In a scene that would have been unthinkable a few generations ago, a gleaming fleet of MiG-17 fighters flew over Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana — the headquarters of the U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command.
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The image drew attention not only for the beauty of the Soviet jets flying in formation but also for its symbolism: aircraft designed in the former Soviet Union crossing the skies of one of the U.S.’s major military bases.
+ MiG-17: The Soviet Fighter That Crossed Generations and Now Soars Over the Skies of the USA
Barksdale houses the 8th Air Force and the 2nd Bomb Wing, the oldest bomber unit of the U.S. Air Force, equipped with B-52H Stratofortress strategic bombers.
Since 2009, the base has been home to the Global Strike Command, responsible for overseeing the strategic nuclear forces and supporting global strike operations.
The MiG-17, developed by the Soviet manufacturer Mikoyan-Gurevich to replace the MiG-15, first flew in January 1950. It entered production the following year and was used in conflicts such as the Korean War. With a range of 510 miles and a top speed of 711 mph (about 1,144 km/h), the fighter was a milestone in combat aviation during the Cold War.
The appearance of MiG-17s on American soil highlights a historical paradox: while in the United States, these aircraft fly as relics preserved by enthusiasts, in their homeland, it is now rare to see a MiG-17 in flight.
The moment was shared on social media by the Noticias da Avia channel on Telegram.
Source and images: Telegram @AviaCT. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
