Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force

The Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF) operates within a dual-command structure, alongside the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Aerospace Force (IRGCASF). The IRIAF is the country's conventional air arm, while the IRGCASF controls Iran's ballistic missile and strategic unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) programs. This division reflects Iran's broader military strategy. The IRIAF is primarily tasked with territorial air defense, while the IRGCASF focuses on asymmetric and power projection capabilities.

Operationally, the IRIAF is constrained by an aging and diverse inventory of aircraft. Many of the most capable platforms are US-made aircraft acquired before the 1979 revolution, which are difficult to maintain due to decades of sanctions. To sustain operations, the IRIAF has proven adept at cannibalizing parts and reverse-engineering components. It also operates a number of Soviet-era and Chinese aircraft. Limited in its ability to project power conventionally, the IRIAF’s primary role is defensive.

Iran's strategic doctrine emphasizes "forward defense," relying on a combination of conventional deterrence and asymmetric capabilities to counter more technologically advanced adversaries. This doctrine acknowledges the limitations of its conventional forces and prioritizes the development of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and UAVs. For the air force, this translates into a focus on anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) in the Persian Gulf and defensive counter-air operations.

The IRIAF's most significant operational engagement was the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988), during which it conducted major air operations and produced a number of experienced pilots. Since then, its combat experience has been limited, though it has engaged in some cross-border strikes. In the 1991 Gulf War, numerous Iraqi aircraft were flown to Iran and subsequently integrated into the IRIAF.

Modernization programs are a focus for Iran, driven by necessity due to international sanctions. Efforts are centered on indigenous development, including the production of combat drones, munitions, and the upgrading of existing aircraft. Iran also seeks to acquire new technologies and platforms through collaboration with countries like Russia and China. However, these modernization efforts have yielded mixed results, and the IRIAF's domestically produced aircraft often face limitations compared to foreign counterparts.