Early in the MiG-23’s development, it was realized that the design had considerable potential as a low-level ground-attack aircraft. This resulted in the MiG-27 which retained the NATO code name 'Flogger' despite the completely revised role and major airframe and avionics changes compared to its fighter variants. The most obvious structural difference was the revised 'Platypus' nose which resulted from the replacement of the radar in favour of a laser rangefinder and nav/attack system. Other changes included cockpit armor, an electronic warfare suite, and heavier landing gear in order to allow it to operate from more rugged airfields. A more powerful 30-mm GSh-6-30 rotary cannon was also added which gave it considerably more punch for strafing and other close support missions. Later variants were equipped with precision weaponry and air-to-ground missiles; all aircraft retained nuclear weapons capability. In Soviet service, the MiG-27 was used extensively in the latter part of the Afghanistan War, and it was also exported to Sri Lanka and India which also used them in combat; India also license-produced it with some degree of Western avionics. Earlier ground attack variants which were still designated MiG-23 were even more widely exported to Soviet client states. The MiG-27 was gradually phased out of Russian service following the end of the Cold War in favor of the larger and more capable Su-24 as well as the Su-25; a dedicated close support platform. Nevertheless, some Soviet successor states continue to operate it

The first ground attack variant of the 'Flogger' was the MiG-23B 'Flogger-F' which first flew on 20 August 1970. Only a small number were built before production switched to the MiG-23BN with a different engine and was widely exported. The next variant was to be known as the MiG-23BM before settling on a new MiG-27 'Flogger-D' designation and was the first variant to be armed with a 30-mm gun. The definitive variants followed, starting with the MiG-27K 'Flogger-J2', the first with the 'KAIRA' TV/laser designator and precision weapons capability, and later the slightly downgraded MiG-27M 'Flogger-J'. Older aircraft upgraded to -29M standard are known as the MiG-27D. Indian-produced variants include the MiG-27ML (similar to the -27M) and the MiG-27H with French avionics and a modern cockpit.