The MiG-23 is a variable geometry aircraft developed by the former Soviet Union, the MiG-23 was the first variable geometry fighter developed in the world, the F-111 was the first operational variable geometry aircraft though.
The MiG-23 was designed as a variable geometry wing fighter with beyond visual range armament.
The MiG-23 was greatly influenced by the F-111 and the F-4 however shows the design trends of the 1960s specially if we consider other aircraft programs such as the Mirage G or the Mirage Balzac.
MiG-23MLD
The MiG-23 operational experience in Afghanistan prompted the modification of late production MiG-23MLDs, these aircraft were equipped with a more sophisticated SPO-15L radar warning reciever that located more accurately the approaching direction of any hostile aircraft and subsequently offered better situational awareness in order to carry out the appropriate anti-missile maneuvers; another important modification was the installation on top of the fuselage of BVP-50-60 chaff/flare dispensers, these radar-reflective dipols cause chaff clutters on enemy radar screens; other important equipment fitted to the MiG-23MLDs were the SPS-141 active jamming radar system which affects the operation of enemy radio aids. the
wing sweep angle warning indicator and the IFF system Parol