Cold War Icon MiG-23UB Makes Surprise Appearance at Exercise Tarang Shakti 2024, Only 2 Remain in IAF Service

Aviation enthusiasts and military observers were treated to a nostalgic throwback during the second phase of the ongoing Exercise Tarang Shakti 2024, as a rare two-seat MiG-23UB Flogger trainer aircraft, with registration number MS306, took to the skies. This unexpected appearance served as a reminder of the Cold War-era jet fighter’s significant role in the Indian Air Force (IAF).

Although the MiG-23 has been gradually phased out of active service, with the last combat variants retired over a decade ago, a small number of MiG-23UB trainers have reportedly been retained for specialized training purposes.

The precise number of these aircraft still in operation remains shrouded in some mystery, but reports suggest as few as two might remain airworthy.

The MiG-23, known for its distinctive variable-geometry wings and its NATO reporting name "Flogger," was a formidable fighter aircraft in its heyday, renowned for its high speed and potent armament.

While its frontline combat role has long since concluded, the MiG-23UB continues to serve a valuable function in pilot training, potentially including target towing and simulating enemy aircraft.

The sighting of MS306 at Exercise Tarang Shakti 2024 underscores the enduring utility of this legacy platform in providing crucial training experiences for IAF pilots.

However, with the dwindling number of operational MiG-23UBs and the advent of more modern training aircraft, the future of this iconic jet in the IAF remains uncertain.

Nevertheless, its appearance at the exercise serves as a poignant reminder of the MiG-23's legacy and its significant contribution to the Indian Air Force's history.

 

[Anant]

Could it be possible that this aircraft is part of the Vintage Aircraft Squadron rather than a training squadron?

In any case, if we only have one or two MiG-23s still in service as trainers, then they need to be retired, with one shifted to the Vintage Aircraft Squadron if it isn't already from there.

The MiG-23 is a very venerable fighter, but considering that we operate no aircraft with same or similar avionics or flight characteristics (especially considering the variable-sweep wings), these aircraft are only a burden on maintenance technicians, and any roles they fulfill can easily be done by a few leased trainers.

 

[kurtwallis wallis]

DANGEROUS to flying this widow maker flying coffin MIG23's...

 

[Instant Karma]

Could it be possible that this aircraft is part of the Vintage Aircraft Squadron rather than a training squadron?

In any case, if we only have one or two MiG-23s still in service as trainers, then they need to be retired, with one shifted to the Vintage Aircraft Squadron if it isn't already from there.

The MiG-23 is a very venerable fighter, but considering that we operate no aircraft with same or similar avionics or flight characteristics (especially considering the variable-sweep wings), these aircraft are only a burden on maintenance technicians, and any roles they fulfill can easily be done by a few leased trainers.

All those aircrafts retired are kept in storage for emergency use. No country including USA and Russia scrap their military's equipment's which can be used in emergency. Russian and American are using their world war era equipment's in the Ukraine war.

 

[Chinese eater]

India should consider Mig 31

 

[Sandeep]

India can still use this jet to help train our pilots on possible threats and dangers but they shouldn’t be maintained or have its life extended with trying to find expensive parts, components and technology. Once they are done then they need to be retired in a museum.

 

[Anant]

India should consider Mig 31

Absolutely not. The aircraft is an old design, ridiculously expensive to operate and maintain, and gives little qualitative advantages to us, since in the case of any purchase, those hypersonic missiles the type keeps slinging around won't be offered.

 

[Anant]

All those aircrafts retired are kept in storage for emergency use. No country including USA and Russia scrap their military's equipment's which can be used in emergency. Russian and American are using their world war era equipment's in the Ukraine war.

Yes and no. Major stocks of aircraft are maintained in storage. However, unless you are the USA or Russia or China (all three of which actively maintain such stocks for very long periods), older aircraft in storage are also cycled out as time passes. They may be in storage for a decade, maybe even 15 years, but after that, they will be cycled out and donated / sold / scrapped.

We probably still have a bunch of MiG-23s and MiG-27s in storage, but these aircraft wouldn't be maintained to a point to where you can just pull one out of the hangar, fill up fuel, do a check, and fly. These are maintained in a kind of "3-6 week reserve", where such aircraft would need a certain period of maintenance before being capable of flight again.

Regardless of that, my point has nothing to do with the storage of older aircraft. I too know they are a necessity. What I am saying, however, is that such aircraft should not be kept around in regular training service (as the article also seems to allude). They are past that point. Emergency backups for war is one thing, but regular flight training is another.