Iran's Air Force: A Deep Dive Into Its Capabilities

Kenyon Legros 22 Jun 2025

The question "Does Iran have an air force?" might seem straightforward, but the reality of Iran's aerial capabilities is far more complex and nuanced than a simple yes or no. Far from being a mere collection of aircraft, Iran's air force, officially known as the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF), represents a critical and evolving component of the nation's armed forces. Its structure, doctrine, and operational capabilities have been meticulously shaped by decades of international sanctions, regional rivalries, and a persistent focus on indigenous development.

Understanding the IRIAF requires a journey through its history, an examination of its unique inventory, and an appreciation for the strategic environment in which it operates. From its foundational years to its current state, the IRIAF has continuously adapted, demonstrating resilience in the face of significant external pressures. This article takes a closer look at the Islamic Republic of Iran's air force, exploring its past, present, and the strategic implications of its evolving power.

The Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF): A Historical Overview
The Backbone of Iran's Air Power: Legacy Aircraft
Indigenous Development and Strategic Adaptation
Iran's Integrated Air Defense System
Current Inventory and Operational Strength
Strategic Doctrine and Regional Dynamics
- Operation Morvarid: A Testament to Joint Operations
- The Ongoing Contest with Israel and the GCC
Iran's Air Force vs. Regional Powers: A Comparative Look
- Israel's Air Force Capabilities
- What Military Strength Does Iran Have?
Military Spending and Strengthening Capabilities
Conclusion

The Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF): A Historical Overview

The roots of Iran's air force stretch back to the 1920s, a period of significant modernization and nation-building. Established as a nascent aerial arm, it gradually expanded its capabilities, primarily relying on Western-supplied aircraft and training. However, the pivotal moment in its evolution, and indeed for the entire Iranian military, came with the 1979 Islamic Revolution. This transformative event fundamentally reshaped the IRIAF, forcing it to adapt dramatically to new geopolitical realities and regional security dynamics.

Post-revolution, Iran faced an immediate and severe challenge: the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988). This brutal conflict tested the IRIAF's resilience, forcing it to operate with limited spare parts and an increasingly isolated international standing. Despite these immense hurdles, the air force played a crucial role, demonstrating ingenuity in maintaining its fleet and executing critical missions. The war also solidified a doctrine shaped by decades of international sanctions and regional rivalries, emphasizing self-reliance and asymmetric capabilities. The Islamic Republic of Iran's air power is thus defined by a unique dual structure, comprising both the conventional IRIAF and the air arm of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), each with distinct roles but contributing to the overall national air defense.

The Backbone of Iran's Air Power: Legacy Aircraft

A defining characteristic of Iran's air force is its reliance on a great number of jets made by former Western allies. Prior to the 1979 revolution, Iran was a major customer for American and European aircraft, acquiring advanced platforms like the F-14 Tomcat, F-4 Phantom II, and F-5 Tiger II. Decades of sanctions, however, have meant that Iran has been largely cut off from traditional supply chains for spare parts, maintenance, and new aircraft acquisitions. This has necessitated an extraordinary effort in reverse engineering, domestic production of components, and innovative maintenance strategies to keep these aging fleets operational.

The ingenuity of Iranian engineers and technicians in maintaining these complex aircraft under such constraints is remarkable. While these jets may not possess the stealth or advanced avionics of modern fifth-generation fighters, their continued operation underscores Iran's commitment to preserving its air power. Furthermore, a unique historical event in 1991 bolstered Iran's air fleet: the Iranian armed forces received a number of Iraqi military aircraft being evacuated from the Persian Gulf War of that year. Most of which were incorporated into the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force, providing a welcome, albeit unexpected, addition to its inventory, including some French-made Mirage F1s and Soviet-era MiG-29s and Su-24s. These acquisitions, while aging, diversified Iran's fleet and provided additional platforms for training and potential combat operations.

Indigenous Development and Strategic Adaptation

Recognizing the limitations of its legacy fleet and the persistent threat of sanctions, Iran has increasingly focused on indigenous development in its defense sector. This drive for self-sufficiency extends across all branches of its military, including the air force. The air force has meanwhile focused on supporting the Iranian integrated air defense system and providing combat support to ground forces, understanding that a modern air force cannot operate effectively without a robust defensive umbrella and close coordination with ground elements.

This emphasis on indigenous capabilities is not limited to aircraft production but also extends to missile technology, drones, and electronic warfare systems. For its part, Iran still maintains a focus on an indigenous nuclear capability, a highly contentious issue that further complicates its regional and international standing. While the connection to the air force might seem indirect, the development of long-range missile capabilities, often associated with a potential nuclear program, provides a strategic deterrent that complements conventional air power. Furthermore, Iran's partnership with defense power Russia has also been beneficial, providing access to certain technologies, training, and potentially more modern aircraft or air defense systems, although the full extent of this cooperation often remains shrouded in secrecy. This strategic alliance helps Iran circumvent some of the effects of Western sanctions and bolster its military modernization efforts.

Iran's Integrated Air Defense System

Perhaps even more critical than its offensive air capabilities is Iran's formidable and increasingly sophisticated integrated air defense system. Recognizing its vulnerability to air strikes, particularly from technologically superior adversaries, Iran has heavily invested in developing a multi-layered air defense network. This system is designed to detect, track, and intercept incoming aerial threats, from fighter jets to ballistic missiles.

A significant development in this regard was the establishment of the Air Defense Force in 2019 by Supreme Leader Khamenei, making it the newest Artesh service. This move underscored the strategic importance Iran places on its air defense capabilities, elevating it to an independent military branch alongside the army, navy, and air force. The Air Defense Force operates a wide range of indigenously produced air defense systems, including various missile batteries, radars, and command-and-control centers. While precise figures are often classified, the question "How many air defense systems does Iran have?" is frequently posed by analysts. While official numbers are scarce, some analysts believe the figure is far higher than publicly acknowledged, suggesting a dense and resilient network capable of posing a significant challenge to any potential aggressor. This robust air defense capability serves as a crucial deterrent, protecting Iran's strategic assets and population centers.

Current Inventory and Operational Strength

Assessing the exact current inventory and operational strength of Iran's air force is challenging due to the secretive nature of military data and the ongoing impact of sanctions on maintenance and upgrades. However, open-source intelligence and defense analyses provide some insights. According to the Military Factory, there are a total of [48] active Iranian air force aircraft (2025) entries, though this number often refers to specific types or models rather than the entire operational fleet. It's important to note that flag images indicative of country of origin are not necessarily the primary operator, meaning some aircraft in Iran's inventory might have originated from various countries but are now exclusively operated by the IRIAF.

The inventory includes a mix of fighter jets, transport aircraft, helicopters, and reconnaissance platforms. Beyond fixed-wing aircraft, Iran also operates a considerable number of rotary-wing assets. For instance, light utility helicopter active aircraft play crucial roles in transport, liaison, and even some combat support roles. The military branch also utilizes various ground-based weapon systems, including 7.62mm machine guns for airbase defense and other security tasks. For a more detailed breakdown, defense enthusiasts often view the inventory breakdown of Iran at partner sites like Warpower, which attempt to compile comprehensive lists based on available intelligence. While the numbers might seem modest compared to global superpowers, the strategic context in which Iran operates makes every operational asset significant.

Strategic Doctrine and Regional Dynamics

Iran's air force doctrine is profoundly shaped by its unique geopolitical circumstances. While most NATO air forces have been for years focused on counter insurgency (COIN) operations, Iran has faced primarily a peer threat since 1979. This fundamental difference in strategic outlook has led the IRIAF to prioritize air defense, conventional deterrence, and asymmetric capabilities over expeditionary power projection. Its operational experience is rooted in large-scale conventional warfare, particularly the Iran-Iraq War, rather than the low-intensity conflicts that have characterized Western military engagements.

Operation Morvarid: A Testament to Joint Operations

A notable example of Iran's operational capability and strategic thinking is Operation Morvarid. This was a successful joint operation by the IRIAF and the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy in the Persian Gulf against the Iraqi Air Force and Navy during the Iran-Iraq War. Launched in late 1980, this complex operation demonstrated Iran's ability to coordinate air and naval assets effectively, inflict significant damage on an adversary, and protect vital economic interests. It stands as a testament to the IRIAF's capacity for complex, multi-domain operations even under wartime conditions and severe resource constraints.

The Ongoing Contest with Israel and the GCC

Beyond the war with Iraq, the ongoing contest with Israel and the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) has played a key part in forming the approach of Iran's air force commanders. This persistent rivalry drives Iran's efforts to maintain a credible deterrent, even with an aging fleet. The threat of potential conflict, coupled with allegations of covert involvement in regional conflicts (such as repeated US and British allegations that Iranian forces have been covertly involved in the Iraq War since 2003), underscores the IRIAF's role in projecting influence and defending national interests. The incoming American administration is a major development for the region and will likely strengthen Israel while pressuring Iran, further intensifying the strategic considerations for Iran's air force.

Iran's Air Force vs. Regional Powers: A Comparative Look

When discussing Iran's air force, it's inevitable to consider its capabilities in comparison to regional adversaries, particularly Israel. The question "Israel's air force versus Iran?" is a common point of analysis among military strategists. Israel has one of the most experienced and capable air forces in the world, as stated by Frederik Mertens, a strategic analyst with Dutch think tank TNO. Equipped with advanced F-35s, F-15s, and F-16s, and benefiting from extensive combat experience and strong Western support, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) possesses a significant technological and qualitative edge.

Israel's Air Force Capabilities

Both forces operate dozens of fighter jets, but their capabilities compare quite differently. The IAF boasts a modern, continuously upgraded fleet, superior training, and advanced electronic warfare capabilities. Its pilots are among the most highly trained globally, with extensive experience in complex air operations, including long-range strikes and air superiority missions. This contrasts sharply with Iran's air force, which, despite its resilience, operates an aging fleet with limited access to modern upgrades. The qualitative gap is significant, and Iran's strategy largely relies on its robust air defense system and asymmetric warfare capabilities to offset this disparity.

What Military Strength Does Iran Have?

So, what military strength does Iran have at its disposal in the event of open war with the Jewish state and its allies? It is clear that Iran's armed capabilities have been considerably strengthened over the last thirty years, despite sanctions. This strengthening isn't solely in the air force but across all branches, with a particular emphasis on missile technology, drones, and naval capabilities. While its conventional air power might be outmatched by Israel, Iran's integrated air defense, its large arsenal of ballistic and cruise missiles, and its asymmetric naval forces in the Persian Gulf present a complex and multi-faceted threat that cannot be easily dismissed. The ongoing development of indigenous weaponry and strategic partnerships further enhances its overall military posture.

Military Spending and Strengthening Capabilities

Despite the economic pressures of sanctions, Iran has continued to invest significantly in its military. According to the World Bank, military spending jumped from $15.8 billion to $24.6 billion in 2021, representing 2.3% of GDP. This substantial increase in defense expenditure underscores Iran's commitment to bolstering its military strength and ensuring its security in a volatile region. While a significant portion of this budget likely goes towards strategic programs like missile development and maintaining its ground forces, a portion undoubtedly supports the operations, maintenance, and indigenous development efforts of Iran's air force.

This increased spending allows for critical investments in areas like air defense systems, drone technology, and potentially the modernization of its existing aircraft through domestic upgrades. It also supports the training and readiness of its personnel, which is crucial for maintaining operational effectiveness. The growth in military spending reflects Iran's strategic priorities and its determination to project strength and deter potential adversaries, even in the face of economic challenges.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the answer to "Does Iran have an air force?" is unequivocally yes, and it is a force shaped by unique historical circumstances, persistent challenges, and a strong drive for self-reliance. The Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force, along with its integrated air defense system, forms a vital part of Iran's national security apparatus. While it may not possess the cutting-edge technology of some Western air forces, its resilience, ingenuity in maintaining legacy aircraft, and focus on indigenous development make it a formidable component of Iran's military capabilities.

Its strategic doctrine, forged in the crucible of the Iran-Iraq War and refined by ongoing regional rivalries, prioritizes defense and deterrence. The IRIAF's ability to conduct complex joint operations, as demonstrated by Operation Morvarid, coupled with Iran's significant investments in air defense and indigenous military production, underscores its commitment to maintaining a credible air power. Understanding Iran's air force is crucial for anyone seeking to comprehend the complex geopolitical dynamics of the Middle East.

What are your thoughts on the future trajectory of Iran's air power given its unique challenges and strategic ambitions? Share your insights in the comments below, and explore our other articles for more in-depth analyses of global defense and security topics.

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