The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 "Fishbed" NATO Designation is a supersonic jet fighter aircraft, designed and built by the Mikoyan-Gurevich Design Bureau in the Soviet Union. First introduced in 1959, it was produced until 1985. Some 50 countries over four continents have flown the MiG-21, and it still serves many nations a half-century after its maiden flight.

The MiG-21 initially achieved renown in the Vietnam War, during which it saw frequent action. The MiG-21 was also used extensively in the Middle East conflicts of the 1960s, 70s and 80s by the air forces of Egypt, Syria and Iraq. The Indian Air Force has been one of the largest users of the MiG-21 since its initial employment of the plane in the Indo-Pakistani war of 1965 and later Indo-Pakistani War of 1971.

General characteristics

• Crew: 1
• Length: 15.76 (with pitot) m (51 ft 8.47 in)
• Wingspan: 7.154 m (23 ft 5.66 in)
• Height: 4.1 m (13 ft 5.41 in)
• Wing area: 23.0 m² (247.3 ft²)
• Empty weight: 4,871 kg (10,738 lb)
• Gross weight: 7,100 kg (15,650 lb)
• Powerplant: 1 × Tumanskiy R11F-300, 37.27 kN (8,380 lbf) thrust dry, 56.27 kN (12,650 lbf) with afterburner each

• Maximum speed: 2,175 km/h (1,350 mph)
• Maximum speed: Mach 2.05
• Range: 1,580 km (981 miles)
• Service ceiling: 19,000 m (62,335 ft)

• 1x internal 30 mm NR-30 cannon, plus
• 2x K-13 or K-13A (R-3S) AAM or
• 2x 500 kg (1,102 lbs) of bombs