MiG-21 Fishbed vs Shenyang J-35

Overview

The MiG-21 Fishbed and the Shenyang J-35 are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by Mikoyan-Gurevitch and Shenyang Aircraft Corporation respectively.

Top speed is 2,125 km/h for the MiG-21 Fishbed vs 1,905 km/h for the Shenyang J-35. The MiG-21 Fishbed has an operational range of 660 km vs 3,500 km for the Shenyang J-35. The MiG-21 Fishbed operates at altitudes up to 19,000 m compared to 16,000 m for the Shenyang J-35. At 28,000 kg MTOW, the Shenyang J-35 is 3.2x the MiG-21 Fishbed's 8,625 kg.

The MiG-21 Fishbed has been produced in 11,496 units vs 57 for the Shenyang J-35. The MiG-21 Fishbed first flew 66 years before the Shenyang J-35 (1955 vs 2021).

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
China's first carrier-capable fifth-generation stealth multirole fighter
Shenyang Aircraft Corporation Shenyang J-35 Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇳 China
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Shenyang Aircraft Corporation
First flight 29 October 2021
Year introduced 2025
Number produced 57 units
Average unit price --
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
Total thrust 1 x 4,689 kgf â—‰
Wing area -- m²
Wingspan 11.5 m â—‰
Height 4.8 m â—‰
Length 17.3 m â—‰
Maximum speed 1905 km/h â—‰
Operational range 3,500 km â—‰
Service ceiling 16,000 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 28,000 kg â—‰
Empty weight -- kg
Total thrust 2 x 11,830 kgf â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Shenyang J-35?
The MiG-21 Fishbed is faster with a maximum speed of 2,125 km/h compared to the Shenyang J-35's 1,905 km/h, a difference of 220 km/h.
Which has longer range, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Shenyang J-35?
The Shenyang J-35 has a longer range at 3,500 km compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 660 km.
Which can fly higher, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Shenyang J-35?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has a higher service ceiling at 19,000 meters (62,335 ft) compared to the Shenyang J-35's 16,000 meters (52,493 ft).
Which is heavier, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Shenyang J-35?
The Shenyang J-35 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 28,000 kg compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 8,625 kg.
Which is larger, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Shenyang J-35?
The Shenyang J-35 is longer at 17.3 meters compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 13.5 meters.
Which entered service first, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Shenyang J-35?
The MiG-21 Fishbed entered service first in 1958, 67 years before the Shenyang J-35 which entered service in 2025.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Shenyang J-35?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has been produced in greater numbers with 11,496 units compared to 57 units of the Shenyang J-35.