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List of MiG-23 operators

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Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23 operators
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Below is a compilation of Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23 users. Currently active operators are highlighted in bold

Operators

Main article: MiG-23

Military

As of 2021, the MiG-23 remains in service with the air forces of Angola, Cuba, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Kazakhstan, Libya, North Korea, Sudan, Syria, and Zimbabwe.

Afghanistan

Between 1988 and 1990, the Afghan Air Force was delivered a total of 53 MiG-23MS aircraft subsequent to the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan.[1] Most of these jets were either shot down or destroyed while on the ground during the period of the Afghan Civil War.[2][3]

Algeria

The Algerian Air Force (Force Aerienne Algerienne) procured approximately 80 MiG-23 aircraft of various variants from the Soviet Union, with deliveries commencing in 1979; all units were phased out by 2004.

  • 4e Escadre de Chasse-Bombardement, stationed at Ourgla
  • 21e Escadre de Chasse-Bombardement, based in Laghouat
    • 27e Escadron d'Attaque (operating MiG-23BN)
    • 28e Escadron d'Interception (equipped with MiG-23MS, MiG-23MF, MiG-23UB)

Angola

The Angolan People's Air Force (FAPA) acquired no fewer than 80 MiG-23ML aircraft from Soviet sources. Additionally, some planes operated by the Cuban Air Force and later by mercenaries from Executive Outcomes flew missions from Angolan airbases. Following a governmental transition in 1992, Angola's MiG-23 fleet was placed in storage until refurbishment and modernization to MiG-23MLD standards took place in Ukraine in 2005. Presently, about 22 remain active.[4]

  • Angolan People's Air Force (FAPA)
    • 25th Air Combat Fighter Regiment
      • 12th Fighter Squadron (MiG-23ML, MiG-23UB)
      • 13th Fighter Squadron (MiG-23ML, MiG-23UB)
  • Angolan National Air Force (FANA)
    • 25th Air Combat Fighter Regiment, located at Kuito
      • 12th Fighter Squadron (MiG-23MLD, MiG-23UB)
      • 13th Fighter Squadron (MiG-23MLD, MiG-23UB)

Belarus

Following the breakup of the USSR, several formations from both the Soviet Air Defence Forces and Soviet Tactical Aviation were integrated into the newly established Belarusian Air Force (VPS). This included a lone unit equipped with MiG-23MLD fighters, alongside other squadrons flying aircraft such as the Sukhoi Su-27 fighters and Sukhoi Su-24 bombers. MiG-23UB aircraft remained in service primarily for training purposes. By 2001, all MiG-23 models had been phased out from Belarusian operations.

  • VPS
    • 201st IAP, Minsk (MiG-23MLD, MiG-23UB)
    • 116th BAP
      • Training flight utilizing MiG-23UB
    • 927th IAP, Byaroza (MiG-23UB)

Bulgaria

The introduction of the MiG-23 into the Bulgarian Air Force fleet occurred in 1976. The entire fleet was retired by 2004.

  • Bulgarian Air Force (1978–1992)
  • Bulgarian Air Force (1992–2001)
    • 1st Fighter Base, Dobroslavtsi (MiG-23BN, MiG-23MF, MiG-23MLD, MiG-23UB)
  • Bulgarian Air Force (2001–2004)

Côte d'Ivoire

The Ivorian Air Force acquired several MiG-23MLAE-2 fighters through a Bulgarian supplier. These aircraft never saw combat and were seized in Togo shortly after delivery following a request by the French government.

Cuba

Cuba incorporated the MiG-23 to augment its existing MiG-21 fleet and to phase out older models such as the MiG-15 and MiG-17. Deliveries from the Soviet Union commenced on June 6, 1968, initially including fourteen fighter-bomber MiG-23BN Frogger H units and two two-seat trainer MiG-23UB Frogger C aircraft. Although there are reports suggesting the introduction of MiG-23MS variants at this time, confirmation is lacking. The first naval exercise involving these aircraft took place on October 3 of the same year. By 1982, an additional fourteen MiG-23BNs were added, followed by seventeen more in 1983. This increased the total number of MiG-23BNs to forty-five; concurrently, two more MiG-23UB trainers were incorporated, raising their count to four. In 1984, twelve MiG-23MF Frogger B fighters were received. Later in the decade’s final years, Cuba expanded its fleet further by acquiring fifty-four multi-role MiG-23ML Frogger G fighters along with seven two-seat trainer MiG-23UM Frogger C aircraft. This enhanced force participated in the Angolan civil war and engaged in aerial combat operations. However, after the Soviet Union's collapse in 1991 disrupted spare parts availability, operational numbers declined significantly. Presently, only a limited number remain active within the Air Force.

  • Cuban Revolutionary Air and Air Defense Force
    • Mano de Defensa Aerea
      • Zona Aerea Oeste
        • 2a Brigada de Guardia "Playa Giron"
          • 23o Regimiento de Caza, San Julián
            • 232o Escuadron de Caza, San Julián (MiG-23MF, MiG-23ML, MiG-23UB)
    • Mando Aereo Tactico
      • 14o Regimiento de Apoyo Tactico, Santa Clara (MiG-23BN) (OUT OF SERVICE)
        • 141o Escuadron de Apoyo Tactico, Santa Clara (MiG-23BN) (OUT OF SERVICE)

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Egypt

Egypt has been a significant user of the MiG-23 platform.

Kazakhstan

Following its independence from the Soviet Union, Kazakhstan’s air force took over several MiG-23MLD fighters along with MiG-23UB trainers, which were part of MiG-27 units. The MiG-23MLD models were phased out by 1999, while MiG-23UBs continued in operational service as recently as February 2023. By February 2024, the final two MiG-23UBs were retired and listed for sale. For details on the Kazakh air force’s use of Mikoyan MiG-27 aircraft, refer to List of MiG-27 operators.

  • Kazakhstan Air Force (1991–2000)
    • 129th APIB, based at Taldykorgan (MiG-23UB)
    • 134th APIB, stationed at Zhangiztobe (MiG-23UB)
    • 715th IAP, located at Loogovaya (MiG-23M, MiG-23MLD, MiG-23UB)
  • Republic of Kazakhstan Air Defence Force (2000–2023)
    • 604th Aviation Base, Taldykorgan (MiG-23UB)

Soviet Union

Sri Lanka

From 2007 until 2019, the Sri Lanka Air Force utilized a single MiG-23UB assigned to the No. 12 Squadron SLAF as a conversion trainer for its MiG-27 fleet.

Turkmenistan

Following Turkmenistan's independence in 1991, the Turkmen Air Force inherited several MiG-23 aircraft from the Soviet 73rd Air Army. These remained operational until the year 2000.

  • Turkmenistan Air Force
    • 55th IAP PVO, Nebit-Dag (MiG-23P, MiG-23UB)
    • 107th IAP PVO, Akdepe (MiG-23P, MiG-23UB)
    • 689th GvIAP, Türkmenbaşy (MiG-23P, MiG-23UB)
    • VVS depot, Serdar (MiG-23M, MiG-23MLD, MiG-23P, MiG-23UB)

Ukraine

Between 1992 and 2001, approximately 200 MiG-23s—comprising both single-seat variants and MiG-23UB trainers—were operated by the Ukrainian Air Force.

  • Ukrainian Air Force
    • Southern Air Defence Region
    • Western Air Defence Region
      • 179th VAP, Stryi (MiG-23M, MiG-23MLD)
      • 894th VAP, Ozerne (MiG-23M, MiG-23MLD)
    • 114th VAP, Ivano-Frankivsk (MiG-23UB)
    • 642nd GvVAP, Martynivske (MiG-23UB)

Zimbabwe

The origin of the Air Force of Zimbabwe’s MiG-23s is unclear; some accounts propose they were gifted by Libya, while others claim they were acquired from the Democratic Republic of Congo following an unsuccessful Zimbabwean effort to train Congolese pilots on Libyan-donated aircraft. Nevertheless, at least one MiG-23UB remains active within their inventory.

China

During the 1970s, China procured six MiG-23 aircraft of various models from Egypt.

  • People's Liberation Army Air Force (MiG-23MS, MiG-23BN, MiG-23UB)

Angola

Numerous MiG-23s were flown and maintained by Ibis Air, supporting mercenary activities for Executive Outcomes and the Angolan government throughout the Angolan Civil War.

United States

According to the FAA, there are eleven civilian-owned MiG-23s registered in the United States. These include:

  • Two former Czech aircraft—N51734 and N5106E—registered for civilian operation in the U.S. and based at New Castle Airport in Wilmington, Delaware.
  • One ex-Bulgarian VVS jet, N923UB, which was actively flown and exhibited at the Cold War Air Museum near Dallas, Texas. This aircraft was destroyed on August 13, 2023, during a performance at the Thunder Over Michigan airshow at Willow Run Airport. Both pilots suffered minor injuries and a nearby apartment building was narrowly avoided. The initial NTSB investigation indicates that the rear-seat passenger ejected both crew members while the pilot addressed an engine malfunction during an attempted landing. An interview with that passenger—also a qualified MiG-23 pilot—suggested that the pilot may have been overwhelmed as the aircraft lost speed and altitude and approached limits for a safe ejection.

References

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  3. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  4. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
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