The Mikoyan MiG-29 is a 4th-generation jet fighter aircraft designed in the Soviet Union for an air superiority role. Developed in the 1970s by the Mikoyan design bureau, it entered service with the Soviet Air Force in 1983, and remains in use by the Russian Air Force as well as in many other nations. The NATO name "Fulcrum" was unofficially used by Soviet pilots in service. The MiG-29, along with the Sukhoi Su-27, were developed to counter new American fighters such as the F-15 Eagle, and the F-16 Fighting Falcon

In the era of the Cold War, the military planners on both sides of the Iron Curtain were well aware of the threat to their security from both bombers that could carry nuclear weapons and spyplanes. Thus it was deemed essential to have fast fighter aircraft which could intercept and destroy such incoming threats. The MiG-23 was developed to succeed the MiG-21 as the standard Soviet interceptor. It was a major advance on the earlier aircraft. Its swing-wing configuration was a generation on from its predecessor. Deliveries began in 1972 and more than 3,000 aircraft were built before production ended in 1986. As was the case with many Soviet types, the MiG-23 was widely exported to satellite or friendly countries.