MiG-21 Fishbed vs Rafale
The MiG-21 Fishbed and the Rafale are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by Mikoyan-Gurevitch and Dassault respectively. Top speed is 2,125 km/h for the MiG-21 Fishbed vs 1,912 km/h for the Rafale. The MiG-21 Fishbed has an operational range of 660 km vs 1,850 km for the Rafale. The MiG-21 Fishbed operates at altitudes up to 19,000 m compared to 15,835 m for the Rafale. At 24,500 kg MTOW, the Rafale is 2.8x the MiG-21 Fishbed's 8,625 kg. The MiG-21 Fishbed has been produced in 11,496 units vs 316 for the Rafale. Unit cost is $2M for the MiG-21 Fishbed vs $115M for the Rafale. The MiG-21 Fishbed first flew 31 years before the Rafale (1955 vs 1986).
| Soviet supersonic jet fighter, renowned for extensive service during the Cold War, prevalent in various international conflicts. | |
|
|
| 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 |
| French twin-engine multirole fighter, known for its versatility, advanced avionics, and high maneuverability. | |
|
|
| Origin country | 🇫🇷 France |
| Category | Combat Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Dassault |
| First flight | 4 July 1986 |
| Year introduced | 2001 |
| Number produced | 316 units |
| Average unit price | $115 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 | 45.7 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 10.9 m â—‰ |
| Height | 5.3 m â—‰ |
| Length | 15.3 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 1912 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 1,850 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 15,835 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 24,500 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | 9,850 kg â—‰ |
| Total thrust | 2 x 7,650 kgf â—‰ |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Rafale?
The MiG-21 Fishbed is faster with a maximum speed of 2,125 km/h compared to the Rafale's 1,912 km/h, a difference of 213 km/h.
Which has longer range, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Rafale?
The Rafale has a longer range at 1,850 km compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 660 km.
Which can fly higher, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Rafale?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has a higher service ceiling at 19,000 meters (62,335 ft) compared to the Rafale's 15,835 meters (51,952 ft).
Which is heavier, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Rafale?
The Rafale has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 24,500 kg compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 8,625 kg.
Which is larger, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Rafale?
The Rafale is longer at 15.3 meters compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 13.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Rafale?
The Rafale is more expensive at approximately $115 million per unit compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed at $2.0 million.
Which entered service first, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Rafale?
The MiG-21 Fishbed entered service first in 1958, 43 years before the Rafale which entered service in 2001.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Rafale?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has been produced in greater numbers with 11,496 units compared to 316 units of the Rafale.