F-15C vs MiG-23/25 (Four Stars)

This book in the Osprey Duel series looks at the MiG-23 and MiG-25 in combat against the F-15C during Operation Desert Storm. For a small volume it does an excellent job in discussing the development of all three aircraft and their subsequent fielding by the U.S. Air Force (F-15C) and the Iraqi Air Force MiG-23/25).

At first I thought it was odd to lump the MiGs together as each is a completely different aircraft design, each bearing unique characteristics. I was unaware that there were interceptor tactics which relied upon both aircraft working in tandem in order to defeat (under ideal conditions) the F-15. The writing does a good job of making the reader almost feel as if he's in the cockpit with the pilot and the photos and artwork definitely make it feel real. I was hoping, however, that there might at least be a mention of the MiG-25 recon, or spoofing, flights during Operation Desert Shield since this practice also showed the mettle of the Iraqi pilots who flew the Foxbats. Definitely learned a lot, though.