Iran's Air Force 2025: Assessing The Islamic Republic's Aerial Power

Mervin Schuppe PhD 28 Jun 2025

In 2025, the question of how powerful Iran’s air force truly is remains a subject of intense scrutiny and strategic debate. The Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF), the aviation branch of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army, plays a critical, albeit complex, role within the broader Iranian armed forces. This article delves into a comprehensive overview of the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force inventory 2025, examining its capabilities, limitations, and strategic significance based on recent assessments.

Understanding the IRIAF's current state requires looking beyond raw numbers. It involves a detailed analysis of its aging fleet, the impact of decades of sanctions, indigenous development efforts, and the unique dual-structure of Iran's air power, which also includes the aerospace force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). This comprehensive analysis explores Iran's military aviation landscape, providing insights into its operational readiness and future trajectory.

Table of Contents

The IRIAF: A Historical Overview
Decoding Iran's Aerial Might in 2025
The IRIAF's Fleet: A Closer Look at 400 Units
- Fighter Jet Capabilities and Limitations
- Transport and Special Mission Assets
The Challenge of Airworthiness and Modernization
IRIAF vs. IRGC-AF: A Dual Structure
- The Rise of Iran's UAV Program
Strategic Vulnerabilities and Regional Dynamics
- The Future Outlook: Modernization or Stagnation?
Conclusion: A Force Under Pressure

The IRIAF: A Historical Overview

Established in the 1920s, Iran’s air force, known as the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF), has evolved significantly over the decades. Initially formed with a mix of European aircraft, it saw substantial modernization during the Pahlavi era, becoming one of the most advanced air forces in the region, particularly with the acquisition of sophisticated American aircraft like the F-14 Tomcat and F-4 Phantom II. These platforms formed the backbone of its combat capabilities and, remarkably, continue to do so in 2025, albeit with severe limitations.

The Iranian air force is considered an independent branch of the armed forces, distinct from the ground forces and navy. However, its operational scope and strategic planning are closely intertwined with the nation's overall defense posture. Following the 1979 revolution and subsequent international sanctions, the IRIAF faced immense challenges in maintaining its fleet and acquiring new technology. This period forced Iran to develop indigenous maintenance capabilities, reverse-engineer parts, and explore alternative sources for military hardware, often relying on ingenuity and illicit procurement networks.

Decoding Iran's Aerial Might in 2025

To truly understand how powerful Iran’s air force is in 2025, one must look at the detailed analysis of its fleet composition, fighter jets, aircraft types, and defense capabilities. The following represents an overview of the modern aerial fighting capabilities of the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (2025), drawing from various reports including the 2025 World Air Forces Report from FlightGlobal, an aviation and aerospace industry authority, and assessments by the World Directory of Modern Military Aircraft. These reports aim to identify every Iranian combat aircraft currently in service and provide a realistic picture of the IRIAF's strength.

In this video, we break down the full capabilities of the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF) and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Aerospace Force (IRGC-AF), offering a comprehensive look at Iran’s aerial capabilities, including its modern fighter jets, transport aircraft, and special mission types. While Iran boasts a vast military force, its air power, particularly the IRIAF, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities for Tehran.

The IRIAF's Fleet: A Closer Look at 400 Units

The most striking figure concerning the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force inventory 2025 is its total active aircraft count. The World Directory of Modern Military Aircraft's 2025 assessment of the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF) estimates that there are only 400 total aircraft in its active service. This number encompasses a diverse range of current aircraft of the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force, including attack, fighter, bomber, transport, and special mission types.

While 400 units might seem substantial, the actual operational readiness and technological sophistication of this fleet are key factors. To identify every Iranian combat aircraft currently in service, organizations like 24/7 Wall St. reviewed the 2025 world air forces report from FlightGlobal, revealing a fleet heavily reliant on aging platforms. The service currently counts 400 total units in its active inventory, a number that reflects both the challenges of modernization and the perseverance in maintaining legacy systems.

Fighter Jet Capabilities and Limitations

The core of the IRIAF's combat power still rests on its vintage American-made aircraft, primarily the F-14 Tomcat, F-4 Phantom II, and F-5 Tiger II, acquired before 1979. These aircraft, though once cutting-edge, are now decades old. Iran has made significant efforts to keep them operational through reverse engineering, cannibalization, and the development of indigenous components. However, the airworthiness of many IRIAF aircraft is doubtful, with a significant portion likely grounded or operating at reduced capacity due to a lack of genuine spare parts and extensive wear and tear.

Beyond the American legacy aircraft, the IRIAF also operates a mix of Soviet-era jets, including MiG-29 Fulcrums, Su-24 Fencers, and some J-7 (Chinese variant of MiG-21) fighters. These were acquired in smaller numbers post-revolution, primarily from Russia and China. While these aircraft offer some level of capability, they too face modernization challenges and cannot compete with the fourth and fifth-generation fighters operated by many of Iran's regional adversaries.

Transport and Special Mission Assets

The Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force inventory 2025 also includes a range of transport aircraft and special mission types, essential for logistical support, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare. These include various models of C-130 Hercules, Fokker F27s, and locally modified aircraft for specific roles. While less glamorous than fighter jets, these assets are crucial for sustaining military operations, moving personnel and equipment, and gathering intelligence. Their continued operation, much like the combat fleet, relies heavily on Iran's ability to maintain and repair them despite external pressures.

The Challenge of Airworthiness and Modernization

One of the most significant challenges facing the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force in 2025 is the airworthiness of its fleet. Decades of stringent international sanctions have severely limited Iran's access to modern aircraft, genuine spare parts, and advanced aviation technology. This has forced the IRIAF to become remarkably self-reliant, developing an impressive domestic aerospace industry capable of manufacturing some components and even attempting to build its own fighter jets, such as the HESA Saeqeh, which is based on the F-5.

Despite these efforts, the gap between Iran's air force and those of its potential adversaries continues to widen. The lack of modern radar systems, advanced avionics, and precision-guided munitions severely limits the effectiveness of its older platforms in a contemporary air combat scenario. While Iran has invested heavily in its missile capabilities and air defense systems to compensate for its air force's shortcomings, the ability to project air power and achieve air superiority remains a critical vulnerability.

IRIAF vs. IRGC-AF: A Dual Structure

It is crucial to note that the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force is not the sole possessor of aerial assets in Iran. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) also has its own air arm, known as the IRGC Aerospace Force. This dual structure is a unique aspect of Iran's military doctrine, with each branch having distinct roles and, to some extent, separate inventories.

While the IRIAF focuses on conventional air combat, air defense, and transport, the IRGC Aerospace Force has historically concentrated on missile development, drone technology, and tactical air support, often utilizing helicopters and smaller, domestically produced aircraft. This is a list of aircraft types operated by the Iranian Air Force, not including those operated by the Aerospace Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. This distinction is vital for understanding Iran's overall aerial capabilities, as Iran entered the recent conflict with a vast but unevenly distributed military force, centered around the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), its missile arsenal, and its growing drone capabilities.

The Rise of Iran's UAV Program

Perhaps the most significant advancement in Iran's aerial capabilities in recent years has been its robust unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) program. The commander of the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force says many foreign countries are eager to purchase Iran’s unmanned aerial vehicles, highlighting the success and perceived effectiveness of these systems. Iran has developed a wide array of drones for reconnaissance, surveillance, and attack roles, some of which have proven capable of long-range operations and evading detection.

These UAVs represent a strategic shift for Iran, allowing it to project power and gather intelligence without risking manned aircraft. They are a relatively low-cost, high-impact asset that can be deployed in swarms or for targeted strikes, posing a significant threat to regional adversaries. This focus on asymmetric warfare capabilities, particularly through drones and missiles, is a direct response to the IRIAF's limitations in conventional air-to-air combat.

Strategic Vulnerabilities and Regional Dynamics

Despite its efforts, the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force inventory 2025 reveals critical weaknesses when viewed in the context of regional power dynamics. Events such as the hypothetical scenario where the 4th tactical airbase Dezful has been attacked by the Israeli Air Force at June 13th, 2025, underscore the potential vulnerability of Iran's fixed air assets to precision strikes from more technologically advanced adversaries. Israel’s attack on Iran has exposed critical weaknesses in Tehran’s broader military strategy, particularly its ability to defend its airspace and project air power effectively.

In any major air campaign against Iran, the military capabilities of its adversaries could certainly make an impact. The IRIAF's aging platforms, limited operational readiness, and reliance on outdated technology mean that achieving air superiority against a modern, well-equipped air force would be an immense challenge. This forces Iran to rely heavily on its integrated air defense network, which includes a mix of Russian-made S-300 systems and indigenous developments, to deter potential aerial assaults.

The Future Outlook: Modernization or Stagnation?

The future of the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force inventory 2025 hinges on several factors, primarily the lifting of international sanctions and Iran's strategic partnerships. With the expiration of some UN arms embargoes, Iran has the theoretical ability to purchase modern fighter jets from countries like Russia and China. There have been ongoing discussions about potential acquisitions of Su-35s or J-10s, which would significantly upgrade the IRIAF's capabilities.

However, such acquisitions are costly and complex, requiring not just the aircraft but also extensive training, maintenance infrastructure, and integration into existing defense networks. Until significant modernization occurs, the IRIAF will continue to operate under severe constraints, relying on its ingenuity to keep its legacy fleet flying and leveraging its growing drone and missile capabilities to offset its conventional air power deficiencies. Explore the latest aircraft, fighter jets, and advancements of the Iranian air force in 2025, and you will see a force in transition, struggling to balance legacy systems with emerging threats and technologies.

Conclusion: A Force Under Pressure

The Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force inventory 2025 paints a picture of a military branch that is critical to national defense but operates under immense pressure. With an estimated 400 total active units, largely composed of aging aircraft, the IRIAF faces significant challenges in terms of airworthiness, modernization, and technological parity with its regional rivals. While Iran has shown remarkable resilience in maintaining its legacy fleet and developing indigenous solutions, particularly in the realm of unmanned aerial vehicles, its conventional air power remains a vulnerability.

The distinction between the IRIAF and the IRGC Aerospace Force highlights Iran's layered approach to aerial defense, with the latter's focus on drones and missiles serving as a potent asymmetric deterrent. As we explore the latest aircraft, fighter jets, and advancements of the Iranian air force in 2025, it becomes clear that while it may not possess the most advanced combat aircraft, its strategic importance within Iran's overall military doctrine remains undiminished. The question of how powerful Iran’s air force is in 2025 ultimately depends on the context of the conflict and the adversary it faces, but its limitations in conventional air-to-air combat are undeniable.

What are your thoughts on the current state and future prospects of the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force? Share your insights and perspectives in the comments below, and don't forget to explore our other articles on global military capabilities!

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