MiG-21M
Mikoyan-Gurevich · Soviet Union · first flew 1968 · fighter
The MiG-21M (Fishbed-J) is the export variant of the MiG-21S, fitted with the simplified RP-21MA radar in place of the Sapfir-21, and produced under licence in India by HAL as the Type 96.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, delta |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turbojet, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Simplified GP-9 cannon gondola under fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- MiG-21 tailed delta with broad dorsal spine and four underwing pylons
- Simplified GP-9 cannon gondola under fuselage
- Narrow-chord fin fairing at base compared to SMT
Distinguished from the MiG-21PFM by the larger dorsal spine and four-pylon wing. Distinguished from the MiG-21MF by the slightly different avionics fairings and (on close inspection) engine exhaust nozzle diameter differences. The GP-9 cannon gondola under the fuselage centre is standard.
Specifications
- The MiG-21M has a length of 15.76 m (52 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 7.15 m (23 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 2175 km/h (1351 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The M was created to offer Warsaw Pact allies and export customers the improved four-pylon, dorsal-spine airframe of the third-generation MiG-21 without revealing the full RP-22 radar technology of the VVS-only MiG-21S. India's HAL licence-produced the MiG-21M as the Type 96, delivering over 160 aircraft. Egypt, Syria, and other clients also received the M variant.
Variants
The MiG-21M and MiG-21MF are closely related, with the MF using the more powerful R-13-300 engine and full Sapfir-21 radar. The M retained the R-11F2S-300. HAL also licence-produced the MiG-21MF for India.
Where you'll see it
IAF service spanned the 1970s through the 1990s. Egyptian and Syrian MiG-21Ms saw extensive combat in the 1973 Yom Kippur War. The M was the most widely exported third-generation MiG-21 variant, equipping air forces across Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe.
Related aircraft
- MiG-21SM
- MiG-21MF
- MiG-23
- MiG-23U
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- Canadair CF-5 Freedom Fighter
- Canadair CF-5A Freedom Fighter
- Cavalier F-51D Mustang
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