Iraqi Mig-25 Foxbat found in sand dune

An Iraqi Air Force Mikoyan Mig-25 Foxbat in advanced reconnaissance version was dug out of a massive sand dune near the Al Taqqadum airfield (Iraq) by U.S. Air Force recovery teams. According to sources, this version, not being from the Gulf War era, was never seen before in the West and is equipped with sophisticated electronic warfare devices.
The Mig was one of over two dozen Iraqi jets buried in the sand, like hidden treasure waiting to be recovered at a later date.

View all photos at:
http://www.flightglobal.com/AirSpace/photos/mig25/default.aspx

3 thoughts on “Iraqi Mig-25 Foxbat found in sand dune”

  1. i guess Saddam had more surprises up his sleeve for Iraqi Freedom, he just buried and hid them… wonder what else is still out there… what if, say, Iran or Al Qaeda recovered some of his buried “treasure”?

  2. True, but I don’t think some “random Al Qaeda guys” would have the equipment to recover a 25ton jet fighter 🙂 Also, it wouldn’t be too inconspicuously to tow some “heavy treasure” down the road… would be quite funny to see though 😀

  3. depends on what assets Al Qaeda has in-country. if they have enough friends in high places (and they probably do; and even if they dont, how hard is it to bribe underpaid, disillusioned border guards? the last thing we need is Al Qaeda with an air force… not that we couldn’t shoot it down, but still, a Mach 3 fighter is pretty hard to intercept, and if it had a state-of-the-art ECM suite, then… you decide