- Military Series
- Highly detailed realistic collectible model
- Diecast & plastic parts.
- Measures approximately: 10.25” L x 10.75” Wingspan
- Box dimensions: 11” L x 11.25” W x 4.2” D
- Display model, recommended for hobbyists and collectors 14 years and above.
The Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF; Persian: نیروی هوایی ارتش جمهوری اسلامی ایران, romanized: Nirvi-ye Hevayi-ye Artesh-e Jimhuri-ye Eslâmi-ye Iran) is the aviation branch of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army. The present air force came into being when the Imperial Iranian Air Force was renamed in 1979 following the Iranian Revolution. The IRIAF was heavily involved in the Iran–Iraq War, carrying out major operations like Operation Kaman 99, Operation Sultan 10, the H-3 airstrike, and the first attack on a nuclear reactor in history, Operation Scorch Sword. As a result of eight years of aerial combat in that conflict, the IRIAF has the second highest claimed number of fighter aces in the region, exceeded only by the Israeli Air Force; as many as seven IRIAF pilots claimed more than six kills, mostly achieved in the F-14 Tomcat. Veterans of the Iran–Iraq War would go on to form the core of the IRIAF command.
The Grumman F-14 Tomcat, designed to carry the powerful AIM-54 Phoenix missile, found its sole foreign customer in the Imperial Iranian Air Force (IIAF). In the early 1970s, during the reign of the last Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the IIAF sought an advanced fighter capable of intercepting Soviet MiG-25 reconnaissance flights. Following a visit by U.S. President Richard Nixon in 1972, Iran selected the F-14 Tomcat and placed an initial order for 30 aircraft and 424 AIM-54 Phoenix missiles. This order later increased to 80 Tomcats and 714 Phoenix missiles, marking the initiation of Project Persian King.
The first F-14 arrived in January 1976, and Iran, under the IIAF, utilized the Tomcats for various roles, including early-warning platforms and defense of vital areas during the Iran–Iraq War (1980–1988). Despite challenges after the overthrow of the Shah in 1979 and the cancellation of most Western arms orders, Iranian F-14s played a significant role in the conflict. The aircraft achieved notable success, with Iranian ace Jalil Zandi credited for shooting down eleven Iraqi aircraft. However, losses were also incurred, and by the end of the war, the number of operational F-14s had decreased.
In the post-war period, Iran faced challenges in maintaining and upgrading its F-14 fleet due to restrictions on spare parts. The country sought to increase its airworthy Tomcats, although combat-ready numbers remained low. Efforts were made to optimize the aircraft, with the Iranian Air Force's Mehrabad Overhaul Center delivering an F-14 with upgraded weapon systems in 2012.
Despite various obstacles, Iranian F-14s continued to be active in the 21st century. In 2015, they were reported flying escort for Russian bombers on air strikes in Syria. In 2019, an F-14 crashed during landing, but both crew members survived.
This JC Wings model is replica of a F-14A from the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF) based at Khatami Air Base, Iran 2014.
This F-14A is a great addition to your diecast aircraft collection.
