Iranian Air Force*
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The Iranian Air Force was one of the most highly trained and outfitted air arms of the developing world at the time of the Revolution that deposed the Shah.*
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The first decade of the Revolution saw the combat effectiveness of the air force decline rapidly as spare parts became hard to acquire.  However, by the second decade (1990's) that trend was reversed, and by 1998 the numbers of combat ready aircraft approached 75 percent of the 1979 totals and continues to grow.  While most of the equipment is now old and lags far behind the cutting edge, the aircraft are kept in good repair.  A few new acquisitions help give the Iranian the technology to upgrade their old aircraft, and to develop indigenous designs based on the craft they have.*
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By 2002 they once again have an air force that in numbers rivals any in their region.