Intensive operations around the Kerch peninsula followed in April. In July 1943 II./JG 3 and III./JG 3 at this time were part of Luftlotte 4 and flew in Operation Zitadelle, the tank offensive launched around the Kursk salient. On 5 July 1943 alone, II./JG 3 claimed 77 Soviet aircraft from a total claimed of 432, Oblt.
Intensive operations around the Kerch peninsula followed in April. In July 1943 II./JG 3 and III./JG 3 were then part of Luftlotte 4 and participated in Operation Zitadelle, the tank offensive launched around the Kursk bulge. On 5 July 1943 alone, II./JG 3 claimed 77 Soviet aircraft from a total claimed of 432, Oblt.