Choice of Fighter for Iran’s Security
The F-14 Tomcat was by far the most capable of establishing and maintaining air superiority over large areas without relying heavily on ground radar and control facilities with its uniquely advanced ability to simultaneously engage multiple targets, making it possible to accomplish its mission with relatively few aircraft. While we would use it as a land-based fighter, the role it needed to fulfill was not unlike that of a fleet air defender. The AWG-9 offered unprecedented and unmatched area radar coverage. The Tomcat’s range and endurance enabled air defense coverage over vast space and time. It could expand its reach even further by working and partnering with the Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS). But even without the AWACS, the F-14 alone could conduct long-range air defense missions.
In addition to all these unique abilities, it also performed extremely well in short-range air combat, as long as its aircrew were properly trained and familiar with the aircraft. In short, the Tomcat was unrivaled in meeting our demanding needs and filled a sorely felt vacuum in the Imperial Iranian Air Force (IIAF) ’s nationwide air defense mission against a large-scale threat.
Shedding light on the F-15
The F-15A Eagle in 1972 was an early version, and we found it to be an excellent and capable fighter. But when it came to large-area air defense, which is what we cared about the most, this early version could not compete with the F-14’s AWG-9/AIM-54 Phoenix combination. At the time of writing, it is often thought that by the F-15 we must be referring to a later variant like the F-15E Strike Eagle, which came years later in response to newer intelligence on Soviet aircraft and with the benefit of great technological advances. These variants are significantly different from the F-15A that we were evaluating back then and should not be confused with one another.
The F-14’s downsides
With all its advantages and capabilities, the Tomcat did still have some disadvantages, most notably compressor stalls. Its Pratt and Whitney TF30 engines are used to power the F-111. Although this engine has been tested for many years, it was not meant to withstand the high G pressure of air combat. When the plane was in a sharp turn of 4G or more, it was possible that not enough air would enter the compressor, which would stall, resulting in shutdown or worse.
Since the Tomcat’s engines are separated by approximately two meters and eighty centimeters, this could act as a forceful rudder and subsequently a flat spin and a loss of control. While this was a serious risk, it was possible to mitigate by proper training and aircrew preparation—it would come down to the hands of a capable pilot who mastered the proper use of the throttle in all conditions.
The Decision: the true story of why Iran bought the F-14 Tomcat
Fortunately, fate would turn out in Iran’s favor. The new world realities and emerging approach of the British and American governments opened the field for Iran in the Middle East. Iran’s foreign policy was based on logic, regional stability, and friendship with neighboring countries. His Majesty prepared the ground by fostering stronger alliances and good will with the heads of countries, especially President Nixon of the United States, to support Iran’s regional position. At the same time, we were benefiting from increasing oil revenues, and on the other hand, Grumman was facing financial and organizational pressures due to political, economic, and technical reasons.
At this time, Captain John Mitchell, the coordinator of the F-14 program at the Naval Operations Headquarters, became aware of our quest. With persistent efforts, he was able to prepare the Department of Defense, Congress, the US Air Force, and the US Navy to organize briefing sessions for Iranian military officials to brief them on these two options. Two groups equipped with training materials, videos, and statistical tables were prepared: the Air Force group about the F-15 and the Navy group about the F-14. They were talking In September 1973, the last explanatory meeting was presented by USAF Colonel Fred Cuthill about the F-15 and US Navy Captain John Mitchell about the F-14—the representatives chosen by the Department of Defense and the American government—in the presence of His Majesty the Shah, who had already extensively studied and discussed the options with us.
The decision was made shortly after in 1974 to proceed with the Tomcat, and within a few days, the first payment from Iran was transferred.
80 F-14 Tomcat fighter jets for Iran
As it turned out, the American government was willing to let Iran purchase these very advanced fighter aircraft, which normally would not be considered for export. For the IIAF, it was an exceptional opportunity to have this front-line American combat aircraft in its fleet.
In 1975, I was commander of the 7th tactical fighter base in Shiraz, and General Khatami, the IIAF commander, with the support of the leadership of the Iranian MIO (Military Industries Organization), and the American MAG (Military Assistance Group) selected me as the single point of contact for the F-14 project. I moved to Isfahan’s 8th tactical fighter base, the main base for the Tomcats. It would later be named after General Khatami after his tragic death in 1975.
We ended up purchasing 80 aircraft, with an option for 70 more. The first 79 were delivered, and the 80th one was retained in the U.S. for testing and potential modifications we may have wanted. With the 1979 uprising, the option for 70 more was canceled, and this last aircraft remained in the U.S. Shortly after the arrival of the first Tomcats, his Majesty visited our base and viewed the Tomcats and inspected the cockpits up close with me at his side.
Up on the platform by the cockpit, he discussed with me multiple technical topics, including the Tomcat’s various systems. He then turned to me with a happy look and said, “General we purchased a fine aircraft, didn’t we”. I replied “Yes indeed we did Sir, her presence had been missed”.
Photo by IIAF Association, IIAF Museum
