Since the beginning of Soviet involvement in Afghanistan, MiG-21 was one of the most numerous types deployed. Two regiments were assigned to the theater. The 115th Guards IAP, flying more modern MiG-21 bis, initially tasked with fighter cover, and the 136th APIB equipped with less capable MiG-21 PFM in fighter-bomber role. Parts of the regiment operated from Soviet territory near Afghan border. In January 1980. first use of weapons for MiG-21 against Mujahideen occurred. A QRA pair from Kokaity, Uzbekistan was scrambled to provide CAS to a Soviet column of APCs and trucks ambushed in northern Afghanistan.
