![cover image](https://wikiwandv2-19431.kxcdn.com/_next/image?url=https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6f/Mig-23-DNST8908431_JPG.jpg/640px-Mig-23-DNST8908431_JPG.jpg&w=640&q=50)
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23
Soviet fighter-bomber aircraft introduced in 1970 / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23 (Russian: Микоян и Гуревич МиГ-23; NATO reporting name: Flogger) is a variable-geometry fighter aircraft, designed by the Mikoyan-Gurevich design bureau in the Soviet Union. It is a third-generation jet fighter, alongside similar Soviet aircraft such as the Su-17 "Fitter". It was the first Soviet fighter to field a look-down/shoot-down radar, the RP-23 Sapfir, and one of the first to be armed with beyond-visual-range missiles. Production started in 1969 and reached large numbers with over 5,000 aircraft built, making it the most produced variable-sweep wing aircraft in history. The MiG-23 remains in limited service with some export customers.
MiG-23 | |
---|---|
![]() | |
A Soviet Air Force MiG-23MLD | |
Role | Fighter aircraft (M series) Fighter-bomber (B series) |
National origin | Soviet Union |
Manufacturer | Mikoyan-Gurevich / Mikoyan |
First flight | 10 June 1967 |
Introduction | 1970 |
Status | In limited service |
Primary users | Soviet Air Force (historical) Syrian Air Force Indian Air Force (historical) Bulgarian Air Force (historical) See Operators below |
Produced | 1967–1985 |
Number built | 5,047 |
Variants | Mikoyan MiG-27 |
The basic design was also used as the basis for the Mikoyan MiG-27, a dedicated ground-attack variant. Among many minor changes, the MiG-27 replaced the MiG-23's nose-mounted radar system with an optical panel holding a laser designator and a TV camera.