The Israeli Air Force carried out an attack against Iran’s main F-14 base, located in Isfahan, in the central part of the country.
According to the Israel Defense Forces, the offensive took place on March 8, 2026, and was part of the so-called Operation Roaring Lion, which reportedly destroyed Tomcat fighters belonging to Iran’s 81st, 82nd, and 83rd squadrons.
According to the military statement, the action struck hangars and facilities that stored the aircraft, as well as detection and defense systems that posed a threat to Israeli aircraft. The attack comes just days after another operation that reportedly destroyed 16 aircraft linked to the Quds Force at Mehrabad Airport in Tehran, increasing aerial pressure on Iran.
The targeted base is considered strategic because it reportedly houses virtually all F-14s still in service in the country. If the information is confirmed, the bombing may have eliminated most — or even all — of the last operational Tomcats in the world, since the model was retired by the United States Navy in 2006.
Iran’s F-14s have a unique history. The country received 79 units during the Shah’s regime in the 1970s and managed to keep part of the fleet operational over the decades despite international sanctions. It is estimated that up to about 30 aircraft were still available, some modernized with local avionics and weapons, turning the Tomcats into a symbol of Iran’s ability to keep the fighter in service.
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Source: The Aviationist | Photo: X @RealAirPower1 | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
צה”ל תקף מטוסי קרב מסוג ’14-F’ בשדה תעופה באיספהאן בגל תקיפה נרחב של חיל האוויר בהכוונת אמ”ן, הותקפו אתמול מתחמים בהם אוחסנו מטוסי קרב מסוג ׳F-14’ של משטר הטרור האיראני בשדה התעופה שבאיספהאן. כמו כן, הותקפו מערכות גילוי והגנה שאיימו על מטוסי חיל האוויר. תקיפה זו מצטרפת להשמדתם…
— צבא ההגנה לישראל (@idfonline) March 8, 2026
