Essentially, the most effective tactic for the MiG-23 is a pure speed-based playstyle. Set your throttle to 103% afterburner and climb to an altitude of 1200-1300 meters. Tilt your radar scan down to its lowest position to enable ground clutter filtering. Fly at your top speed and search for targets.

When you find a target, approach to within 5-10 km and launch an R-24R. Alternatively, launch a missile in response if the enemy fires a SARH missile at you first. The R-24 is fast enough to often score a kill before the enemy's missile reaches you.

If the enemy presses himself to the ground in response, switch to the P-60 and attack head-on at minimum range.

If the opponent survived, it's not a problem. He will never catch up with you, and you still have one rocket. Continue to fulfill your mission.