In a rare and notable occurrence, an Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF) F-14 Tomcat was spotted escorting the Russian presidential aircraft, along with its accompanying Flanker fighter jets, as they traveled to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The event took place on December 6, 2023, as Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the Middle East to hold discussions with UAE and Saudi Arabian leaders.

President Putin's trip aimed to solidify Russia's influence in the region and establish stronger ties with key Middle Eastern countries. The Russian presidential Il-96-300PU, identified as RSD501, was escorted by four Su-35S Flankers armed with air-to-air missiles, namely the R-77 and R-73 varieties.

Video footage released by the Russian Defense Ministry displayed the Il-96-300PU being closely monitored and protected by the Su-35S fighter jets during the flight. The presidential aircraft, with its distinctive registration RA-92024, was tracked online as it made its way from Moscow to Abu Dhabi and later to Riyadh, making it one of the most closely followed flights on Flightradar24.com at that time.

As the route of the Il-96 transited Iranian airspace, it was intercepted by at least one IRIAF F-14A Tomcat. The presence of the Iranian fighter jet was recorded and witnessed by observers on the ground who captured footage of the six-aircraft formation, which included the Russian presidential plane and the four accompanying Su-35S Flankers.

This is not the first time that Iranian F-14 Tomcats have escorted Russian aircraft in Iranian airspace. In 2015, they performed a similar role, accompanying Russian Air Force Tu-95 Bear bombers during their missions to and from Engels airbase, targeting sites in Syria. The F-14 Tomcats, known as the world's last operational examples, have been serving the Iranian Air Force since their initial delivery in February 1976.

Estimates suggest that Iran currently possesses around 40 to 42 F-14 Tomcats, some of which have undergone upgrades to the F-14AM standard, featuring domestic avionics and a range of weapons systems. The IRIAF operates two types of F-14As: Partially Mission-Capable (PMC) configurations primarily used for training but can be fully operational during times of conflict, and Fully Mission-Capable (FMC) versions equipped with fully operational fire control and weapon systems used for combat missions and quick reaction alerts.

During President Putin's visit to the Middle East, he was accorded official welcomes and held discussions with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud. Key topics on the agenda included energy industry cooperation, advanced technologies, oil collaboration, and the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Accompanying the Russian presidential aircraft were two additional aircraft: a Tu-214SUS, serving as an Airborne Communication Center equipped with advanced communication and technical capabilities, and a Tu-214SR, fulfilling the role of a flying radio relay system between the presidential plane, ground-based receivers, and satellites.

President Putin's lightning trip to the Middle East, complete with the unique escort of an Iranian F-14 Tomcat, reinforces Russia's efforts to assert its influence in the region and strengthen diplomatic ties with key nations.