Israel struck two Iranian F-14s in Isfahan, asserting its air supremacy and weakening a symbolic pillar of Iran’s defense.

The Israeli Air Force (IAF) carried out highly precise strikes in Isfahan, targeting military installations and destroying two Iranian F-14 Tomcats. Israel claims to have “total control of the skies” over Iran, justifying its actions by the need to antagonize the air defenses of the Islamic Republic. Iran, the only country to operate the F-14 outside the United States, has a fleet that is reaching the end of its life and has been deprived of spare parts since the 1970s. Several analysts believe that the destroyed aircraft had been grounded for a long time, which nevertheless limits the operational impact. Nevertheless, this is a strong symbolic blow, undermining the credibility of Iran’s air deterrence and increasing the risk of further regional retaliation.

The precision of the strikes: two F-14s targeted in Isfahan

On June 17, 2025, the IAF released images showing two F-14 Tomcats on fire, struck by drones or combat missiles, as they stood near a hangar at the military airport in Mehrabad, near Isfahan. The operation is part of a broader campaign, dubbed Operation Rising Lion, aimed at weakening Iran’s air defenses. According to official information, around 200 Israeli aircraft, including F-35I “Adir” jets, targeted more than 100 sites, dropping more than 330 munitions.

Israel said that these F-14s were grounded, probably awaiting service since 2022. Several military experts believe that the action is more justified from a symbolic than a tactical point of view: even out of service, these aircraft represented a long-range radar-launch capability, inherited from the Cold War era.

Gaining total control of Iranian airspace allows Israel to consider strikes during the day or at night, with a reduced risk of interception. Videos show an initial explosion followed by a violent fire, confirming direct strikes on the aircraft.

Symbolic significance: a blow to Iran’s defense

The F-14 Tomcat occupies a unique position in Iran’s arsenal. Only Iran has retained this aircraft after its withdrawal by the US Navy in 2006. At the time of its order (1974-1978), 79 units had been delivered; in 2025, between 26 and 41 remain listed, of which approximately 40 are operational according to Iran.

These aircraft played a key role during the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988), equipped with the AIM-54 Phoenix missile, giving them a unique long-range air defense advantage. Today, Iran maintains this fleet through internal maintenance and equipment acquired on the black market. The remaining F-14s are mainly used for mobile radar surveillance rather than active interception.

It is therefore a strong symbolic choice for Israel to destroy the relics of Iran’s air deterrent. Even out of service, these F-14s embody the military pride of a time when Iran possessed an advanced arsenal. Their destruction is a major psychological and tactical blow, demonstrating the possible collapse of part of Iran’s defense.

Operational and geopolitical consequences

On the military front, the strike marginally reduces Iran’s long-range radar surveillance capabilities. However, the Iranian military still has ground-based radars (S-300, Bavar-373) and other aircraft (F-4, MiG-29, Su-24) according to inventory. The withdrawal of the F-14s forces Iran to rely more heavily on its ground-to-air forces and drone capabilities, particularly the Shahed-136, which have been used extensively in recent times.

Politically, the attack confirms Israeli air superiority. The IAF claims to have had control of the skies over Tehran since June 13, pointing to extensive freedom of action in selecting its targets. This deterrent posture serves as leverage in nuclear and security negotiations. However, it also increases the risk of escalation: Iran has responded with missiles and drones, Israel is repeating its strikes, and the international community is calling for a de-escalation of tensions.

There remains the symbolic dimension: the elimination of remnants of the Cold War. Even when immobilized, these F-14s fostered a sense of power. Their neutralization contributes to weakening Iran’s strategic coherence, making air defense reform all the more urgent despite sanctions.

Outlook: adaptation and future rivalries

The destruction of the F-14s forces Iran to rethink its air defense posture. No longer able to rely on this radar-missile system, Tehran is encouraged to accelerate investment in drones and long-range surface-to-air systems. It is likely that more resources will be allocated to the Bavar-373 or Russian models (S-300, Su-35) programs, although deliveries remain uncertain.

For Israel, multi-prefraction demonstrates the effectiveness of an offensive doctrine combining fighter jets, drones, cruise missiles, and cyber sabotage (Mossad). This raises the question of a renewed technological race: Iran will have to invest in systems that are more resistant to high-precision strikes and electronic warfare.

At the regional level, the operation reinforces the perception of an Israel capable of striking deep into a large neighbor. European allies, Russia, and China are calling for a ceasefire to avoid a wider regional conflict. And the US, despite its discreet support, must manage the consequences of a potential escalation, particularly with regard to the Iraqi, Syrian, and Yemeni borders.