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.
A Syrian MiG-23 shot down over Lebanon in 1982
The MiG-23MF/MS/BNs were employed by Syria in 1982 during the Israeli invasion of Lebanon it is said that around 26 MiG-23 were shot down by Israeli forces, the Syrians claimed their MiG-23MS/MFs shot down at least two F-4s and five F-16s.
In June 1982 the Syrian air force lost four MiG-23MF, eight MiG-23MS and sixteen MiG-23BN.
However later that year in December 1982 the Syrians recieved their newer MiG-23MLs. The Syrians claimed that their MiG-23MLs in October 1983 shot down three F-15s and one F-4 without sustaining a single MiG-23ML loss.