J-20 Mighty Dragon vs MiG-21 Fishbed

The J-20 Mighty Dragon and the MiG-21 Fishbed are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by Chengdu and Mikoyan-Gurevitch respectively. Top speed is 2,130 km/h for the J-20 Mighty Dragon vs 2,125 km/h for the MiG-21 Fishbed. The J-20 Mighty Dragon has an operational range of 5,500 km vs 660 km for the MiG-21 Fishbed. The J-20 Mighty Dragon operates at altitudes up to 20,000 m compared to 19,000 m for the MiG-21 Fishbed. At 37,000 kg MTOW, the J-20 Mighty Dragon is 4.3x the MiG-21 Fishbed's 8,625 kg. The J-20 Mighty Dragon has been produced in 300 units vs 11,496 for the MiG-21 Fishbed. Unit cost is $110M for the J-20 Mighty Dragon vs $2M for the MiG-21 Fishbed. The MiG-21 Fishbed first flew 56 years before the J-20 Mighty Dragon (1955 vs 2011).

China's first stealthy, twin-engine fifth-generation multirole fighter jet
Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇳 China
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Chengdu
First flight 11 January 2011
Year introduced 2017
Number produced 300 units
Average unit price $110 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 73.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 13.0 m â—‰
Height 4.7 m â—‰
Length 21.2 m â—‰
Maximum speed 2130 km/h â—‰
Operational range 5,500 km â—‰
Service ceiling 20,000 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 37,000 kg â—‰
Empty weight 17,000 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 28,968 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 J-20 Mighty Dragon or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The J-20 Mighty Dragon is faster with a maximum speed of 2,130 km/h compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 2,125 km/h, a difference of 5 km/h.
Which has longer range, the J-20 Mighty Dragon or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The J-20 Mighty Dragon has a longer range at 5,500 km compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 660 km.
Which can fly higher, the J-20 Mighty Dragon or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The J-20 Mighty Dragon has a higher service ceiling at 20,000 meters (65,616 ft) compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 19,000 meters (62,335 ft).
Which is heavier, the J-20 Mighty Dragon or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The J-20 Mighty Dragon has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 37,000 kg compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 8,625 kg.
Which is larger, the J-20 Mighty Dragon or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The J-20 Mighty Dragon is longer at 21.2 meters compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 13.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the J-20 Mighty Dragon or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The J-20 Mighty Dragon is more expensive at approximately $110 million per unit compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed at $2.0 million.
Which entered service first, the J-20 Mighty Dragon or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed entered service first in 1958, 59 years before the J-20 Mighty Dragon which entered service in 2017.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the J-20 Mighty Dragon or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has been produced in greater numbers with 11,496 units compared to 300 units of the J-20 Mighty Dragon.