Soviet Pilots in the Vietnam War

Yes, Soviet pilots flew for the North Vietnamese air force during the Vietnam War and engaged in combat with U.S. forces. The USSR supplied fighter aircraft (MiG‑17s and MiG‑21s) and deployed pilots as "advisors." They clashed with American planes such as the F‑4 Phantom and F‑105 Thunderchief. Estimates of Soviet pilots involved range from several dozen to several hundred. Their skill contributed to numerous air‑to‑air victories and helped deter U.S. escalation.