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F-5 Freedom Fighter vs MiG-23 Flogger

F-5 Freedom Fighter vs MiG-23 Flogger at a glance — top speed 1,700 vs 2,500 km/h, range 2,806 vs 2,360 km, max takeoff weight 11,187 vs 17,800 kg, built 1,204 vs 5,047 units.

Northrop F-5 Freedom Fighter combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 F-5 Freedom Fighter
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23 Flogger combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇷🇺 MiG-23 Flogger
Specifications
F-5 Freedom Fighter MiG-23 Flogger
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR
Category Combat Aircraft Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Northrop Mikoyan-Gurevich
First flight 30 July 1959 10 June 1967
Year introduced 1965 1970
Number produced 1204 units 5047 units
Average unit price $2 million $4 million
Wing area 17.3 m² 37.0 m²
Wingspan 8.1 m 14.0 m
Height 4.1 m 4.8 m
Length 14.5 m 16.7 m
Maximum speed 1700 km/h 2500 km/h
Operational range 2,806 km 2,360 km
Service ceiling 15,789 m 18,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 11,187 kg 17,800 kg
Empty weight 4,349 kg 10,230 kg
Total thrust 2 x 3,176 kgf 1 x 12,996 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the F-5 Freedom Fighter or MiG-23 Flogger?
The MiG-23 Flogger is faster with a maximum speed of 2,500 km/h compared to the F-5 Freedom Fighter's 1,700 km/h, a difference of 800 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F-5 Freedom Fighter or MiG-23 Flogger?
The F-5 Freedom Fighter has a longer range at 2,806 km compared to the MiG-23 Flogger's 2,360 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-5 Freedom Fighter or MiG-23 Flogger?
The MiG-23 Flogger has a higher service ceiling at 18,000 meters (59,055 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-23 Flogger?
The MiG-23 Flogger has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 17,800 kg compared to the F-5 Freedom Fighter's 11,187 kg.
Which is larger, the F-5 Freedom Fighter or MiG-23 Flogger?
The MiG-23 Flogger is longer at 16.7 meters compared to the F-5 Freedom Fighter's 14.4 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F-5 Freedom Fighter or MiG-23 Flogger?
The MiG-23 Flogger is more expensive at approximately $4.0 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-23 Flogger?
The F-5 Freedom Fighter entered service first in 1965, 5 years before the MiG-23 Flogger which entered service in 1970.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F-5 Freedom Fighter or MiG-23 Flogger?
The MiG-23 Flogger has been produced in greater numbers with 5,047 units compared to 1,204 units of the F-5 Freedom Fighter.