The Mig 23s operated minutes from their base while the radar horizon for the South Africans was 20 000 feet over the battle area. The most challenging disparity was that the Mig 23s had all sector missiles against the Mirage F1 with only rear sector. The Mirage F1s intercepted the Migs by ingressing at a low level, communicating to the radar operators through an airborne pilot relaying the messages to increase the surprise factor.
The Mig 23s operated close to their base while the South African radar horizon was 20,000 feet above the battle area. The most challenging disparity was that the Mig 23s had all sector missiles against the Mirage F1 with only rear sector coverage. The Mirage F1s intercepted the Migs by flying low and communicating through an airborne pilot relaying messages to increase surprise.