MiG-21 Fishbed vs Yak-38 Forger

The MiG-21 Fishbed and the Yak-38 Forger are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by Mikoyan-Gurevitch and Yakovlev respectively. Top speed is 2,125 km/h for the MiG-21 Fishbed vs 1,210 km/h for the Yak-38 Forger. The MiG-21 Fishbed has an operational range of 660 km vs 1,300 km for the Yak-38 Forger. The MiG-21 Fishbed operates at altitudes up to 19,000 m compared to 11,300 m for the Yak-38 Forger. The MiG-21 Fishbed has been produced in 11,496 units vs 231 for the Yak-38 Forger. Unit cost is $2M for the MiG-21 Fishbed vs $12M for the Yak-38 Forger. The MiG-21 Fishbed first flew 15 years before the Yak-38 Forger (1955 vs 1970).

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 vertical takeoff/landing fighter, developed during the Cold War, primarily utilized on Soviet naval aviation carriers.
Yakovlev Yak-38 Forger Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Yakovlev
First flight 27 September 1970
Year introduced 1976
Number produced 231 units
Average unit price $12 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 18.5 m² ◉
Wingspan 7.3 m â—‰
Height 4.4 m â—‰
Length 15.5 m â—‰
Maximum speed 1210 km/h â—‰
Operational range 1,300 km â—‰
Service ceiling 11,300 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 11,200 kg â—‰
Empty weight 7,020 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 3,050 kgf â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Yak-38 Forger?
The MiG-21 Fishbed is faster with a maximum speed of 2,125 km/h compared to the Yak-38 Forger's 1,210 km/h, a difference of 915 km/h.
Which has longer range, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Yak-38 Forger?
The Yak-38 Forger has a longer range at 1,300 km compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 660 km.
Which can fly higher, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Yak-38 Forger?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has a higher service ceiling at 19,000 meters (62,335 ft) compared to the Yak-38 Forger's 11,300 meters (37,073 ft).
Which is heavier, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Yak-38 Forger?
The Yak-38 Forger has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 11,200 kg compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 8,625 kg.
Which is larger, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Yak-38 Forger?
The Yak-38 Forger is longer at 15.5 meters compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 13.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Yak-38 Forger?
The Yak-38 Forger is more expensive at approximately $12 million per unit compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed at $2.0 million.
Which entered service first, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Yak-38 Forger?
The MiG-21 Fishbed entered service first in 1958, 18 years before the Yak-38 Forger which entered service in 1976.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the MiG-21 Fishbed or Yak-38 Forger?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has been produced in greater numbers with 11,496 units compared to 231 units of the Yak-38 Forger.