MiG-23 Flogger (RWR: 23)

We are beginning to encounter these MiG-23's on a consistent basis currently during OHOP Phase 2. I have dug into a bit of research in hopes it helps out perspectives a bit more on the Flogger and what to expect.

The MiG-23MLA was a very serious threat to everything in the early 80's when it came out. But because it didn't anymore receive upgrades to systems etc, it did fall far behind the very modern F-16C Block 50 and latest F/A-18C Lot 20 variants.

The missiles the MiG-23MLA bring to the fight are better than AIM-7, so some standoff should be expected.
With that said, the MiG-23MLA doesn't even have a radar scope like MiG-21. Contacts are all presented on the HUD.

When it comes to turning fights, the MiG-23 has a good revision to its aerodynamics. And it is little similar like a F-14 is to those others with its wing sweep features for the slow or fast fight. If ever encountering the MiG23 in a turn fight, you should have an advantage in the current v303FG platforms. The MiG23's best option is to just extend away, so if you can force the turn fight... you should easily set yourself up for a kill. The MiG 23 cannot change wing sweep angle when in turning, so that makes serious limitation for turning fights. But as it can accelerate faster than F-16, they will outrun most Bluefor in most altitudes.

The main tactic of MiG-23, is to operate under a RU GCI that will lead waves of MiGs against target. They come fast in, launch missiles, turn away and run. And the time Bluefor starts to recover from that attack, the second wave comes in and attack, turn away and flee. Take this as you will during our campaign, as DCS AI may not operate as such.

So what it will be, is that MiG-23 is fast and agile, but it lacks the pure power and unless performing tactics correctly, they should be expected to die quickly against modern fighters. Not so quickly as MiG-21Bis does, but still about there.