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Islamic Republic Of Iran Air ForceThe Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF) is the aviation branch of the Iranian armed forces. History The IRIAF began as the Imperial Iranian Air Force (IIAF) which was officially formed in August of 1955 by the Shah of Iran. The IIAF was almost entirely composed of American equipment, which was reflective of the warm relations shared between the United States and Iran. The IIAF was the only military force other than the USN to be equipped with the F-14 Tomcat. It continues to serve, but the numbers have been reduced due to Iran's inability to acquire spare parts for these jets. The IIAF had also placed an order for over 150 F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft in 1976, but deliveries were never made due to the overthrow of the Shah by Ayatollah Khomeni; these aircraft would go on to serve in the Israeli Air Force. The overthrow of the Shah by the Islamic Revolution changed the organization of the Iranian military. The air force itself was decimated by purges and many pilots were removed or left. This left the air force ill prepared for the Iran-Iraq War. Due to strained relations with the west, Iran had to procure new equipment from Brazil, Russia and the People's Republic of China. Since the Revolution, the exact composition of the IRIAF is hard to determine, but estimates do exist. Many aircraft belonging to the Iraqi Air Force took refuge in Iran during the Persian Gulf War, and many were put into service with the IRIAF or taken apart for spare parts. Due to the continuous spare parts shortages faced by the air force, a decision was made in the late 1990s to develop a local aerospace industry to support the air force. In 2002, Iran with the cooperation of Ukraine, successfully started the manufacture of the Iran-140. A small cargo plane also known as the Antonov An-140. Simultaneously, Iran began construction of its 100% domestically produced and upgraded F-5 Tiger. Since then the country has also become sufficent in the manufacture of helicopters: The country claims that it is capable of producing the old U.S. AH-1 Cobra gunship, additionally Iran also produces Bell 212 and 206 helicopters in serial production. Combat Aircraft Non-Combat Helicopters Markings The IRIAF markings are no different than those used by the IIAF, the only difference being that planes of the IRIAF are marked as such, while IIAF jets were marked as such. The roundel remains unchanged, and is the standard roundel consisting of three concentric circles. The outside circle being green, the middle circle being white, and the inside circle being red. The fin flash is a simplification of the Flag of Iran with the symbol of the white plane removed. See also List of air forces External links Iran Air Force
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