picture 204278

Another warhorse of the IrAF during the war with Iraq was the Sukhoi Su-20/22 family, nearly 150 of which were acquired between 1975 and 1985 and operated by half a dozen squadrons. The survivability of this big and powerful fighter-bomber, and its compatibility with a wide array of ordnance made it highly popular, which is why some top IrAF commanders favoured it over any other available types – including Mirages – and dozens of pilots flying Su-20/22s were highly decorated. However, losses were extensive: more than 70 were shot down in the eight years of war. Iraqi Sukhois wore very different camouflage patterns, usually consisting of chocolate brown and dark green on upper surfaces and sides, and light admiralty grey (BS381C/697) on undersurfaces. Many had two sets of national markings applied on the fuselage, and this Su-22M-3K was decorated by a symbol of excellence (a shield with the inscription Iraq in Arabic and English). It is shown armed with four FAB-500M-62 bombs. (Artwork by Tom Cooper)