F-35 Lightning II vs MiG-21 Fishbed

Overview

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).

F-35 Lightning II

American multirole stealth fighter, developed in the early 21st century, extensively deployed in global military operations.
Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II Combat profile drawing
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
→ View full F-35 Lightning II details

MiG-21 Fishbed

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
→ View full MiG-21 Fishbed details

F-35 Lightning II

Wing area 43.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 11.0 m ◉
Height 4.4 m ◉
Length 15.6 m ◉
Maximum speed 1960 km/h ◉
Operational range 2,800 km ◉
Service ceiling 15,000 m ◉
Max. takeoff weight 27,216 kg ◉
Empty weight 14,651 kg ◉
Total thrust 1 x 19,500 kgf ◉

MiG-21 Fishbed

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 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.

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