What is 10 Second War Stories?

10 Second War Stories brings military history to life through stories, veteran profile, force profiles, and equipment guides across all nations and conflicts.

What is the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21?

The MiG-21 is a famous fighter jet created by the Soviet Union. It first started flying in 1959. It has a special triangular wing shape called a delta wing that lets it fly at very high speeds.

How fast can the MiG-21 fly?

This jet is incredibly fast and can go more than two times the speed of sound. Its engine is powerful enough to help it climb quickly into the sky. It was built to chase down other planes before they could get too close.

How did Laos use the MiG-21?

The Soviet Union sent these jets to Laos during the late 1970s and 1980s to help grow the Laotian air force. Pilots from Laos traveled to other countries to train on these advanced machines. Once they finished training, they flew the jets back home to guard the country's airspace.

Was it easy to keep the MiG-21 flying?

Keeping these jets in the air was a very hard job for the country. It cost a lot of money and required special parts and tools. Even with these big problems, the MiG-21 gave Laos its most powerful air defense during the end of the Cold War.

What is the historical legacy of the MiG-21?

The MiG-21 is known as one of the most important fighter jets from the Cold War era. Many different countries used these planes to build up their military power. Because it was so fast and tough, it is remembered as a major tool for defense all over the world.

Home Library LaosMikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21

Supersonic Fighter Jet

Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21

This fast delta-wing jet fighter defended the country's airspace after being delivered by the Soviet Union.

Laos Introduced 1959 Mikoyan-GurevichRole: Interceptor and fighter

Specifications

Speed

1,350 mph

Range

900 miles

Crew

Armament

23 mm autocannon and air-to-air missiles

History

The MiG-21 was one of the most famous jet fighters of the entire Cold War era. Designed in the Soviet Union, it flew faster than twice the speed of sound and could climb rapidly to intercept hostile airplanes.

During the late 1970s and 1980s, the Soviet Union supplied MiG-21 fighters to Laos to help modernize its air force. Laotian pilots traveled abroad to train on the fast jets before flying them back home.

While keeping high-tech supersonic jets flying was tough due to tight national budgets and maintenance challenges, the MiG-21 gave Laos its most powerful air defense capability of the late Cold War.