Fewer than 100 McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantoms remain active globally

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Fewer than 100 McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantoms remain active globally

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McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II | Wikipedia

By Sky Industry News

Jul 15, 2025

The McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II, an iconic military aircraft, remains operational in limited numbers despite being over 60 years old. Originally developed by McDonnell Douglas in the 1950s during the Cold War, the F-4 Phantom II was introduced into military service in December 1960. Known for its speed and missile capabilities, it was powered by two General Electric J79-GE-8 turbojet engines and could reach speeds of Mach 2.2.

Before production ceased in 1981, a total of 5,195 units were manufactured. The aircraft was widely used by military forces worldwide, including significant roles during the Vietnam War and throughout NATO operations in the 1970s and 1980s.

As of July 2025, there are still 98 F-4 Phantoms in service across three countries: Iran operates 62 units through its Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force; Turkey's Turkish Air Force has 19; and Greece's Hellenic Air Force maintains 17.

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Former operators include large air forces from countries such as Australia, Egypt, Germany, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Many retired F-4 Phantoms are now displayed in museums around the world.

Notable incidents involving the aircraft include a US Navy F-4 shooting down another F-4 during a training exercise in August 1978 and a similar incident involving US Air Force and Navy aircraft in September 1987. More recently, a Hellenic Air Force F-4 crashed into the Ionian Sea during a training exercise in January 2023.

The legacy of the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II is marked by its technological advancements and cultural impact. It has been featured prominently in various media due to its distinctive design and sound.