| title (item) | field_cer_web | field_cer_navbox | g_geofield | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mikojan-Gurevics MiG-23 | MiG repülőgépek - Mikoyan and Gurevich (MiG) aircraft - Liste der Flugzeugtypen des Herstellers Mikojan-Gurewitsch - Самолёты марки «МиГ» |
The first MiG-23s at least ‘probably prepared for deployment’ in the Middle East, even if not exported to one of the local customers, seem to have been MiG-23Ms delivered to the 2nd Squadron of the 32nd Guards Interceptor Aviation Regiment of the VVS, in mid-1972. As far as is known, the aircraft in question have received different variants of the camouflage pattern depicted here, actually standardised for application on MiG-21M MFs exported to the Middle East and Africa around the same time. This consisted of beige BS381C/388 and olive or dark green on top surfaces and sides. The exact colour applied on the undersides is unclear but seems to have included light admiralty grey on forward parts of the underfuselage, and a light grey on the rear, as shown on this artwork. The few available photographs are showing them equipped with launch rails for R-13Ms or armed with four UB-16-57 pods. (Artwork by Tom Cooper)