In the late 1950s the West was alarmed by rumors of the new Soviet pro-fighter that had just begun entering service. It was the MiG-21. The Soviet fighter was not only amazing. However, no one, except its manufacturers, knew of its weaknesses at the time. On the other hand, the fact that more than 11,400 units were produced says something.
The Americans, of course, showed particular interest in the new Soviet fighter, but also the Israelis who were called to face it in the air, as the USSR supplied Egypt, Syria and Iraq with aircraft of this type. Somehow a MiG had to fall into Israeli hands to be examined in detail. This mission was undertaken by the well-known Mossad, the famous Israeli secret service.
The Mossad first attempted to acquire a MiG-21 through its agent Jean Thomas. He and his team went to Egypt and approached an Egyptian pilot, Abid Hanna, offering him $1 million if he defected in a MiG to Israel.
Hanna pretended to accept but betrayed them to the authorities. Five Mossad agents were arrested. Thomas and his father were hanged in December 1962 and the others were imprisoned. Another attempt in Iraq also ended badly.
My kingdom for a MiG…
In 1964 an Iraqi national of Jewish origin named Yusuf contacted the Mossad through Tehran. At that time Iran was a pillar of the West in the region. Yusuf worked as a servant in the house of a Christian family from a young age.
Through his acquaintance, he was informed that an acquaintance of his had married an Iraqi pilot, Munir Redfa. Redfa, due to his Christian background as well, did not enjoy special favor in aviation and always remained behind in promotions.
He also resented being ordered to hit Iraqi Kurds. Yusuf realized that Redfa was the weak link he was looking for. The Mossad immediately sent a female agent who approached Redfa and won his friendship, inciting his loathing for the regime.
Redfa confessed his displeasure. He told her that he was being forced to live away from his family and that because he was a Christian his commanding officer didn't trust him and wouldn't allow him to fly with external fuel tanks, just so he wouldn't screw up.
It is, however, puzzling that a pilot who for whatever reason the service did not trust him was allowed to fly even with restrictions. Eventually the agent revealed her identity to him and convinced him to take a leave of absence and travel to Europe for… recreation.
So it happened. Except that there Redfa came into contact with Israeli agents who were secretly watched by Mossad head Meir Amit. The Israelis offered Redfa Israeli citizenship along with $1 million, professional rehabilitation and of course his entire family fleeing Iraq.
Redfa accepted and then contacted Israeli Air Force Commander Lt. Gen. Mordechai Hod to work out the technical details.
Mossad "Campaign"
The Mossad undertook a real campaign to carry out perhaps the most difficult part of the deal, the escape of the pilot's family. A large group of agents infiltrated Iraq and managed to rescue Redfa's wife and two young children.
The other members of the family headed to the border with Iran, which they crossed with the help of Kurdish rebels, under the guidance of the Israelis . They were taken from Iran to Israel.
Redfa's opportunity finally presented itself on August 16, 1966. Redfa flew over northern Jordan and Syria. The radar detected it but the Syrians thought it was their fighter and did not bother.
So, with its last drops of fuel, Redfa's plane arrived in Israel , upon entering its airspace it was escorted by two Israeli Mirages. The precious MiG landed at the Hajor base.
With a sense of humor, the Israelis renamed the MiG thus obtained 007 – from the known agent. Then they took it apart and scrutinized it while also conducting flight tests and mock dogfights with Israeli fighters.
How successful the plan was was shown on April 7, 1967 when, over the Golan, Israeli Mirage IIIs shot down six MiG-21s without a scratch... In 1968 007 crossed the Atlantic, as it was "lent" to the USA in exchange for the supply F-4 Phantom from the USA.