The aircraft is the version of MiG-23 fighter, optimized for strike missions by replacing the nose section with radar with a new "crocodile nose" section with laser rangefinder. The maiden flight was performed in August 1970. The aircraft is capable of carrying large variety of bombs, unguided rockets, and missiles. The twin-barreled 23-mm cannon was replaced with Gatling-type 30-mm one. The aircraft has a lot of versions that differ with avionics. It is on strength in Russia and some other countries including CIS. It is license-built in India where it is called "Bahadur".

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