5.American MiGs
In 1966, Captain Munir Redfa of Iraqi Air Force defected to Israel, flying his MiG-21. In 1968, the plane was delivered to Area 51, the only site deemed secured enough for basing such a prize. Later, MiG 17s also arrived at Groom Lake. To prevent any accidental sightings, the airspace surrounding the base was closed off for all civilian and even military air traffic without a special clearing. Air Force pilots flying over the restricted area could face a court martial. The MiGs were used as part of Top Gun training program which taught US pilots how to defeat Soviet planes. The knowledge gained in Area 51 proved vital in the US air dominance over North Vietnam. Under the code name, HAVE GLIB Area 51 was also used to evaluate Soviet radar equipment that found its way into American hands.
