Nothing screams 1980s Americana cinema like the action-packed and adrenaline-filled 1986 film Iron Eagle. It’s from a time when Hollywood celebrated everything American. It’s a film released in the same year as Top Gun, so you get the idea of glorification of American achievements, the “Make America Great Again-Reagan era years.
The film, directed by Sidney J. Furie, takes us on a thrilling ride through the skies as a group of brave teens attempts to rescue one of their fathers, an American Air Force pilot captured in the Middle East.
Memorable aerial combat scenes and intense, dramatic moments were filmed in various locations, leaving many a viewer wondering where this film was shot. So, today I bring you some of the places where this aerial battle film was filmed: We’re traveling to California and Israel, delving into the fascinating stories behind the choice of these remarkable settings.
Iron Eagle Filming Locations
Iron Eagle is the kind of movie that was overshadowed by a similar film, Tom Cruise’s iconic Top Gun, despite releasing the same year. Still, Iron Eagle’s biggest appeal was the use of aerial takes and the use of fighter jets, which makes the film so attractive due to the acrobatics and stunts employed. As I wrote at the beginning of this piece, this film was shot in California and Israel.
California: Home of the Miramar Naval Air Station
The American Armed Forces have a strict policy of not letting production crews film anything on their bases. As such, the producers had to recreate the look and feel of an Air Base. So, they chose many hangars, air museums, and decommissioned Air Bases across the state of California, like the Planes of Fame Air Museum in Chino, California, or the hangars and barracks we see during the film, that were shot in location at Camarillo, this offered a unique opportunity for the crew to utilize the alluring backdrop of its airstrip and facilities.
The use of real F-16 planes in the movie surely amped up the excitement factor and solidified the look and feel of this 1980s war flick.
Also Read: 40 Movies Similar To Top Gun That Take You To the Battlefield
Israel: The Desert Meets the Sky
Back then, the US Air Force had a much stronger policy on companies filming its war aircraft because they didn’t want the enemy to know about its designs. So, the producers turned to the Israeli government to shoot the aerial scenes. Much of the movie represents the region known as the Middle East, with many of Israel’s desert landscapes making the cut.
The captivating desert and barren land provide a unique visual aesthetic to the film, while the collaboration with the Israeli Air Force adds authenticity to the production. Filming in Israel was done over the course of a month and a half.
Intricate aerial maneuvers and heart-stopping air combat scenes were nothing short of spectacular, thanks to the talented pilots and dedicated crew members who made it all possible. The challenges of filming in this difficult terrain were met with perseverance and the Israeli Air Force’s support, resulting in one of the most unforgettable action sequences in cinema history
In addition, the collaboration with the Israeli Air Force not only created an unforgettable cinematic experience but also nurtured stronger ties between the American film industry and the Israeli government.
The Lasting Impact on Local Communities
The filming of *Iron Eagle* in these distinct locations has undoubtedly had a long-lasting effect on the communities they represent. The publicity and fanfare surrounding the movie led to a significant boost in tourism, with movie buffs and aviation enthusiasts alike flocking to the sites featured in the film.
Aspiring pilots and curious visitors can explore places like the Planes of Fame Air Museum in Chino, further fueling local interest and pride in the area’s rich history.
Also Read: What Happened To Iceman in Top Gun? Why Is He Silent Throughout The Movie?
