Breaking: Historic Fighter Jets Hit in Tehran Attack
June 17, 2025, 3.30 pm IST
Israel Destroys Iran’s F-14 Fighter Jets – Israel Destroys Iran’s F-14 Fighter Jets – Near Tehran airfield two Iranian F-14 Tomcat fighter jets have been destroyed by the Israeli military.
The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) have released video footage of this air attack, which shows huge explosions when Israeli drones hit the jets.
Table of Contents
F-14 Tomcat Fighter Jets – History
The F-14 Tomcat is a famous American fighter jet, which the US has stopped using since 2006.
Presently, Iran is the only country in the world which still flies F-14 Tomcat Fighter Jets. 80 F-16 fighter jets were bought by the Shah of Iran from America in the 1970s. This was before the 1979 Islamic Revolution, which changed everything between Iran and the US.
Iran’s Struggling F-14 Fleet of Fighter Jets
After 1979, Iran could not get spare parts from America. The US put an arms embargo on Iran. This made it very hard for Iran to keep the F-14 fighter jets working.
Iran had to be creative to keep their F-14s flying. They took components from broken jets to fix the working ones. They also tried making parts themselves. Some reports say Iran bought parts illegally from the black market.
Currently, Iran has only 20 to 30 working F-14 fighter jets left. Some experts think even fewer jets can actually fly.
Israel Destroys Iran’s F-14 Fighter Jets – Israeli Attack Details
Israeli drones struck the two F-14 fighter jets while they were parked. The jets were standing outside aircraft shelters at the Tehran airbase. Military experts say the jets were probably not able to fly anymore.
But the IDF said these jets were meant to stop Israeli aircraft. The hit timing was critical. These jets were hit before they could fly.
Israel Destroys Iran’s F-14 Fighter Jets – Video Evidence Released by Israeli Military
Airstrike footage was shared by the Israeli military. The videos show the exact moment when the jets exploded. Large balls of fire erupted from both aircrafts.
The IDF wrote on social media that “these jets were intended to intercept Israeli aircraft.” The strike was part of a larger military operation against Iran.
Bigger Picture: Israel v/s Iran Conflict
This attack is part of a larger conflict between Israel and Iran. Israel and Iran have been fighting for five days now. This is their most intense confrontation ever.
This fighting started after years of tension.
Hamas – Backed by Iran
The Islamic Resistance Movement, abbreviated Hamas, romanized: Ḥarakat al-Muqāwamah al-Islāmiyyah), is a Palestinian nationalist Sunni Islamist political organisation with a military wing, the Qassam Brigades. Israel has been battling Hamas in Gaza since October 2023, while Hamas has been backed by Iran.
Israel Destroys Iran’s F-14 Fighter Jets – Rising Death Toll
This fighting between Israel and Iran has caused many casualties on both sides. As reported by the Iranian health ministry, 224 people were killed and over 1,200 were wounded. 24 people have died and 592 others were injured in Israel.
Both countries have hit civilian areas. Israel’s bombardment struck an Iranian TV building during a live broadcast. Missiles and drones have been fired by Iran at Israeli cities and towns.
War Goals of Netanyahu
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has outlined his three main objectives:
- Stop Iran’s nuclear program,
- Destroy Iran’s missile production, and
- End Iranian support for terrorist groups.
Netanyahu said that Israel is changing the face of the Middle East with this campaign. He believed it could bring about major changes in Iran.
The Israeli leader also said his country coordinates closely with the United States. He did not rule out targeting the Iranian Supreme Leader.
Israel Destroys Iran’s F-14 Fighter Jets – Claims of Israel’s Air Superiority
Israel says it now controls the skies over Tehran. Effie Defrin, the Military spokesman, claimed full air superiority over Tehran after the latest strikes on Iran.
IDF has said that they have destroyed one-third of Iran’s surface-to-surface missile launchers. If this is true, then this would be a major blow to Iran’s military capabilities.
International Response to the Iran-Israel Conflict
World leaders are calling for both sides to stop fighting. China has raised concerns and urged both the countries, Iran and Israel to reduce tensions immediately. Turkey offered to help end the conflict.
President Trump has posted a warning on social media asking Iranian residents to evacuate Tehran without giving more details. Trump later said that Iran would not win the war at the G7 Summit.
Iran-Israel Conflict – Nuclear Concerns
The United Nations is monitoring Iran’s nuclear sites. As per the International Atomic Energy Agency Iran’s underground uranium facility at Natanz has not be attacked. But over the ground part of the Natanz nuclear site has been destroyed.
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Military Impact
The loss of the F-14 jets is symbolic for Iran. The fact that Iran has F-14 aircrafts dipicts it’s association with the USA in the 1970s. These F-14 jets were a source of national pride.
The Iranian air force now has about 15 fighter squadrons. The country struggles to maintain older aircraft without Western support. Several Iranian F-14 Tomcats have been grounded due to the absence of spare parts.
Israel Destroys Iran’s F-14 Fighter Jets – End of an Era of F-14
Some military experts think this conflict could end Iran’s F-14 program completely. The jets are over 50 years old and very difficult to maintain.
Iran has tried to upgrade the F-14s with their own technology. Modification of the radar and weapons systems of the F-14 has been done, but the basic aircraft design remains the same.
Israel Destroys Iran’s F-14 Fighter Jets – No Signs of Stopping
The Iran-Israel fight shows no signs of stopping. Iran and Israel continue to attack each others territories despite international pressure.
Israel appears determined to achieve its three main goals. Iran says it will defend itself against Israeli aggression.
Iran’s F-14 Tomcat jets’ destruction is an important moment in this conflict. These F-14 Tomcat fighter jets may soon be history in the Middle East.
Israel Destroys Iran’s F-14 Fighter Jets while the world watches the two regional powers fight their direct confrontation ever. Outcome of the war could reshape the entire Middle East region in the years to come.
