Restored MiG-23 fighters to join IAF’s Heritage Flight, marking the jet era's beginning

The MiG-23 fighter aircraft, which served the Indian Air Force (IAF) for nearly three decades, will soon be part of the IAF's Heritage Flight, propelling the flight into the jet era. Two MiG-23 aircraft are set to join the current fleet, which currently includes three vintage, propeller-driven aircraft.

The IAF has launched a project to restore two retired MiG-23s—currently in storage—to fly-worthy condition. These aircraft are the two-seater "UB" variants, which were originally used for conversion training.

Once restored, these MiG-23s will join the Heritage Flight's roster of vintage aircraft and will be used for ceremonial flypasts at major events such as Republic Day and Air Force Day, as well as air shows and significant military events.

The IAF procured two variants of the MiG-23 in the early 1980s from the former Soviet Union. The 'BN' variant, of which 95 were bought, was designed for ground attack and close air support. The 46 'MF' variants were primarily used for air defense.

In later years, some of the MiG-23s were retrofitted for electronic warfare missions, equipped with the necessary sensors. The MiG-23s, especially the BN variants, played a critical role during the 1999 Kargil conflict, carrying out strike missions against enemy targets. The aircraft also served as a significant component of Warsaw Pact air forces during the Cold War.

While the MF variant was retired in 2007 and the BN variant made its final flight in 2011, a few UB variants remain in operational service. These two-seater aircraft, designed for special operations, were seen earlier this year at the multi-national Exercise Tarang Shakti 2024, held at IAF bases in Sulur and Jodhpur. Approximately 40 retired MiG-23s are currently stored with the IAF's Maintenance Command.

Restoring the two MiG-23s for the Heritage Flight will involve extensive work, including structural assessments, engine checks, and avionics upgrades. Some parts may need to be repaired or replaced to ensure airworthiness.

"Since the aircraft are already in the IAF’s possession, there will be no procurement costs. The primary expenses will involve repairs and refurbishment. Much of the work can be done in-house by the Maintenance Command, though some components may need to be outsourced," an IAF officer said. "These aircraft will primarily be used for basic flying, so certain sub-systems and combat-related instruments can be omitted," he added.

The Heritage Flight, based at Palam Air Force Station in New Delhi, was established in 1981-82 as the Vintage Flight and was renamed in 2020. The Flight serves as a bridge between the IAF’s past and present, showcasing the evolution of Indian aviation.

Currently, the Heritage Flight operates three World War II-era aircraft: the de Havilland DH-82 Tiger Moth, T-6G Harvard, and Douglas C-47 Dakota. While the Tiger Moth is of British origin, the Harvard and Dakota are American-made.

The IAF also plans to induct a restored Supermarine Spitfire, a legendary British WW-II fighter that served with the IAF, along with an HT-2 trainer, the first basic trainer designed in India.