The Grumman F-14 Tomcat is a U.S. Navy fighter jet known for its ability to operate from aircraft carriers and fly at supersonic speeds. It features twin engines, a two-seat cockpit arranged in tandem, twin tails, and variable-sweep wings that adjust for different flying conditions. It was created after the failure of the F-111B project, as part of the Navy’s VFX program, and was the first of the so-called "Teen Series" fighters—jets developed based on lessons learned during air combat in the Vietnam War against nimble MiG fighters.

The F-14 made its maiden flight on December 21, 1970, and entered active service in 1974 aboard the USS Enterprise, replacing the older F-4 Phantom II. For decades, it served as the Navy’s top fighter for air superiority, fleet defense, and reconnaissance. In the 1990s, it was upgraded with the LANTIRN system, allowing it to take on precision ground-attack roles. The Navy officially retired the Tomcat in 2006, replacing it with the more modern F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. Many retired F-14s are now displayed in museums and air parks around the U.S.

Iran also received F-14s in 1976, back when it was aligned with the West under Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. After the 1979 revolution, Iran continued to operate the F-14 during the Iran–Iraq War, reportedly downing over 160 Iraqi aircraft, though only 55 of those kills are independently verified. Iran lost 16 F-14s during the war, including several to accidents. As of 2024, Iran still flies a small number of F-14s, but their readiness is limited due to difficulty in sourcing spare parts.