Mozambique MiG-21bis at Aerostar, Romania after overhaul, copyright Irbc@ romanian-spotters (via acig.org)
They also have/had MiG-21UM and L-39 for overhaul at Aerostar.

Here’s a new photo of yemeni MiG-29SMT (izd. 9.18).
Any more recent pictures of this rather mysterious (to me at least) air force?

There are even more high-rez pictures of -5 on KnAAZ’s website, but strangely, can’t see the gallery without the direct link. Those interested will find them though. 🙂

(PS: why is MiG not doing this too, the KnAAZ folks have an awesome gallery page with all their new birds, all MiG posted was a distant shot of arguably one of the most important milestones for them in years, the first flight of MiG-29KUB for RuNavy…:()

Been here before i think. All i’ll say is that if you think the american (and even their british “ally”- considering the “special” relationship) government will undoubtedly tell the truth and only the truth about incidents like above, not hide anything unpleasant, not distort anything, and that the iraqis (f.e.) will obviously lie and only lie in claiming such and such shoot-down that is not recognized by the americans (especially), is so ridiculous and biased it’s not even funny. May i remind you the americans lie and deceive far and wide (iraqi WMD’s anyone? afghan terrorists anyone?), and aviation wise, as you all know they have scores of all kinds of secret craft that they’ve hidden for decades (allegedly including testing them in UK, how did they managed to hide that huh, if not for the complicity of the obedient UK government?), and even hide crashes of such craft. Not so “open” now, is it? Particularly when also considering the propaganda and racist factor (iraqis are only incompetent useless cowards who ran to Iran from the mighty free and democratic flag waving american heroes blah blah blah), and also the corporate factor, it ain’t looking good at all to admit that this or that uber- super invincible fighter that they try to sell for $100 mil a pop is not exactly THAT good and it actually got the short straw a few times.

Me, i’m willing to bet the iraqis shot down more that one “coalition” aircraft, maybe even the 4 or so alleged by more recent research. Anyone else is free to believe what they wish.

On a more exact theme, Sheytan thank you again for bringing these very interesting memories of ex-IrAF pilots here. If it’s possible and the ex-IrAF fliers you are in contact are willing to, would they be able to compile (time permitting of course) some sort of list with what they think they lost air-to air and when, and what they think they have shot down? That would be most interesting to read.

First pic of Su-30SM bort 57 at Lipetsk:
http://russianplanes.net/id123551

Wow, the ignore option works wonders! Warmly recommend using it folks, helps clear up the troll manure.

Anyway, regarding the MiG-25s lost in 1991 (and 1992). Obviously the yanks say they got 3 of them, two in january 1991 , and one in 1992 with an AMRAAM. Now, recent research was appearing to show that only one MiG-25 was lost on january 19th (pilot Ibrahim?), the other two being claims. At the same time , the MiG-25s might have got as many as 3 kills (one F-18 and possibly one F-14 and one F-15). What is your source Sheytan for your latest statement if i may ask? Did you read it somewhere or it is from actual local (iraqi) sources you might know? Thanks.

Back to the MiG-31BM, looking in the future it looks like it has or will shortly get some impressive capabilities. You can bet your money that the Zaslon-AM has been specifically tailored (as far as the design permits anyway) to deal with VLO targets be it aircraft or cruise missiles, and apart from that the new missiles said to be cleared for use in the near future, the R-74M ( RVV-MD export) the R-77M (RVV-SD) and the active radar, 200+km range, 8g capable R-37M (RVV-BD) will offer a great boost in it’s capabilities. I for one i’m eagerly anticipating it’s replacement (in the 2020 time frame according to statements), imo coupling a 2000+ TRM AESA, new generation IRST and self-defence suite with a thoroughly modernized MiG-31 airframe (sort of an evolution like from Su-27 to Su-35S), and the next generation short, medium and long range missiles or derivatives (currently in development), all backed by the latest in avionics and datalinks, would result in one helluva scary beast!

PS: On another note, can any of the more knowledgeable folks here shed a bit more light on the mysterious R-33S? I’ve read in some places that allegedly it has a nuclear warhead, which caused weight distribution problems hence the reworked wings and control surfaces, while in other places it is said that the modifications have been made in order to make it more maneuverable (to deal with other fighters presumably?). Any more info on that? Thanks.

T-50 program amassed 450 flights to date:
http://www.sukhoi.org/news/company/?id=5291

(and for the name of god, why do any of you serious folks give any attention to these useless and worthless trolls around here, and let them derail this topic? it’s pointless “discussing” anything with them, please, ignore those idiots… )