MIG-25 FOXBATS

The dispute over occupied land led to one of the fiercest battles between two latin american countries in decades. However, the harsh jungle environment and high operating temperatures, meant that the peruvian were limited to using their MI-25 D Hind and MI-8/17B Hip-C helicopters in support of their ground forces instead of the SU-22 attack aircraft purchased for that role. The peruvian air force also recognised the fact that it lacked an aircraft capable of carrying out strategic reconnaissance mission over the battle field and over ecuadorian territory.

In order to address these weaknesses, Perú has purchased 19 Mig-29 C Fulcrum single-seaters and at least a pair of two seaters Mig-29UB trainers. At the same time orders were placed for 18 SU-25K Frogfoot attack aircraft which are now belived to be based in the southern peruvian district of Arequipa 188 miles 300Km north of the border with Chile, according to reliable surces , at least three MIG-25 R reconnaissances aircraft were shipped to Perú in crates from Russia and assembled there by Russian specialist.

The Mig25 R were second hand aircraft, supplied directly from surplus soviet air force stocks. With a top speed in excess of 1,875 mph 3,0000 Kph and a range of 1,0000 miles 1,600 Km, wich it turns it into the fastest airplane of the world in service. (The american Blackbird SR-71 was the fastest one, now no longer in service). Perú's reconnaissance aircraft would be able to run over Ecuador's territory uncontested. As the latter has nothing to match a high and fast flying Foxbat, this is truely worrisome and the ecuadorian authorities should make their complaints to the UN and the great powers of the world so they do not allow this tremendous unbalance in the latin american air power.