Harrier vs MiG-21 Fishbed

The Harrier and the MiG-21 Fishbed are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by British Aerospace and Mikoyan-Gurevitch respectively. Top speed is 1,183 km/h for the Harrier vs 2,125 km/h for the MiG-21 Fishbed. The Harrier has an operational range of 1,500 km vs 660 km for the MiG-21 Fishbed. The MiG-21 Fishbed operates at altitudes up to 19,000 m compared to 14,996 m for the Harrier. The Harrier has been produced in 380 units vs 11,496 for the MiG-21 Fishbed. Unit cost is $24M for the Harrier vs $2M for the MiG-21 Fishbed. The MiG-21 Fishbed first flew 13 years before the Harrier (1955 vs 1968).

British vertical and short takeoff and landing jet, known for Falklands War deployments and Cold War service.
British Aerospace Harrier Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer British Aerospace
First flight 28 December 1968
Year introduced 1969
Number produced 380 units
Average unit price $24 million
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
Wing area 18.7 m² ◉
Wingspan 7.7 m â—‰
Height 3.5 m â—‰
Length 13.9 m â—‰
Maximum speed 1183 km/h â—‰
Operational range 1,500 km â—‰
Service ceiling 14,996 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 11,500 kg â—‰
Empty weight 5,530 kg â—‰
Total thrust 1 x 8,618 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 Harrier or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed is faster with a maximum speed of 2,125 km/h compared to the Harrier's 1,183 km/h, a difference of 942 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Harrier or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The Harrier has a longer range at 1,500 km compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 660 km.
Which can fly higher, the Harrier or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has a higher service ceiling at 19,000 meters (62,335 ft) compared to the Harrier's 14,996 meters (49,199 ft).
Which is heavier, the Harrier or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The Harrier has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 11,500 kg compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 8,625 kg.
Which is larger, the Harrier or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The Harrier is longer at 13.9 meters compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 13.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the Harrier or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The Harrier is more expensive at approximately $24 million per unit compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed at $2.0 million.
Which entered service first, the Harrier or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed entered service first in 1958, 11 years before the Harrier which entered service in 1969.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Harrier or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has been produced in greater numbers with 11,496 units compared to 380 units of the Harrier.