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.
Czech MiG-23ML
The MiG-23ML or aircraft 23-12 was equipped with he RP-23ML sighting system which comprised the Saphir-23ML, the TP-23M IRST system and the ASP-23ML gun sight.
The Saphire-23ML is a fire-control radar with a search range up to 80 km and tracking range 50 km, this radar had look down shoot down capability enabling it to hit targets against the background of the earth's surface. The TP-23M is a IRST system with a search range 35 km.