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zraver · 01-11-2008, 19:55 PM

Iran has 2 all weather fighters the F-4 Phantom II and the F-14Ir. I call the F-14 the 14Ir becuase of extensive modifications made to keep it flying. Russian engines and parts, Russian missiles, modified Hawk missiles to replace the Pheniox etc, domestically reproduced parts. It is Iran's longest legged fighter, but its radar is old and very jammable by the US since we built it. Backing the Tomcats up are a number of even older but still capable Phantom II's again modified to some extent with imported Russian or Chinese gear to keep them flying. These two types are Iran's only real all weather day or night platforms. backing these up are a bunch of early block Mig 29'swith the Topaz and Topaz M radars (very short ranged) and F-5 Freedom Fighter II and clones/derivative fighters. The Migs and F-5 family are all day fighters with small radars and little in the way of true BVR.

Although internet rumors persist that Iran is trying to acquire more modern Sukhois in large numbers, safe bets are Iran is not going to upgrade its fighters anytime soon. Iran's budget is limited and they seemed focused instead on a conventionally based force of missiles that gives them a second strike capability after being attacked through sheer numbers. They remember how bad the results were for the SCUD hunter sin 91. To this end Iran has a very large fleet of SRBM's that can cover the Gulf and might be able to reach Israel.

Iran has used these missiles to publicly state they will attack the nations of the GCC if they aid the US. An effective tactics as one by one the GCC nations have refused the USAF basing for a war vs Iran*. This of course cut American air power by 2/3rds or more and forces us to use carriers whose movements can be tracked, thus lessening our ability to achieve surprise.

If the US does decide on war, and decides to use carriers, I expect Iran will send its air force on a death ride vs 1 or 2 carrier groups after showering those groups with missiles to run the Aegis ships dry. They have Su-24 and Su-25's they can use for this as well as Phantoms. Iran also has at least 1 satellite and several UAV's of unknown range and capability to track the carriers even if all other assets fail.

Defensively, Iran relies on SAMs, they have the TorM1, and are rummored to have at least some S-300's. These systems will probably be in the interior nea rhigh value government and nuclear sites as a defense against stealth attacks, not becuase they can spot the stealth planes but because the TorM1 at least is advertised as being able to target and hit guided bombs and low flying cruise missiles.

Away from critical targets Iran's Sam net is... pathetic really. All very old cold war era American, Soviet, and Chinese gear that is very vulnerable to SEAD. This leaves Iran's coast and by extension its navy almost totally uncovered. Iran has offset this vulnerability to a great deal by going with lots and lots of small speedboats called boghammers (under 10 tons) and nearly 100 fast attack craft (under 100 tons) armed with everything from RPG's to small maverick sized anti-shipping missiles. These are concentrated near the Straits of Hormuz for obvious reasons. The areas limited maneuver room, short ranges, and limited SAm support all work against the US. Also near the Straits of Hormuz- Iran might also deploy its domestically built Cobra attack helicopter clones. Iran's actual naval tactics however is another discussion.

* I have seen nothing from the GCC or Iran that would prevent USAF fighters from doing what ever they want outside of Iranian airspace and this includes Iranian assets attacking shipping. if I am right, and then ther eis a war we might see an interesting reversal where the USAF takes on a martime escort role and the USN attacks land targets like docks, boat sheds and barracks in order to keep the GCC happy until Iran lashes out at them and the USAF can join the fray.

01-11-2008, 19:55 PM	#5 (permalink)
zraver Contrary by nature. *Military Professional* Join Date: 10-22-06 Location: Arkansas Posts: 2,530 Country:	Iran has 2 all weather fighters the F-4 Phantom II and the F-14Ir. I call the F-14 the 14Ir becuase of extensive modifications made to keep it flying. Russian engines and parts, Russian missiles, modified Hawk missiles to replace the Pheniox etc, domestically reproduced parts. It is Iran's longest legged fighter, but its radar is old and very jammable by the US since we built it. Backing the Tomcats up are a number of even older but still capable Phantom II's again modified to some extent with imported Russian or Chinese gear to keep them flying. These two types are Iran's only real all weather day or night platforms. backing these up are a bunch of early block Mig 29'swith the Topaz and Topaz M radars (very short ranged) and F-5 Freedom Fighter II and clones/derivative fighters. The Migs and F-5 family are all day fighters with small radars and little in the way of true BVR. Although internet rumors persist that Iran is trying to acquire more modern Sukhois in large numbers, safe bets are Iran is not going to upgrade its fighters anytime soon. Iran's budget is limited and they seemed focused instead on a conventionally based force of missiles that gives them a second strike capability after being attacked through sheer numbers. They remember how bad the results were for the SCUD hunter sin 91. To this end Iran has a very large fleet of SRBM's that can cover the Gulf and might be able to reach Israel. Iran has used these missiles to publicly state they will attack the nations of the GCC if they aid the US. An effective tactics as one by one the GCC nations have refused the USAF basing for a war vs Iran. This of course cut American air power by 2/3rds or more and forces us to use carriers whose movements can be tracked, thus lessening our ability to achieve surprise. If the US does decide on war, and decides to use carriers, I expect Iran will send its air force on a death ride vs 1 or 2 carrier groups after showering those groups with missiles to run the Aegis ships dry. They have Su-24 and Su-25's they can use for this as well as Phantoms. Iran also has at least 1 satellite and several UAV's of unknown range and capability to track the carriers even if all other assets fail. Defensively, Iran relies on SAMs, they have the TorM1, and are rummored to have at least some S-300's. These systems will probably be in the interior nea rhigh value government and nuclear sites as a defense against stealth attacks, not becuase they can spot the stealth planes but because the TorM1 at least is advertised as being able to target and hit guided bombs and low flying cruise missiles. Away from critical targets Iran's Sam net is... pathetic really. All very old cold war era American, Soviet, and Chinese gear that is very vulnerable to SEAD. This leaves Iran's coast and by extension its navy almost totally uncovered. Iran has offset this vulnerability to a great deal by going with lots and lots of small speedboats called boghammers (under 10 tons) and nearly 100 fast attack craft (under 100 tons) armed with everything from RPG's to small maverick sized anti-shipping missiles. These are concentrated near the Straits of Hormuz for obvious reasons. The areas limited maneuver room, short ranges, and limited SAm support all work against the US. Also near the Straits of Hormuz- Iran might also deploy its domestically built Cobra attack helicopter clones. Iran's actual naval tactics however is another discussion. I have seen nothing from the GCC or Iran that would prevent USAF fighters from doing what ever they want outside of Iranian airspace and this includes Iranian assets attacking shipping. if I am right, and then ther eis a war we might see an interesting reversal where the USAF takes on a martime escort role and the USN attacks land targets like docks, boat sheds and barracks in order to keep the GCC happy until Iran lashes out at them and the USAF can join the fray.