a new era in air power. Until then, its current fleet—though aging—remains a potent force in the region.

Iran’s fighter fleet is a patchwork of legacy systems and modern adaptations, but it’s far from obsolete. If you’d like, I can create a comparison table, a timeline of acquisitions, or even a map of airbases where these jets are stationed. Just say the word, commander.