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JA 37 Viggen vs MiG-21 Fishbed

JA 37 Viggen vs MiG-21 Fishbed at a glance — top speed 2,231 vs 2,175 km/h, range 1,820 vs 793 km, max takeoff weight 20,000 vs 10,400 kg, built 329 vs 11,496 units.

Specifications
JA 37 Viggen MiG-21 Fishbed
Origin country 🇸🇪 Sweden 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR
Category Combat Aircraft Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Saab Mikoyan-Gurevich
First flight 8 February 1967 16 June 1955
Year introduced 1971 1958
Number produced 329 units 11496 units
Average unit price $5 million $2 million
Wing area 46.0 m² 23.0 m²
Wingspan 10.6 m 7.2 m
Height 5.9 m 4.1 m
Length 16.4 m 14.7 m
Maximum speed 2231 km/h 2175 km/h
Operational range 1,820 km 793 km
Service ceiling 18,000 m 17,500 m
Max. takeoff weight 20,000 kg 10,400 kg
Empty weight 9,500 kg 4,871 kg
Total thrust 1 x 12,746 kgf 1 x 7,095 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
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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 2,175 km/h, a difference of 56 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 793 km.
Which can fly higher, the JA 37 Viggen or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The JA 37 Viggen has a higher service ceiling at 18,000 meters (59,055 ft) compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 17,500 meters (57,414 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 10,400 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 14.7 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.