Alphajet vs MiG-21 Fishbed

The Alphajet and the MiG-21 Fishbed are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by Dassault-Bréguet/Dornier and Mikoyan-Gurevitch respectively. The MiG-21 Fishbed reaches 2,125 km/h — 2.1x the Alphajet's 1,000 km/h. The Alphajet has an operational range of 1,095 km vs 660 km for the MiG-21 Fishbed. The MiG-21 Fishbed operates at altitudes up to 19,000 m compared to 14,630 m for the Alphajet. The Alphajet has been produced in 480 units vs 11,496 for the MiG-21 Fishbed. Unit cost is $8M for the Alphajet vs $2M for the MiG-21 Fishbed. The MiG-21 Fishbed first flew 18 years before the Alphajet (1955 vs 1973).

French-German trainer jet, known for North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) pilot training, used particularly from late 1970s onward.
Dassault-Bréguet/Dornier Alphajet Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇩🇪 Germany 🇫🇷 France
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Dassault-Bréguet/Dornier
First flight 26 October 1973
Year introduced 1978
Number produced 480 units
Average unit price $8 million
Soviet supersonic jet fighter, renowned for extensive service during the Cold War, prevalent in various international conflicts.
Mikoyan-Gurevitch MiG-21 Fishbed Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Mikoyan-Gurevitch
First flight 16 June 1955
Year introduced 1958
Number produced 11496 units
Average unit price $2 million
Wing area 17.5 m²
Wingspan 9.1 m
Height 4.2 m
Length 13.2 m
Maximum speed 1000 km/h
Operational range 1,095 km
Service ceiling 14,630 m
Max. takeoff weight 7,500 kg
Empty weight 3,515 kg
Total thrust 2 x 2,700 kgf
Wing area 23.0 m²
Wingspan 7.2 m
Height 4.1 m
Length 13.5 m
Maximum speed 2125 km/h
Operational range 660 km
Service ceiling 19,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 8,625 kg
Empty weight 4,871 kg
Total thrust 1 x 4,689 kgf

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Alphajet or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed is faster with a maximum speed of 2,125 km/h compared to the Alphajet's 1,000 km/h, a difference of 1,125 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Alphajet or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The Alphajet has a longer range at 1,095 km compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 660 km.
Which can fly higher, the Alphajet or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has a higher service ceiling at 19,000 meters (62,335 ft) compared to the Alphajet's 14,630 meters (47,998 ft).
Which is heavier, the Alphajet or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 8,625 kg compared to the Alphajet's 7,500 kg.
Which is larger, the Alphajet or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed is longer at 13.5 meters compared to the Alphajet's 13.2 meters.
Which is more expensive, the Alphajet or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The Alphajet is more expensive at approximately $8.0 million per unit compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed at $2.0 million.
Which entered service first, the Alphajet or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed entered service first in 1958, 20 years before the Alphajet which entered service in 1978.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Alphajet or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has been produced in greater numbers with 11,496 units compared to 480 units of the Alphajet.