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MiG 21 Fighter Jet

MiG 21 Fighter Jet

Manufacturer: Mikoyan
Category: Fighter Jets
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Discontinued

Generation 2nd
Maximum Speed Mach 2.05
No. of Engines 1
Radar Range Up to 20 km (variant dependent)

Full Specifications

General Information

Name	MiG 21
Manufacturer	Mikoyan Gurevich
Country of Origin	Soviet Union
Type / Role	Interceptor Fighter
Generation	Second
Status	Mostly Retired
First Flight	1955
Introduction / In Service Since	1959
Number Built	Over 11000
Operators	India, Russia, Egypt, Vietnam (former)

Dimensions & Structure

Length	15.76 m
Wingspan	7.15 m
Height	4.12 m
Wing Area	23.0 sq m
Empty Weight	5350 kg
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)	9800 kg
Internal Weapons Bay	None
External Hardpoints	4

Performance

Maximum Speed	Mach 2.05
Range	1200 km
Combat Radius	500 km
Service Ceiling	17000 m
Rate of Climb	225 m per second
Thrust-to-Weight Ratio	0.85
G Limits	+8

Powerplant

Engine Type	Turbojet
No. of Engines	1
Thrust (each)	64 kN with afterburner
Thrust Vectoring	No
Fuel Capacity	2850 liters

Armament

Gun	23 mm cannon
Missiles (Air-to-Air)	R 3, R 60
Missiles (Air-to-Ground)	Limited capability
Bombs	Free fall bombs
Hardpoints	4
Payload Capacity	2000 kg

Avionics & Systems

Radar	RP 21 Sapfir
Radar Range	15 to 20 km
Electronic Warfare (EW) System	Basic RWR
Targeting System	Optical sight
Helmet Display	No
Navigation	Inertial
Autopilot / AI Assistance	Basic autopilot
Communication	Analog radio

Stealth & Technology

Radar Cross Section (RCS)	High
Stealth Features	None
Infrared Signature Reduction	None
Sensor Fusion	No
Networking Capabilities	None

Variants

Special Export Versions

MiG 21F, MiG 21PF, MiG 21MF, MiG 21bis

Operational History

Major Conflicts / Deployments	Vietnam War, Indo Pakistan Wars
Notable Operators	India, Vietnam, Egypt
Combat Proven?	Yes
Mission Types	Interception, air defense

Cost & Program

Unit Cost	1 to 2 million USD (historical)
Development Cost	State funded
Program Name	MiG 21
Funding Countries	Soviet Union

Additional Information

Upgrades Planned	Limited modernization only
Future Replacement	MiG 29, Su 30, Tejas
Export Restrictions	None historically
Notable Achievements	Most produced supersonic fighter
Competitors	F 104 Starfighter

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

6.6

Technology 6 / 10
Performance 7 / 10
Firepower 6 / 10
Range & Endurance 7 / 10
Reliability & Maintenance 7 / 10

PROS

Extremely high top speed for its era
Simple design and easy maintenance
Small size and hard to visually detect
Proven combat history worldwide
Low acquisition and operating cost

CONS

Very limited range and endurance
Outdated avionics and radar systems
Minimal beyond visual range capability
High landing and takeoff speeds
Limited payload capacity

MiG 21 Supersonic Interceptor Fighter

The MiG 21 fighter jet stands as one of the most influential combat aircraft of the Cold War era. Designed for speed, simplicity, and mass production, it reshaped air combat doctrine and became a symbol of Soviet air power for decades.

Developed by the Mikoyan Gurevich Design Bureau in the Soviet Union, the MiG 21 first flew in 1955 and entered service in 1959. Its primary role was short range air defense, intercepting enemy bombers and fighters at high speed. With a lightweight airframe and delta wing design, the MiG 21 emphasized rapid climb, supersonic dash, and straightforward maintenance.

Powered by a single turbojet engine, the MiG 21 can exceed Mach 2 at altitude. Its compact size gives it a small visual and radar profile, while its agility allows sharp turns at high speed. Armament typically includes a built in cannon, short range air to air missiles, unguided rockets, and free fall bombs, depending on the variant.

Over its long service life, the MiG 21 saw combat across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Eastern Europe. It was widely used in conflicts such as the Vietnam War, Indo Pakistan wars, Arab Israeli wars, and numerous regional engagements. More than 60 countries operated the aircraft, making it one of the most exported fighter jets in history.

Though obsolete by modern standards, upgraded MiG 21 variants remained in limited service into the 21st century. Its legacy lies in its affordability, combat record, and unmatched production scale.

MiG 21 Price

The MiG 21 is no longer in production. During its operational peak, unit cost estimates ranged between 1 to 2 million USD in Cold War era pricing, varying by variant and export package.

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