MiG-21F

The Mikoyan‑Gurevich MiG‑21F, commonly called the ‘Fishbed’, entered service in 1959 as the first supersonic interceptor produced in large numbers by the Soviet Union. Built at the Sokol plant in Saratov, the MiG‑21F represented the culmination of earlier MiG‑21 variants, featuring a more powerful Tumansky R‑25 engine, an after‑burner equipped nose intake, and an enlarged nose cone that housed a radar ranging system. Its slim delta wing and short fuselage gave the aircraft an exceptional climb rate of over 200 m/s and a top speed of Mach 2.05, while the new Lyulka‑type instrument panel reduced pilot workload. The aircraft carried a mixed armament of two 23 mm NR‑23 cannons and up to two air‑to‑air missiles, usually K‑13 (AA‑2) or later R‑13. Over 2,500 units were delivered to more than 30 air forces, making the MiG‑21F a cornerstone of Cold‑War air defence and a benchmark for low‑cost, high‑performance fighters. Its simplicity, ease of maintenance, and combat record in conflicts from Vietnam to the Middle East cemented its legacy as one of the most influential jet fighters of the twentieth century. Today, preserved examples can be seen in museums worldwide, and the airframe’s design principles continue to inform modern fighter development programs.

Sokol

Classification

Production & History

Design & Classification