Part 6/9:
In a demonstration for the world in 1967, the Soviets showcased the MiG-25, instilling panic in Western military planners who feared the Soviets had leapfrogged over US aerospace technology. The sighting of these aircraft over conflict zones only added to the Western perception of the MiG-25 as a formidable adversary.
The Defection of Viktor Belenko
The year 1976 marked a pivotal moment for the MiG-25, as its true capabilities would begin to unravel for Western intelligence. On September 6th, Soviet pilot Viktor Belenko defected to Japan, landing his MiG-25 at a commercial airport, thereby unveiling the aircraft to the West. This event was monumental, as it provided an unprecedented opportunity for American analysts to examine the aircraft closely.