F-86 Sabre vs MiG-23 Flogger

The F-86 Sabre and the MiG-23 Flogger are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by North American and Mikoyan-Gurevitch respectively. The MiG-23 Flogger reaches 2,500 km/h — 2.2x the F-86 Sabre's 1,127 km/h. The F-86 Sabre has an operational range of 2,454 km vs 1,150 km for the MiG-23 Flogger. The MiG-23 Flogger operates at altitudes up to 18,000 m compared to 15,850 m for the F-86 Sabre. The F-86 Sabre has been produced in 9,860 units vs 5,047 for the MiG-23 Flogger. Unit cost is $1.2M for the F-86 Sabre vs $4M for the MiG-23 Flogger. The F-86 Sabre first flew 20 years before the MiG-23 Flogger (1947 vs 1967).

American fighter jet, iconic of the Korean War period, widely operational across cold-war frontline, supersonic, and recognized for its dog-fighting capability.
North American F-86 Sabre Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer North American
First flight 1 October 1947
Year introduced 1949
Number produced 9860 units
Average unit price $1.2 million
Soviet third-generation jet fighter, notable for its service during the Cold War, often deployed in interceptor and ground-attack roles.
Mikoyan-Gurevitch MiG-23 Flogger Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Mikoyan-Gurevitch
First flight 10 June 1967
Year introduced 1970
Number produced 5047 units
Average unit price $4 million
Wing area 28.1 m²
Wingspan 11.3 m
Height 4.4 m
Length 11.4 m
Maximum speed 1127 km/h
Operational range 2,454 km
Service ceiling 15,850 m
Max. takeoff weight 9,621 kg
Empty weight 5,443 kg
Total thrust 1 x 3,402 kgf
Wing area 37.0 m²
Wingspan 14.0 m
Height 4.8 m
Length 16.7 m
Maximum speed 2500 km/h
Operational range 1,150 km
Service ceiling 18,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 17,800 kg
Empty weight 10,230 kg
Total thrust 1 x 12,996 kgf

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the F-86 Sabre or MiG-23 Flogger?
The MiG-23 Flogger is faster with a maximum speed of 2,500 km/h compared to the F-86 Sabre's 1,127 km/h, a difference of 1,373 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F-86 Sabre or MiG-23 Flogger?
The F-86 Sabre has a longer range at 2,454 km compared to the MiG-23 Flogger's 1,150 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-86 Sabre or MiG-23 Flogger?
The MiG-23 Flogger has a higher service ceiling at 18,000 meters (59,055 ft) compared to the F-86 Sabre's 15,850 meters (52,001 ft).
Which is heavier, the F-86 Sabre or MiG-23 Flogger?
The MiG-23 Flogger has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 17,800 kg compared to the F-86 Sabre's 9,621 kg.
Which is larger, the F-86 Sabre or MiG-23 Flogger?
The MiG-23 Flogger is longer at 16.7 meters compared to the F-86 Sabre's 11.4 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F-86 Sabre or MiG-23 Flogger?
The MiG-23 Flogger is more expensive at approximately $4.0 million per unit compared to the F-86 Sabre at $1.2 million.
Which entered service first, the F-86 Sabre or MiG-23 Flogger?
The F-86 Sabre entered service first in 1949, 21 years before the MiG-23 Flogger which entered service in 1970.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F-86 Sabre or MiG-23 Flogger?
The F-86 Sabre has been produced in greater numbers with 9,860 units compared to 5,047 units of the MiG-23 Flogger.