New satellite tv for pc imagery of an Iranian airfield exhibits two US-made F-14 fighter jets — one in every of which appears to be completely destroyed — after they had been hit by Israeli airstrikes earlier within the week.The picture, captured on Friday by US industrial satellite tv for pc imaging firm Maxar Applied sciences and obtained by Enterprise Insider, exhibits the 2 F-14s at a facility at Mehrabad Worldwide Airport in Tehran.One of many F-14s seems to have taken successful close to the nostril, though the complete extent of the harm is unclear. Nevertheless, the opposite jet instantly subsequent to it was decreased to a burned wreck.
One F-14 is destroyed whereas the opposite appears partially broken.
Satellite tv for pc picture ©2025 Maxar Applied sciences
Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin, a spokesperson for the Israel Protection Forces, stated on Monday that an IDF drone struck two Iranian F-14s, marking “one other lack of strategic weaponry for the enemy.” The navy revealed footage exhibiting a direct hit on every plane.RECAP of Our Current Operations Over Tehran:🛫 Strike on two F-14 fighter jets that had been situated at an airport in Tehran. These jets had been supposed to intercept Israeli plane.❌ Thwarted a UAV launch try towards Israel.🎯 Eradicated a launch cell minutes earlier than launch… pic.twitter.com/y1gY7oBz99— Israel Protection Forces (@IDF) June 16, 2025
The F-14 Tomcat is a multi-role fighter jet made by the US aerospace company previously referred to as Grumman Aerospace Company, now Northrop Grumman. Designed to be launched from plane carriers, the airplane was launched by the US Navy within the Seventies and took part in fight missions world wide over the following few many years.The Navy stopped flying the F-14 in 2006, after changing it with the F/A-18 Tremendous Hornet made by US protection producer Boeing. Nevertheless, the F-14 has remained a celebrated plane, partly due to its highlight within the “Prime Gun” blockbusters.The US bought practically 80 F-14s to Iran, as soon as an American companion, earlier than the 1979 Iranian Revolution ended relations between the 2 nations. Washington minimize assist and provides of spare elements for the Tomcats, and Tehran’s stock slowly declined over time as upkeep and logistical challenges mounted. Iran nonetheless has its jets, although, and is the one remaining operator.Iran’s F-14s, like a lot of its air drive, are comparatively out of date as a result of worldwide sanctions and embargoes that forestall the nation from modernizing its fleet. Tehran additionally operates different ageing plane, together with Soviet-era Su-24s and MiG-29s and US-made F-5s.
F-14s had been a celebrated plane within the US Navy. Iran is the one air drive that also operates them.
AP Picture
The restrictions of its airpower have pressured Iran to depend on constructing a big arsenal of ballistic missiles and assault drones. Tehran was stated to have bought newer Su-35 plane from Russia, though it is unclear if any have been delivered.Israel has struck extra plane past the 2 F-14s, together with at the very least one aerial refueling tanker and eight assault helicopters, since starting a brand new operation final Friday aimed toward degrading Iran’s nuclear program, a longtime aim of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.Over the previous week, Israeli fighter jets have carried out widespread airstrikes throughout Iran, focusing on its nuclear amenities, prime scientists, senior commanders, missile launchers, air defenses, and different high-profile navy infrastructure. The Iranians have responded by launching a whole lot of missiles and drones at Israel.In the meantime, President Donald Trump is weighing whether or not to make use of US belongings to strike Iran’s most hardened nuclear websites. Iran has stated that it’s going to retaliate if American forces intervene within the battle.
