MiG-21 Fishbed vs MiG-31 Foxhound

The MiG-21 Fishbed and the MiG-31 Foxhound are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by Mikoyan-Gurevitch and Mikoyan-Gurevitch respectively. Top speed is 2,125 km/h for the MiG-21 Fishbed vs 3,000 km/h for the MiG-31 Foxhound. The MiG-21 Fishbed has an operational range of 660 km vs 3,000 km for the MiG-31 Foxhound. The MiG-31 Foxhound operates at altitudes up to 20,600 m compared to 19,000 m for the MiG-21 Fishbed. At 46,200 kg MTOW, the MiG-31 Foxhound is 5.4x the MiG-21 Fishbed's 8,625 kg. The MiG-21 Fishbed has been produced in 11,496 units vs 519 for the MiG-31 Foxhound. Unit cost is $2M for the MiG-21 Fishbed vs $55M for the MiG-31 Foxhound. The MiG-21 Fishbed first flew 20 years before the MiG-31 Foxhound (1955 vs 1975).

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
Soviet interceptor jet, famed for its Cold War period deployment, primarily used for high-speed, high-altitude defensive missions.
Mikoyan-Gurevitch MiG-31 Foxhound Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Mikoyan-Gurevitch
First flight 16 September 1975
Year introduced 1983
Number produced 519 units
Average unit price $55 million
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—‰
Wing area 61.6 m² ◉
Wingspan 13.5 m â—‰
Height 6.2 m â—‰
Length 22.7 m â—‰
Maximum speed 3000 km/h â—‰
Operational range 3,000 km â—‰
Service ceiling 20,600 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 46,200 kg â—‰
Empty weight 21,830 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 19,000 kgf â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the MiG-21 Fishbed or MiG-31 Foxhound?
The MiG-31 Foxhound is faster with a maximum speed of 3,000 km/h compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 2,125 km/h, a difference of 875 km/h.
Which has longer range, the MiG-21 Fishbed or MiG-31 Foxhound?
The MiG-31 Foxhound has a longer range at 3,000 km compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 660 km.
Which can fly higher, the MiG-21 Fishbed or MiG-31 Foxhound?
The MiG-31 Foxhound has a higher service ceiling at 20,600 meters (67,585 ft) compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 19,000 meters (62,335 ft).
Which is heavier, the MiG-21 Fishbed or MiG-31 Foxhound?
The MiG-31 Foxhound has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 46,200 kg compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 8,625 kg.
Which is larger, the MiG-21 Fishbed or MiG-31 Foxhound?
The MiG-31 Foxhound is longer at 22.7 meters compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 13.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the MiG-21 Fishbed or MiG-31 Foxhound?
The MiG-31 Foxhound is more expensive at approximately $55 million per unit compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed at $2.0 million.
Which entered service first, the MiG-21 Fishbed or MiG-31 Foxhound?
The MiG-21 Fishbed entered service first in 1958, 25 years before the MiG-31 Foxhound which entered service in 1983.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the MiG-21 Fishbed or MiG-31 Foxhound?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has been produced in greater numbers with 11,496 units compared to 519 units of the MiG-31 Foxhound.