LATEST Ancient Prototypes of Proxy Warfare: The Economic and Logistical Burden of Roman and Persian Proxy Networks among Arab Tribes and Caucasian Powers
SEARCH
DB ONLINE
EN ▾
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21
Photo: Gojanovic123456789 · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
REC // INTEL FEED

Mikoyan-GurevichMiG-21

Air Superiority Fighters · Russia · 1959
ADD TO COMPARE

Mikoyan-GurevichMiG-21

Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 Photo: Gojanovic123456789 · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
* Absolute score — assessed within category · no era adjustment
Air-to-Air Lethality
45
Agility
55
Speed
60
Radar & Avionics
30
Range
35
Stealth
10
Survivability
40
Reliability
70
Technology
40
Cost-Effectiveness
80
Origin Russia
ManufacturerHindustan Aeronautics Limited, Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG, AERO Vodochody Aerospace, Tbilisi Aircraft Manufacturing, Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group, Dux Factory, Sokol
CategoryAir Superiority Fighters
EraEarly Cold War
In service1959–1986
Operators54 countries
Quantity11,496
Data Quality88%
MASS(Military Archive Scoring System)
44
Air Superiority Fighters MASS Rating
32/89
Early Cold War
180/832
All-Time
Air Superiority Fighters · 10 axes scored
Air-to-Air Lethality
45
Agility
55
Speed
60
Radar & Avionics
30
Range
35
Stealth
10
Survivability
40
Reliability
70
Technology
40
Cost-Effectiveness
80
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the air superiority fighters category.
01 / Overview
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
AIR SUPERIORITY FIGHTERS · EARLY COLD WAR
32
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
85
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
—
44
air superiority fighters category
ⓘ Performance/Price and MASS score are computed across all units in the air superiority fighters category, regardless of era.
02 / Specs & Design
◎General6MOD.6
  • First Flight1955
  • Service Entry Year1959
  • Crew1
  • Primary RoleAir superiority / interceptor
  • GenerationSecond‑generation jet fighter
  • In ServiceYes
◈Powerplant10MOD.10
  • Engine TypeTumansky R-25-300
  • Engine ModelRD‑9A / R‑11F‑300 series
  • Number of Engines1
  • Thrust (dry, each)33.9
  • Thrust (afterburner, each)54.1
  • Thrust-to-Weight0.9
  • AfterburnerYes
  • SupercruiseNo
  • Thrust VectoringNo
  • Internal Fuel2,160 kg
▣Performance10MOD.10
  • Top Speed2,175 km/h
  • Top Speed (Mach)2.05 Mach
  • Cruise Speed900 km/h
  • Stall Speed260 km/h
  • Service Ceiling17,500 m
  • Ferry Range660 km
  • Combat Radius350 km
  • Rate of Climb210 m/s
  • G-Limit9.5
  • Takeoff Run500 m
◇Dimensions & Weights7MOD.7
  • Length14.7 m
  • Wingspan7.154 m
  • Height4.94 m
  • Wing Area23.5
  • Empty Weight5,300 kg
  • Loaded Weight8,725 kg
  • Max Takeoff Weight8,800 kg
◆Armament8MOD.8
▤Avionics & Stealth8MOD.8
⬢Production3MOD.3
  • Total Built11,496
  • Operators60
  • Variants30
▲Service History3MOD.3
  • Production Start1959
  • Production End1986
  • Operational StatusIn service with several air forces
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
  1. 1959Production started
  2. 1960Entered service
  3. 1986Production ended
67
years in service
27
years in production
11,496
units produced
53
countries operating
ⓘ The producing country still actively operates it. 1 countries retired it.
04 / Operators
📖 TERMS ON THIS PAGE4terms
An afterburner is a device that injects fuel into a jet engine's hot exhaust gases, generating additional thrust through combustion.
Air-to-air missiles are guided missiles fired from aircraft to engage other aircraft. They are used for self-defense and to gain air superiority.
Air-to-Ground Missiles are guided missiles fired from aircraft to attack ground targets. They enable aircraft to engage and destroy enemy ground positions, vehicles, and installations.
Relating to or using nuclear energy, typically fission, for propulsion or power generation in military vessels.
These terms are listed automatically because they appear on this page.full encyclopedia →
📚 Sources
📖 ENCYCLOPEDIA Browse the Air Superiority Fighters entry →