MiG-23ML (Iraqi Air Force)
القوات الجوية العراقية

MiG-23ML
NATO: Flogger-G
Operator: No. 63 Squadron
Location: Balad Air Base (Iraq)
Timeframe: 1996
Loadout: Interceptor
- Wing: R-24R / R-24T
- Fuselage: 4x R-60
- Centerline: Fuel tank

Personal interest:
This model represents a MiG-23ML flown by the Iraqi Air Force during my service in Operation Southern Watch. The Iraqis had 17 operational MiG-23ML Flogger-Gs and 28 other Floggers of older variants. The MiG-23 could not compete with coalition fighters, but it was very fast and had excellent acceleration. The Iraqi Air Force used the strengths of the MiG-23 to briefly violate the no-fly zone and attempt to draw coalition aircraft into the range of anti-aircraft systems.