Image by Tamara Mann
Iraq’s military bases are littered with plane and tank carcasses destroyed when Saddam’s regime came crashing down. But the evidence is hidden away from the public gaze, depriving even the most resourceful explorer the opportunity to inspect them. But now you don’t have to, as this unique series of photos quite literally puts you in the picture.
Images by Tamara Mann
Photographer Tamara Mann admits carrying her camera almost everywhere while serving in Iraq, and has produced some fascinating images as a result. This series depicting stripped-out and heavily graffitied Mig-23s – once mainstream ground attack planes of the deposed regime – is a great place to start. The Russian-built Migs were found dispersed in isolated hiding places outside “Joint Base Balad’s” perimeter, poised for action in the event they would be needed – similar to the legend of King Arthur!
Image by Tamara Mann
Legend holds that Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table rest at Avalon, set to arise when England needs them most. But just as Arthur would be of little use when confronted with modern weaponry, these forlorn old Migs stand absolutely no chance of resurrection, and are useless except as scrap, or for providing a canvas for U.S. military “artwork” – one example being the spray painted message: “I Love U Kate”! (The abandoned T-72 tank above has received similar treatment.)
Images by Tamara Mann
Joint Base Balad, formerly Al-Bakir Air Base, is now a major U.S. base and primary hub for operations around Baghdad (which is 80km south). American and Australian forces found most Iraqi combat aircraft in poor condition at various bases around the country, while others had been disassembled and buried. Many of the aircraft, like these Mig-23 Floggers, had been hidden but remained reasonably intact.
Images via Google Earth
None of the aircraft procured during Saddam Hussein’s tenure remain in service today. The pictures above from Google Earth show the vast air base at Balad. One of the Mig-23s was found parked in a makeshift revetment in a cemetery north of the base (bottom picture). The aircraft were towed back inside the perimeter, where they have since become an interesting side-attraction for the troops based there. By the time these pictures were taken, the Migs had begun to look rather like Iraqi versions of Britain’s most famous derelict fighter plane.
All images in this article are copyrighted and published with the permission of Tamara Mann. Be sure to check out Tamara’s website here, where you can see the full Mig-23 set and more.
If you enjoyed this article, don’t miss Abandoned Aircraft, Airfields, Airbases and Airport Terminals.
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