Mossad Secures Soviet MiG-21 Fighter Jet in 1965 Intelligence Coup
In the spring of 1965, Israeli Air Force Commander Ezer Weizman casually requested from Mossad chief Meir Amit to acquire a Soviet MiG-21 fighter jet, the most sought-after aircraft in the world at the time. Despite initial skepticism, Amit tasked his team with finding a way to obtain the jet, launching one of Mossad's most remarkable operations.
The MiG-21 was the Soviet Union's cutting-edge fighter, widely deployed by Arab states like Egypt, Syria, and Iraq, and shrouded in mystery regarding its combat capabilities. Western intelligence, including the US, had limited knowledge of its performance, as no direct combat encounters had occurred. Israel needed the aircraft to understand its strengths and weaknesses before the looming conflicts.
Mossad's deputy chief, Rehavia Verdi, coordinated with the Israeli military attaché in Iran to contact an Iraqi Air Force pilot, Munir Redfa, who was frustrated with his career and government policies. Redfa agreed to defect to Israel with his MiG-21 in exchange for asylum for his family and $50,000. After secret meetings and preparations, Redfa was smuggled to Israel and trained to fly over Israeli territory.
On August 16, 1965, Redfa took off from an Iraqi base and flew the MiG-21 to Israel, where it was immediately tested by Israeli pilots. The aircraft's performance was analyzed in detail, revealing its limitations such as short range and poor low-altitude maneuverability. The jet was repainted with Israeli markings and used extensively for training, helping Israeli pilots develop tactics to counter the MiG-21.
The operation significantly enhanced Israel's air combat readiness ahead of the Six-Day War, where Israeli pilots successfully downed over 20 MiG-21s. The jet was later transferred to the US for evaluation, strengthening US-Israel defense ties and aiding American pilots in Vietnam. Redfa eventually moved to Europe, leaving behind a legacy of intelligence success that secured Israel's aerial superiority in the region.
Summary: In 1965, Mossad orchestrated the defection of Iraqi pilot Munir Redfa with a Soviet MiG-21, providing Israel critical intelligence on the aircraft. This operation bolstered Israeli air power before the Six-Day War and deepened US-Israel military cooperation.
