Turkey: Turkey has acquired 233 of these iconic aircraft, widely regarded for their combat versatility. Of these, 54 Turkish Phantoms underwent extensive mid-life upgrades under Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI), elevating them to the advanced F-4E Terminator 2020 standard.

Today, Turkey maintains a fleet of around 50 Phantoms, placing it among the final three operators of the aircraft alongside regional rivals Greece, with 18 Phantoms, and Iran, which operates 62. First introduced to the U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps in 1960, the Phantom represents a legacy of 64 years of service.

Countries like Australia, Egypt, Germany, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Spain, and the United Kingdom also adopted the F-4, which played a pivotal role in conflicts such as the Vietnam War, facing off against Soviet-supplied MiG-21s.

The F-4 Phantom II, a two-seat, twin-engine supersonic interceptor and fighter-bomber, was first flown in 1958 and became operational in 1960. A total of 5,195 units were built between 1958 and 1981, making it the most produced American supersonic military aircraft and a Cold War icon. Known for its Mach 2.2 speed and capability to carry up to 8,400 kg of weapons across nine hardpoints, the Phantom was equipped with state-of-the-art radar for its era. Although initially lacking an internal gun, later models like the F-4E added a cannon to address shortcomings in close combat scenarios.

The Phantom set numerous world records, including time-to-altitude feats and maximum speed achievements. Its versatility allowed it to evolve through various roles—from air superiority to ground attack and reconnaissance—before being replaced in the U.S. by aircraft like the F-15 Eagle and F-16 Fighting Falcon. It also served as a platform for “Wild Weasel” missions, targeting enemy air defenses.

In combat, the Phantom was both a formidable adversary and a workhorse. During the Vietnam War, it dominated the skies, engaging MiG fighters and conducting ground strikes. The aircraft achieved numerous air-to-air victories, although its maneuverability was often challenged by lighter, more agile MiGs. By the war's end, the U.S. claimed a favorable kill ratio against the MiG-21s, despite significant losses.

The Phantom’s legacy extends beyond Vietnam. It participated in numerous global conflicts, including Arab-Israeli wars, the Iran-Iraq War, and Operation Desert Storm, while also being adapted for roles like reconnaissance and drone operations into the 21st century. Nicknamed “Rhino,” “Old Smokey,” and the “Phabulous Phantom,” it earned a reputation as a fearsome and reliable fighter, embodying the brute power and technological innovation of its time.