F-14 Tomcat Fighter Jet: Why USA Set to Restore It

The US plans to restore the F-14 Tomcat carrier-based fighter jets to flying condition as part of a transfer of the aircraft to an aviation museum in Alabama.

This was reported by The War Zone, citing the texts of Senate Bill S. 4161 and a related document in the House of Representatives. Official press releases from the offices of Senator Tim Schig and Congressman Abe Hamade confirm the advancement of the initiative known as the Maverick Act.

On April 28, the US Senate approved a resolution regarding three F-14D aircraft currently in storage at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona.

The legislative initiative allows for the use of surplus parts from Navy stockpiles to restore one of the aircraft to airworthy condition.

This decision aims to preserve naval heritage and ensure the participation of this legendary aircraft in air shows and commemorative events across the United States.

The US Navy officially retired the F-14 in September 2006 after 32 years of service. Since then, US authorities have imposed strict controls on the preservation of airframes and spare parts.

Most of the fighters were destroyed to prevent parts from falling into the hands of Iran, which remains the only foreign operator of these aircraft.

The three remaining F-14D-model aircraft with tail numbers 164341, 164602, and 159437 were selected for transfer. They are currently stored at an aircraft storage facility in the Arizona desert.

Senators Tim Shig and Mark Kelly introduced the bill in March 2026. Both authors have military service experience: Shig was a Navy SEAL, and Kelly was a fighter pilot and astronaut. The Senate passed the bill unanimously, and the matter has now been referred to the House of Representatives.

The transfer of the fighter jets will be free of charge to the federal government. All costs for transportation, maintenance, and subsequent operation will be covered by the US Space and Rocket Center Commission.

The agency has the right to engage nonprofit organizations to fund and carry out the necessary restoration work.

The bill clearly states that the aircraft will have no combat capabilities. Engineers must remove the weapon launch systems and other military components.