Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 (Fishbed)

Introduction

The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21, known by its NATO reporting name “Fishbed,” is a Soviet-designed supersonic jet fighter and interceptor that became one of the most iconic and widely used combat aircraft of the Cold War era. Its combination of speed, agility, simplicity, and affordability led to its adoption by over 60 countries, making it the most-produced supersonic jet aircraft in history, with more than 11,000 units built between 1959 and 1986.

The MiG-21’s agility and speed forced Western air forces to rethink their air combat tactics, particularly after its notable success in the Vietnam War, where it often outmanoeuvred heavier American fighters like the F-4 Phantom II.

The MiG-21’s agility and speed forced Western air forces to rethink their air combat tactics, particularly after its notable success in the Vietnam War, where it often Its design and performance influenced the development of later Western fighters, including the F-16 and Eurofighter Typhoon, highlighting the importance of manoeuvrability and close-quarters combat in modern airpower doctrine.

The aircraft set multiple aviation records and became a symbol of Soviet engineering prowess, resilience, and adaptability.

Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 versions

MiG-21F

The MiG-21F, known by its NATO reporting name “Fishbed C,” was among the first mass-produced versions and played a significant role during the Cold War era.

Designed for air superiority and interception, capable of engaging enemy aircraft at high speeds and altitudes. It could also perform limited ground-attack missions.

The MiG-21F was widely exported and saw service in numerous air forces worldwide, often serving as a frontline fighter during the 1960s and 1970s.

SpeedWeightSpanLength
2,093 km/h (1,300 mph) / Mach 2.054,600 kg (10,079 lbs) empty, 8,500 kg (18,080 lbs) max7.16 m (23 ft 6 in)15.77 m (51 ft 8 in)

MiG-21P/PF

The MiG-21P and MiG-21PF are key variants of the MiG-21 “Fishbed” series, developed as all-weather, supersonic interceptors for the Soviet Air Force. These models introduced significant avionics upgrades, most notably onboard radar, expanding their operational capability to include day/night and adverse weather interception.

The MiG-21P was the first in the series to feature a radar (TsD-30, a version of the RP-9/Sapfir), enabling all-weather interception.

Early MiG-21PFs omitted internal cannons in favour of air-to-air missiles, but later versions and field modifications often restored gun capability.

SpeedWeightSpanLength
2,175 km/h (1,385 mph), Mach 2.055,000 kg (11,000 lbs) empty, 7,800 kg (17,195 lbs) max7.154 m (23 ft 5.66 in)14.5 m (47 ft 6.86 in)

MiG-21PFM

The MiG-21PFM (“Fishbed-F”) is a key variant of the MiG-21 family, developed as an all-weather, supersonic interceptor and light ground-attack aircraft. Compared to earlier models, it features improved avionics, a new radar, and enhanced armament options, making it a versatile asset in both air-to-air and limited air-to-ground roles.

SpeedWeightSpanLength
2,175 km/h (1,385 mph, Mach 2.05)5,700 kg (12,600 lb) empty, 10,400 kg (22,925 lb) max7.154 m (23 ft 5.66 in)14.5 m (47 ft 6.86 in)

MiG-21R

The MiG-21R (“Fishbed-H”) is a specialised reconnaissance variant of the MiG-21 family, developed to provide tactical and strategic aerial reconnaissance capabilities in addition to the MiG-21’s traditional interceptor role. Introduced in the late 1960s, the MiG-21R was used by the Soviet Union and several allied air forces.

SpeedWeightSpanLength
2,175 km/h (1,385 mph, Mach 2.05)5,700 kg (12,600 lb) empty, 10,400 kg (22,925 lb) max7.154 m (23 ft 5.66 in)14.5 m (47 ft 6.86 in)

MiG-21/SM

The MiG-21S and MiG-21SM are advanced second-generation variants of the MiG-21 “Fishbed” series, developed for the Soviet Air Force as all-weather, supersonic interceptors and fighters. These variants introduced significant improvements in avionics, armament, and fuel capacity, enhancing both combat effectiveness and operational range.

SpeedWeightSpanLength
2,175 km/h (1,351 mph, Mach 2.05)5,700 kg (12,600 lb) empty, 10,400 kg (22,925 lb) max7.154 m (23 ft 5.66 in)14.5 m (47 ft 6.86 in)

MiG-21M/MF

The MiG-21M and MiG-21MF are advanced variants of the MiG-21 “Fishbed” family, developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s. These models were designed as multi-role fighters, with improvements in avionics, radar, armament, and engine performance over previous versions. The MiG-21MF (“Modernizirovannyy, Forsirovannyy” – Modernized, Uprated) in particular became one of the most widely exported and produced MiG-21 variants.

SpeedWeightSpanLength
2,050 km/h (1,300 mph, Mach 2.05)5,842 kg (12,880 lb) empty, 9,400 kg (20,723 lb)7.15 m (23 ft 5.5 in)15.76 m (51 ft 8.5 in)

MiG-21bis

The MiG-21bis (“Fishbed-L/N”) is the final and most advanced production variant of the MiG-21 family, introduced in the early 1970s. It was designed as a highly capable supersonic fighter and interceptor, featuring major upgrades in engine performance, avionics, and weapons capability. The MiG-21bis served as a backbone of Soviet and allied air forces and remains in limited service today.

The MiG-21bis became the most capable and widely produced MiG-21 variant, serving in over 50 countries and participating in numerous conflicts. Its combination of speed, climb, and weapons made it a formidable opponent in the Cold War and beyond, and it remains in service with several air forces today.

SpeedWeightSpanLength
2,237 km/h (1,468 mph, Mach 2.05)5,339 kg (11,770 lb) empty, 8,725 kg (19,235 lb) max7.154 m (23 ft 5.66 in)15.0 m (49 ft 2.5 in)

If you would like more information about the MiG-21 during the Vietnam war, then I would recommend that you read my short review of the Osprey Publishing MiG-21 Units of the Vietnam War: No. 29 (Combat Aircraft).