When the US Navy rushed F-14s to intercept a Concorde it led to the only known photo of the aircraft at Mach 2
Published on Dec 23, 2025 at 3:14 PM (UTC+4)
by Henry Kelsall
Last updated on Dec 24, 2025 at 12:10 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Mason Jones
The US Navy once rushed F-14 Tomcat fighters to intercept Concorde, resulting in the only known photograph of the supersonic airliner flying at Mach 2.
Concorde still takes our breath away, over 20 years after its retirement, but there was one time when the US Navy thought the aircraft posed a threat.
Not wishing to be caught off-guard, F-14s were scrambled to intercept what turned out to be the iconic airliner on one of its regular crossings.
What it did give us, however, is an exceptional photo, and quite possibly the only one of Concorde ever at its full operating speed.
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Why were the F-14 Tomcats scrambled against Concorde?
The interception took place in August 1990, during Operation Desert Shield, with two VF-32 Tomcats.
A cruiser in the Red Sea had detected a high and fast aircraft from the north.
The two Tomcats, returning from a training sortie, were then tasked with intercepting the potential threat.
David ‘Hey Joe’ Parson, the Radar Intercept Officer in the rear seat, recalled spotting the aircraft on his radar.
Parson pulled out a 300mm camera lens, and looking through it, he spotted Concorde.
The only photo of the airliner at Mach 2
In awe of it, Parson took a picture and recorded the only known image of Concorde at Mach 2.
With the threat identified, the two F-14s stood down and returned to their aircraft carrier.
Concorde flying over the Persian Gulf was an unusual sight, but it was highly likely on a charter flight.
Tensions were high, and military aircraft were all around.
So it’s easy to see why the supersonic airliner was initially considered a threat.
As it turned out, we got a slice of history with the image of the white arrow flying at its top speed.
Even after over 20 years since the last flight, Concorde can still capture our hearts and imagination.
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Henry is a content writer with nearly ten years experience, having written for various publications since 2017. Qualifying with a Sports Journalism degree from Staffordshire University, Henry loves all things automotive but has a particular soft spot for classic Japanese cars and anything Lancia. He also has a curious passion for steam locomotives.
