F-5 Freedom Fighter vs MiG-21 Fishbed

American light fighter of Cold War era, notable for worldwide deployment, used extensively in Vietnam and various regional conflicts.
Picture of F-5 Freedom Fighter
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Northrop
First flight 30 July 1959
Year introduced 1965
Number produced 1204 units
Average unit price $2 million
Soviet supersonic jet fighter, renowned for extensive service during the Cold War, prevalent in various international conflicts.
Picture of MiG-21 Fishbed
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 17.3 m² ◉
Wingspan 8.1 m â—‰
Height 4.1 m â—‰
Length 14.5 m â—‰
Maximum speed 1700 km/h â—‰
Operational range 891 km â—‰
Service ceiling 15,789 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 11,187 kg â—‰
Empty weight 4,349 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 3,176 kgf â—‰
Profile drawing of Northrop F-5 Freedom Fighter
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—‰
Profile drawing of Mikoyan-Gurevitch MiG-21 Fishbed

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the F-5 Freedom Fighter or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed is faster with a maximum speed of 2,125 km/h compared to the F-5 Freedom Fighter's 1,700 km/h, a difference of 425 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F-5 Freedom Fighter or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The F-5 Freedom Fighter has a longer range at 891 km compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 660 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-5 Freedom Fighter or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has a higher service ceiling at 19,000 meters (62,335 ft) compared to the F-5 Freedom Fighter's 15,789 meters (51,801 ft).
Which is heavier, the F-5 Freedom Fighter or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The F-5 Freedom Fighter has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 11,187 kg compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 8,625 kg.
Which is larger, the F-5 Freedom Fighter or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The F-5 Freedom Fighter is longer at 14.4 meters compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 13.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F-5 Freedom Fighter or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed is more expensive at approximately $2.0 million per unit compared to the F-5 Freedom Fighter at $2.0 million.
Which entered service first, the F-5 Freedom Fighter or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed entered service first in 1958, 7 years before the F-5 Freedom Fighter which entered service in 1965.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F-5 Freedom Fighter or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has been produced in greater numbers with 11,496 units compared to 1,204 units of the F-5 Freedom Fighter.