You must have often seen in James Bond or spy based films that a person steals a plane from a country with great courage and bravery.
Such things look good only in films, but if it is said that this had happened in reality, then what would you say.
It was in the 60s when Soviet Russia, in its desire to become a world power, was working on upgrading the MiG-19 and MiG-21 fighter jets.
With the help of Soviet Russia, Egypt, Lebanon and Iraq were harassing Israel by getting MiG-21. Then Israel decided that it would steal the MiG-21 aircraft. He succeeded in this impossible mission on the third attempt.
The most difficult and famous mission of Israeli intelligence agency Mossad has been – Operation Diamond. The story of this operation began on March 25, 1963 when Mir Emit became the head of Mossad.
After assuming the post, he asked top Israeli officials what the Mossad should do for Israel which would be the biggest achievement till date.
In response, everyone told Mir that it would be of great benefit if he brought Soviet Russia’s MiG-21 fighter plane to Israel. Then Mir did not take this matter seriously.
After this Ezer Wiseman took command of the Israeli Air Force. Mir was having coffee with the Vice Man early in the morning. Mir asked him the same question.
In response, the vice man said that nothing less or more than the MiG-21 of Soviet Russia is required. Hearing this, Mir was shocked and said – Have you gone mad? Don’t you know, no one has MiG-21 in the whole of Western Asia.
Well, the matter was resolved and Operation Diamond started to bring MiG-21 aircraft to Israel.
When Mossad failed in two attempts
The first attempt was made from Egypt in 1960. Here the responsibility of this work was given to Jean Thomas.
Jean was supposed to steal a MiG-21 aircraft from Egypt and bring it to Israel but, unfortunately, he was caught and hanged along with his two other comrades.
After this, Mossad decided that this mission would be carried out in Iraq. Two Iraqi pilots were somehow convinced but at the last moment they also backed out. In this way, two attempts of Mossad had failed.
Iraqi pilot falls prey to lady spy
It took Mossad four years to bring the third attempt to fruition. This time the lady spy of Mossad took the Iraqi pilot into her trap.
The name of this pilot was Munir Redfa. Munir was of Christian religion and was not able to get promotion in Iraq. He was very upset by this.
Mossad’s lady spy took advantage of this and was assured of Israeli help. Israel promised Munir $1 million in aid, a government job and asylum in Israel along with his family.
Munir agreed and then on 16 August 1966, that historic day came when Munir stole MiG-21 from Iraq and landed it in Israel.
What benefit did Israel get from MiG-21?
It is said that at that time Israel was facing the arrogance of countries like Egypt, Lebanon and Iraq. These countries were intimidating Israel by purchasing Soviet Russia’s MiG-21.
When MiG-21 came to Israel, it created a stir in Soviet Russia from Iraq. The plane was demanded back but Israel refused to do so.
Amidst this conflict, Israeli experts studied the MiG-21, which made it easier for them to create state-of-the-art aircraft in the future. MiG-21 aircraft was also a reason for Israel’s victory in the 1967 war with Arabia.