MiG-21 Fishbed vs MiG-23 Flogger

Soviet supersonic jet fighter, renowned for extensive service during the Cold War, prevalent in various international conflicts.
Picture of MiG-21 Fishbed
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 third-generation jet fighter, notable for its service during the Cold War, often deployed in interceptor and ground-attack roles.
Picture of MiG-23 Flogger
Origin country 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Mikoyan-Gurevitch
First flight 10 June 1967
Year introduced 1970
Number produced 5047 units
Average unit price $4 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—‰
Profile drawing of Mikoyan-Gurevitch MiG-21 Fishbed
Wing area 37.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 14.0 m â—‰
Height 4.8 m â—‰
Length 16.7 m â—‰
Maximum speed 2500 km/h â—‰
Operational range 1,150 km â—‰
Service ceiling 18,000 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 17,800 kg â—‰
Empty weight 10,230 kg â—‰
Total thrust 1 x 12,996 kgf â—‰
Profile drawing of Mikoyan-Gurevitch MiG-23 Flogger

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the MiG-21 Fishbed or MiG-23 Flogger?
The MiG-23 Flogger is faster with a maximum speed of 2,500 km/h compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 2,125 km/h, a difference of 375 km/h.
Which has longer range, the MiG-21 Fishbed or MiG-23 Flogger?
The MiG-23 Flogger has a longer range at 1,150 km compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 660 km.
Which can fly higher, the MiG-21 Fishbed or MiG-23 Flogger?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has a higher service ceiling at 19,000 meters (62,335 ft) compared to the MiG-23 Flogger's 18,000 meters (59,055 ft).
Which is heavier, the MiG-21 Fishbed or MiG-23 Flogger?
The MiG-23 Flogger has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 17,800 kg compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 8,625 kg.
Which is larger, the MiG-21 Fishbed or MiG-23 Flogger?
The MiG-23 Flogger is longer at 16.7 meters compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 13.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the MiG-21 Fishbed or MiG-23 Flogger?
The MiG-23 Flogger is more expensive at approximately $4.0 million per unit compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed at $2.0 million.
Which entered service first, the MiG-21 Fishbed or MiG-23 Flogger?
The MiG-21 Fishbed entered service first in 1958, 12 years before the MiG-23 Flogger which entered service in 1970.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the MiG-21 Fishbed or MiG-23 Flogger?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has been produced in greater numbers with 11,496 units compared to 5,047 units of the MiG-23 Flogger.