Could a MiG-23 become a carrier aircraft?

How would the MiG-23 perform as a carrier aircraft?

It could provide a starting point, but only after major structural navalization; rough-field characteristics help, yet do not replace carrier-specific design work.

Carrier operations would still demand a MiG-23 airframe rebuilt for deck-landing and launch loads. Soviet practice did favour adapting land aircraft, as later carrier fighters also grew from shore-based families. The MiG-23's rough-strip capability gives it a sturdier starting point than an aircraft designed only for prepared runways. That advantage does not make the stock fighter carrier-ready, and any game depiction should be understood as a distinct naval derivative rather than an unchanged MiG-23.