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.
Following operations near Kerch in April, intensive efforts continued in July 1943 when II./JG 3 and III./JG 3 were part of Luftlotte 4. They participated in Operation Zitadelle, the tank offensive around the Kursk bulge. On 5 July 1943 alone, II./JG 3 claimed 77 Soviet aircraft from a total of 432, Oblt.