MiG-21 Fishbed vs Yak-28 Brewer / Firebar

The MiG-21 Fishbed and the Yak-28 Brewer / Firebar are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by Mikoyan-Gurevitch and Yakovlev respectively. Top speed is 2,125 km/h for the MiG-21 Fishbed vs 1,840 km/h for the Yak-28 Brewer / Firebar. The MiG-21 Fishbed has an operational range of 660 km vs 2,500 km for the Yak-28 Brewer / Firebar. The MiG-21 Fishbed operates at altitudes up to 19,000 m compared to 16,750 m for the Yak-28 Brewer / Firebar. At 20,000 kg MTOW, the Yak-28 Brewer / Firebar is 2.3x the MiG-21 Fishbed's 8,625 kg. The MiG-21 Fishbed has been produced in 11,496 units vs 1,180 for the Yak-28 Brewer / Firebar. Unit cost is $2M for the MiG-21 Fishbed vs $3M for the Yak-28 Brewer / Firebar. The MiG-21 Fishbed first flew 3 years before the Yak-28 Brewer / Firebar (1955 vs 1958).

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 supersonic bomber, deployed during the Cold War, recognized for strategic reconnaissance and electronic warfare capacities.
Yakovlev Yak-28 Brewer / Firebar Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Yakovlev
First flight 5 March 1958
Year introduced 1961
Number produced 1180 units
Average unit price $3 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 35.3 m² ◉
Wingspan 11.6 m â—‰
Height 4.3 m â—‰
Length 21.6 m â—‰
Maximum speed 1840 km/h â—‰
Operational range 2,500 km â—‰
Service ceiling 16,750 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 20,000 kg â—‰
Empty weight 9,970 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 3,950 kgf â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Yak-28 Brewer / Firebar?
The MiG-21 Fishbed is faster with a maximum speed of 2,125 km/h compared to the Yak-28 Brewer / Firebar's 1,840 km/h, a difference of 285 km/h.
Which has longer range, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Yak-28 Brewer / Firebar?
The Yak-28 Brewer / Firebar has a longer range at 2,500 km compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 660 km.
Which can fly higher, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Yak-28 Brewer / Firebar?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has a higher service ceiling at 19,000 meters (62,335 ft) compared to the Yak-28 Brewer / Firebar's 16,750 meters (54,954 ft).
Which is heavier, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Yak-28 Brewer / Firebar?
The Yak-28 Brewer / Firebar has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 20,000 kg compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 8,625 kg.
Which is larger, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Yak-28 Brewer / Firebar?
The Yak-28 Brewer / Firebar is longer at 21.6 meters compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 13.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Yak-28 Brewer / Firebar?
The Yak-28 Brewer / Firebar is more expensive at approximately $3.0 million per unit compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed at $2.0 million.
Which entered service first, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Yak-28 Brewer / Firebar?
The MiG-21 Fishbed entered service first in 1958, 3 years before the Yak-28 Brewer / Firebar which entered service in 1961.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Yak-28 Brewer / Firebar?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has been produced in greater numbers with 11,496 units compared to 1,180 units of the Yak-28 Brewer / Firebar.