F-35 Lightning II vs MiG-21 Fishbed
The F-35 Lightning II and the MiG-21 Fishbed are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by Lockheed Martin and Mikoyan-Gurevitch respectively. Top speed is 1,960 km/h for the F-35 Lightning II vs 2,125 km/h for the MiG-21 Fishbed. The F-35 Lightning II has an operational range of 2,800 km vs 660 km for the MiG-21 Fishbed. The MiG-21 Fishbed operates at altitudes up to 19,000 m compared to 15,000 m for the F-35 Lightning II. At 27,216 kg MTOW, the F-35 Lightning II is 3.2x the MiG-21 Fishbed's 8,625 kg. The F-35 Lightning II has been produced in 965 units vs 11,496 for the MiG-21 Fishbed. Unit cost is $85M for the F-35 Lightning II vs $2M for the MiG-21 Fishbed. The MiG-21 Fishbed first flew 51 years before the F-35 Lightning II (1955 vs 2006).
| American multirole stealth fighter, developed in the early 21st century, extensively deployed in global military operations. | |
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| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Combat Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Lockheed Martin |
| First flight | 15 December 2006 |
| Year introduced | 2013 |
| Number produced | 965 units |
| Average unit price | $85 million |
| Soviet supersonic jet fighter, renowned for extensive service during the Cold War, prevalent in various international conflicts. | |
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| 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 | 43.0 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 11.0 m â—‰ |
| Height | 4.4 m â—‰ |
| Length | 15.6 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 1960 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 2,800 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 15,000 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 27,216 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | 14,651 kg â—‰ |
| Total thrust | 1 x 19,500 kgf â—‰ |
| Wing area | 23.0 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 7.2 m â—‰ |
| Height | 4.1 m â—‰ |
| Length | 13.5 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 2125 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 660 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 19,000 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 8,625 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | 4,871 kg â—‰ |
| Total thrust | 1 x 4,689 kgf â—‰ |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the F-35 Lightning II or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed is faster with a maximum speed of 2,125 km/h compared to the F-35 Lightning II's 1,960 km/h, a difference of 165 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F-35 Lightning II or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The F-35 Lightning II has a longer range at 2,800 km compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 660 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-35 Lightning II or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has a higher service ceiling at 19,000 meters (62,335 ft) compared to the F-35 Lightning II's 15,000 meters (49,212 ft).
Which is heavier, the F-35 Lightning II or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The F-35 Lightning II has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 27,216 kg compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 8,625 kg.
Which is larger, the F-35 Lightning II or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The F-35 Lightning II is longer at 15.6 meters compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 13.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F-35 Lightning II or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The F-35 Lightning II is more expensive at approximately $85 million per unit compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed at $2.0 million.
Which entered service first, the F-35 Lightning II or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed entered service first in 1958, 55 years before the F-35 Lightning II which entered service in 2013.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F-35 Lightning II or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has been produced in greater numbers with 11,496 units compared to 965 units of the F-35 Lightning II.