Operation Diamond

The 1966 defection of an Iraqi MiG-21 to Israel

Overview

Operation Diamond persuaded Iraqi pilot Munir Redfa to defect with his MiG-21 in August 1966, landing at Hatzor airbase after a circuitous flight. Mossad recruiters had reached him through family grievances over the treatment of Iraqi Christians. Israeli and American experts flew the aircraft for years, learning firsthand the capabilities of the Soviet frontline fighter that armed Arab air forces. The MiG even wore a civilian Israeli registration during test flights, and the intelligence reshaped air combat planning before 1967.