JA 37 Viggen vs MiG-21 Fishbed

Overview

The JA 37 Viggen and the MiG-21 Fishbed are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by Saab and Mikoyan-Gurevitch respectively.

Top speed is 2,231 km/h for the JA 37 Viggen vs 2,125 km/h for the MiG-21 Fishbed. The JA 37 Viggen has an operational range of 1,820 km vs 660 km for the MiG-21 Fishbed. The MiG-21 Fishbed operates at altitudes up to 19,000 m compared to 18,000 m for the JA 37 Viggen. At 20,000 kg MTOW, the JA 37 Viggen is 2.3x the MiG-21 Fishbed's 8,625 kg.

The JA 37 Viggen has been produced in 329 units vs 11,496 for the MiG-21 Fishbed. Unit cost is $5M for the JA 37 Viggen vs $2M for the MiG-21 Fishbed. The MiG-21 Fishbed first flew 12 years before the JA 37 Viggen (1955 vs 1967).

JA 37 Viggen

Swedish fighter jet, key component of Cold War air defense, not deployed beyond national borders despite being built for NATO use.
Saab JA 37 Viggen Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇸🇪 Sweden
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Saab
First flight 8 February 1967
Year introduced 1971
Number produced 329 units
Average unit price $5 million
→ View full JA 37 Viggen details

MiG-21 Fishbed

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
→ View full MiG-21 Fishbed details

JA 37 Viggen

Wing area 46.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 10.6 m ◉
Height 5.9 m ◉
Length 16.4 m ◉
Maximum speed 2231 km/h ◉
Operational range 1,820 km ◉
Service ceiling 18,000 m ◉
Max. takeoff weight 20,000 kg ◉
Empty weight 9,500 kg ◉
Total thrust 1 x 7,348 kgf ◉

MiG-21 Fishbed

Wing area 23.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 7.2 m ◉
Height 4.1 m ◉
Length 13.5 m ◉
Maximum speed 2125 km/h ◉
Operational range 660 km ◉
Service ceiling 19,000 m ◉
Max. takeoff weight 8,625 kg ◉
Empty weight 4,871 kg ◉
Total thrust 1 x 4,689 kgf ◉

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the JA 37 Viggen or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The JA 37 Viggen is faster with a maximum speed of 2,231 km/h compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 2,125 km/h, a difference of 106 km/h.
Which has longer range, the JA 37 Viggen or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The JA 37 Viggen has a longer range at 1,820 km compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 660 km.
Which can fly higher, the JA 37 Viggen or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has a higher service ceiling at 19,000 meters (62,335 ft) compared to the JA 37 Viggen's 18,000 meters (59,055 ft).
Which is heavier, the JA 37 Viggen or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The JA 37 Viggen has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 20,000 kg compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 8,625 kg.
Which is larger, the JA 37 Viggen or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The JA 37 Viggen is longer at 16.4 meters compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 13.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the JA 37 Viggen or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The JA 37 Viggen is more expensive at approximately $5.0 million per unit compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed at $2.0 million.
Which entered service first, the JA 37 Viggen or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed entered service first in 1958, 13 years before the JA 37 Viggen which entered service in 1971.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the JA 37 Viggen or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has been produced in greater numbers with 11,496 units compared to 329 units of the JA 37 Viggen.

Related Comparisons

JA 37 Viggen vs MiG-15 Fagot JA 37 Viggen vs MiG-17 Fresco JA 37 Viggen vs F-86 Sabre JA 37 Viggen vs F-84 Thunderjet JA 37 Viggen vs F-4 Phantom II JA 37 Viggen vs MiG-23 Flogger
2025 GlobalMilitary.net • About • Privacy • Terms • Dark theme