The MiG-23ML is an improved variant of the standard M version, developed in the mid-1970s. The primary and most impactful difference is the enhanced maneuverability due to the refined airframe (The L in the name stands for ‘’Lyogkiy’’, meaning lightweight). The MiG-23ML also received a more powerful engine, improving its flight characteristics even further. Overall the MiG-23ML is an agile and lethal aircraft, one which allows you to create a versatile loadout of air or ground weaponry to take on and defeat any contemporary enemy in the air or on the ground.
Flight characteristics
The MiG-23ML has superior flight performance with its powerful engine and variable-geometry wing design, which allows for faster turning on demand. With over 10,000 kgf of thrust, its thrust-to-weight ratio rivals that of even the F-104S. While the plane lacks the leading-edge slats of the MiG-23MLD, this gives it an energy retention advantage in sustained dogfights.
Survivability
The MiG-23ML has no armor protection. It is a somewhat large plane, so it can survive low-caliber bullets as well as a few higher-caliber ones if lucky. The plane is equipped with 60 large-caliber countermeasures; with optimal flaring tactics, one can survive several missiles launched at them. As you have only one engine, your performance will be severely impaired if it is damaged. You will be out of the fight if the engine is destroyed. Fuel tanks are located on the wings, in the center of the plane, and above the engine. All fuel tanks are self-sealing. While the engine is equipped with a fire suppression system, using it will disable the engine. Only use it if you have enough speed and distance to return to your airfield.
Armaments
The MiG-23ML comes equipped with a wide loadout, including R-60M, R-23R/T, R-24R/T, or R-13M1 air-to-air missiles, a double-barreled 23 mm cannon under the fuselage, and a good number of large-caliber flares. It can also carry a wide variety of bombs and unguided rockets, including a pair of huge Kh-23M air-to-ground guided missiles to defeat enemy armor. As such, the MiG-23ML is a true multirole fighter that can enable you full flexibility on how to approach the battlefield.
Using the MiG-23ML in battle
The MiG-23ML is very versatile and has usefulness in nearly every combat situation.
Attacking Air Targets
For air battles, the MiG-23ML can carry six short-range air-to-air missiles, or four of them with two medium-range air-to-air missiles. The best air-to-air missiles for the plane are the R-60 and R-24. While the R-13 and R-23 can be useful, they are inferior to their counterparts in every way. One interesting trait of the MiG-23ML is that the IRST used with the R-23T or R-24T can wipe out unsuspecting enemies, especially towards the beginning of the match. The R-60s, while excellent at turning, have a shorter range than similar short-range missiles.
Another way to approach the battlefield is to utilize the MiG-23ML's radar paired with the R-24R radar missiles. Head to the battlefield with the IR missiles of your choosing (a good choice would be the R-60 as you would be able to carry four in the inner pylons compared to just two with the R-13 missile, though R-13 would be able to strike from a farther range) and the R-23R or R-24R missile, whichever is available.
With the MiG-23ML radar, the R-24R can reliably attack targets from 10-15 km away. The MTI mode on the MiG-23ML's radar would also allow the fighter jet to attack enemies close to the ground as well. A popular attack approach is to go head-on with an enemy, as though both of you would go for guns, but the MiG-23ML instead could lock on and fire a R-24R radar and evade the enemy gunfire, while the enemy's evasive maneuvers would not be able to shake the R-24R from a direct hit.
Attacking Ground Targets
Aside from standard bombs, rockets, napalm, and gun pods that the MiG-23ML could use against ground targets, the MiG-23ML also has access to two Kh-23M air-to-ground missiles. Though the set-up would consume three weapons pylons to equip the two missiles and Delta-NG targeting pod, this could enable the MiG-23ML to attack a ground target from farther ranges than required for rocket or bomb runs. However, the Kh-23M is MCLOS-guided, so it could be difficult to guide in a precise manner to the target.
