Key Points – The McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II, an iconic American fighter from the Vietnam era, remains the most numerous jet in Iran’s air force, with around 63 still in service.
-Iran acquired over 200 F-4s from the U.S. before the 1979 Islamic Revolution when the two nations were close allies.
-Despite a decades-long arms embargo, Iran has managed to keep a portion of this aging fleet flying through reverse engineering and black-market parts procurement.
-While a testament to Iranian ingenuity, these hopelessly outmatched Cold War relics would stand no chance against the modern stealth fighters of adversaries like Israel.
Meet Iran’s F-4 Fleet: The Phantoms That Refuse to Die
The Iranian Air Force currently operates a hodgepodge of mid-to-late Cold War fighter jets. One of these jets is the McDonnell F-4 Phantom II. With around 63 fighters in its fleet, the F-4 is the most numerous jets in the IRIAF.
Iran purchased these planes prior to the Iranian revolution, when Iran was considering a key regional ally during the Cold War. Today, despite the obsolescence, the F-4 continues to fly for the Iranian Air Force, hopelessly outmatched by the IDAF and its F-35Is.
U.S.-Iranian Relations Before the Revolution
Prior to the Islamic revolution, relations between the U.S. and Iran were stable, if not positive. Following the 1953 CIA-backed coup that reinstated the Shah after the brief premiership of Mohammad Mossadegh, Iran became a central pillar of American strategy in the region.
The United States viewed Iran as a critical ally in containing Soviet influence and maintaining stability in the Persian Gulf. In return for its loyalty and strategic cooperation, Iran received substantial military and economic support from Washington.
By the 1960s, the Shah had embarked on an ambitious program to modernize Iran’s military forces. Flush with oil revenues and eager to position Iran as a dominant regional power, he sought to acquire the most advanced weaponry available. The United States, eager to support a friendly regime and secure its interests in the region, was willing to provide Iran with cutting-edge military technology. Among the most significant acquisitions during this period was the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II.
The F-4 Flies to Iran
The F-4 Phantom II was one of the most advanced fighter aircraft of its time. Developed in the late 1950s, it was a twin-engine, long-range supersonic jet capable of performing both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. It had proven its effectiveness in the Vietnam War and was widely used by the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force. Its versatility, speed, and payload capacity made it an attractive option for countries looking to modernize their air forces.
Iran began receiving F-4 Phantoms in the late 1960s. The initial deliveries included the F-4D variant, followed by the more advanced F-4E, which featured improved avionics and ground-attack capabilities. Iran also acquired the RF-4E, a reconnaissance version equipped with high-resolution cameras instead of weapons.
By the mid-1970s, Iran had received over 200 F-4s, making it one of the largest operators of the aircraft outside the United States.
These aircraft were integrated into the Imperial Iranian Air Force (IIAF), which was rapidly becoming one of the most powerful air forces in the Middle East. The U.S. not only supplied the jets but also provided extensive training and logistical support. Iranian pilots and maintenance crews were trained in the United States, and American advisors were stationed in Iran to assist with operations. The IIAF adopted many aspects of U.S. military doctrine, and English was commonly used in technical manuals and communications.
The Ayatollah Takes Power
The relationship between the two countries, however, changed dramatically with the 1979 Iranian Revolution. The overthrow of the Shah and the establishment of the Islamic Republic led to a complete rupture in diplomatic and military ties.
The United States imposed an arms embargo, and all military support was halted. Despite this, Iran retained its fleet of F-4s. Over the ensuing decades, the newly formed Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF) managed to keep many of these aircraft operational through a combination of reverse engineering, black-market procurement, and domestic innovation.
Iran’s ability to maintain and operate its F-4 fleet under such challenging conditions is a testament to its technical ingenuity and determination. As of 2025, Iran still operates over 60 F-4s, making it the largest Phantom operator in the world.
These aircraft have been used in various conflicts and operations, including the Iran-Iraq War (1980–1988), where they played a crucial role in both air superiority and ground-attack missions. More recently, Iranian F-4s were reportedly used in airstrikes against ISIS targets in Iraq and Syria during the 2010s.
The F-4 Still Flies in Iran
Ever since the revolution, maintaining its fleet of F-4s has been a problem for Ian. To extend the operational life of its Phantoms, Iran has undertaken several modernization programs. These efforts have included upgrading avionics, installing new radar systems, and integrating modern weaponry.
However, the lack of access to original spare parts and advanced Western technology has limited the scope and effectiveness of these upgrades. However, Iran was able to obtain some spare parts from a private businessman who was later indicted.
Despite decades of sanctions and isolation, Iran still continues to fly its F-4 Phantoms. Practically, the aircraft remain capable a strike platform, especially in scenarios where air superiority is uncontested. Symbolically, they represent a link to Iran’s past military strength and its complex relationship with the United States.
They also underscore Iran’s resilience in maintaining a high-tech fleet despite decades isolation. However, compared to Israel’s comprehensively modernized Air Force, the F-4 would stand no chance against Israeli air power.
About the Author:
Isaac Seitz, a Defense Columnist, graduated from Patrick Henry College’s Strategic Intelligence and National Security program. He has also studied Russian at Middlebury Language Schools and has worked as an intelligence Analyst in the private sector.
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William B Charlton
July 23, 2025 at 5:15 pm
Decent overview of very basic facts, but falls flat by failing to mention Iranian
F-14s; should have contrasted quantities procured and still in service of each, as well as remaining capabilities. Doesn’t seem a stretch for a writer with your credentials.