Usuario:OverG/Zona1
El caza MiG-21 fue utilizado por las fuerzas aéreas de más de 50 países durante todo el período de su producción en serie. En la actualidad, con la aparición de nuevos tipos de aviones de combate está siendo reemplazado paulatinamente y en la medida de las posibilidades de los operadores. No obstante, aún está presente en las plantillas de 18 fuerzas aéreas.
Operadores Actuales
Esta lista no incluye a los operadores del caza chino Chengdu J-7.
La Fuerza Aérea de Azerbaiyán recibió unos 12 cazas MiG-21 de Ucrania. Se reporta que cinco de ellos están basificados en Kyurdamir. Estos aviones se espera que serán retirados del servicio con el arribo de 48 cazas MiG-29.[1]
Entre los años 1963 y 1990 Bulgaria recibió unos 224 cazas MiG-21 de los cuales 36 permanecen en servicio en la actualidad.[2] Bulgaria recibió 12 cazas MiG-21F-13 en 1963, que fueron convertidos en MiG-21F-13R para el año 1974; tres de ellos se perdieron en accidentes y los restantes nueve fueron retirados en el año 1988. En el año 1965 se recibieron 24 aviones, divididos en 12 MiG-21PF y 12 MiG-21PFM. En el caso de los MiG-21PF cuatro se perdieron en accidentes, fueron retirados del servicio activo en 1991. En los años 1977 a 1978 se recibieron 32 cazas MiG-21PFM, aumentado el total de esta variante a 46 aviones y además fueron entregados 4 cazas MiG-21PFS, siete "PFM" se perdieron en accidentes y cuatro fueron vendidos a Nigeria. Los PFM y PFS fueron retirados del servicio en 1992.
En el año 1969 se comenzó a operar con la variante de exploración MiG-21R que se utilizó hasta el año 1995. En 1970 se recibieron 15 MiG-21M, retirados en 1990 y entre 1974 y 1975 se recibieron 20 aviones del tipo MiG-21MF de los cuales siete fueron convertidos a MiG-21MFR en 1995. Todos estos aviones se retiraron en el año 2000.
En el año 1983 se comenzó a emplear el MiG-21BIS (75b), de los cuales 30 fueron entregados este año y seis en 1985. En el año 1990 se recibieron 36 MiG-21BIS (75a) de las reservas de la VVS. Actualmente doce aviones MiG-21BIS permanecen en servicio con la Fuerza Aérea Búlgara, ubicados en el primer escuadrón del tercer regimiento de caza.
En 1966 un solo ejemplar MiG-21U (66-400) fue entregado a Bulgaria y otro más del tipo MiG-21US en al año 1969, seguido de cuatro en 1970. Entre los años 1974 y 1982 se recibieron 27 entrenadores MiG-21UM de los cuales muchos permanecen operacionales después de una modernización a sus sistemas de putería y vigas de armamento, están designados como MiG-21UM-2.[1]
Unidades | Ubicación | variantes |
---|---|---|
2° IAE/15° IAP | (Base aérea de Ravnets) | MiG-21BIS (75a) y MiG-21UM |
3° IAE/15° IAP | (Base aérea de Ravnets) | MiG-21BIS (75a) y MiG-21UM |
1° IAE/19° IAP | (Graf Ignatievo) | MiG-21BIS (75b) |
2° IAE/19° IAP | (Graf Ignatievo) | MiG-21BIS (75b) |
1° RAE/26° IAP | (Dobrich) | MiG-21MFR |
12° Regimiento de entrenamiento de combate | (Kamenets) | MiG-21PFM y MiG-21UM |
- Situación en el año 2007 de los MiG-21:[3]
- 1 Eskadrila/3° IAB (Graf Ignatievo) : 12 MiG-21BIS (75b) y algunos MiG-21UM-2
Siglas empleadas:
(IAB = Iztrebitelna Aviatsionna Baza - Base Aérea de cazas) (IAE = Iztrebitelna Avioeskadrila - Escuadrón de cazas) (IAP = Iztrebitelen Aviopolk - Regimiento de cazas) (RAE = Razuznavatelna Avioeskadrila - Escuadrón de reconocimiento)
En el año 1982 la URSS entregó 19 cazas MiG-21BIS (75b) y tres MiG-21UM de segunda mano a la Fuerza Aérea de Camboya, más tarde en ese mismo año, llegaron tres MiG-21UM desde Bulgaria. Camboya planea modernizar su flota de MiG-21 mediante un contrato con Israel para llevarla al estándar MiG-21-2000. Sin embargo, hasta el momento solo un ejemplar de cada tipo a sido entregado a la Fuerza Aérea.[1]
Los MiG-21 de Camboya están asignados al "Escuadrón de caza" basificado en Phnom Penh.[4]
Tres aviones MiG-21BIS fueron llevados por desertores yugoslavos hacia Croacia de los cuales dos fueron perdidos en combate. Alrededor de 40 MiG-21BIS y MiG-21UM fueron recibidos desde Ucrania en el año 1995, de estos, 16 "BIS" y 4 "UM" fueron puestos en servicio, el resto es usado como piezas de respuesto. Ocho MiG-21BIS fueron modernizados a MIG-21BIS-D y cuatro MiG-21UM a "UMD" en el año 2003, esta modernización se realizó en Rumanía, todos ellos en servicio actualmente.[1]
En el 2003 los cazas MiG-21 estaban en las unidades siguientes:[1]
Actualmente los MiG-21 están en la 21 EBA, ubicada en Zagreb-Pleso y en la 22 EBA en Pula.[5] (ZB = Zrakoplovna Baza - Base Aérea) (ELZ = Eskadrila Lovačkih Zrakoplova - Escuadrón de caza) (EBA = Eskadrila Borbenih Aviona - Escuadrón de aviones de combate)
En el año 1963 le fue entregado a la Fuerza Aérea de Cuba todo el regimiento soviético de cazas MiG-21F-13 que había permanecido en la isla durante la Crisis de octubre de 1962. Posteriormente a partir de este año, los cazas MiG-21 fueron entregados en sus diferentes variantes de forma ininterrumpida. La mayoría de las entregas a la Fuerza Aérea a partir del año 1975 fueron desviadas a Angola para formar parte de las tropas cubanas presentes en esa nación durante todas las etapas de la Guerra de Angola. Actualemnte solo se mantienen en servicio los cazas MiG-21BIS y MiG-21UM.
En total, la Fuerza Aérea Revolucionaria (FAR) recibió, desde 1963 hasta 1989 unos 270 cazas MiG-21.[6]
Variante | Año de entrada en servicio | Cantidad |
---|---|---|
MiG-21F-13 | 1963 | 40 aeronaves |
MiG-21PF | 1964 | Al menos un escuadrón |
MiG-21PFM | 1966 | 36 aeronaves |
MiG-21PFMA | 1966 | ? |
MiG-21R | 1968 | 12 aeronaves |
MiG-21MF | 1974 | 60 aeronaves |
MiG-21BIS | 1976 | 80 aeronaves |
MiG-21U | 1963 | 2 aeronaves |
MiG-21UM | 1968 | 20 aeronaves |
Actualmente muchos de los aviones MiG-21 de la FAR se encuentran en estado de conservación, manteniendo en servicio aquellos que son suficientes para la defensa en tiempo de paz y de esta manera evitar gastos innecesarios. La situación actual de los cazas MiG-21 en activo es la siguiente:[7]
Para el año 1967, Egipto había recibido unos 235 cazas MiG-21 de las variantes MiG-21F-13, MiG-21PF, MiG-21PFM y 40 entrendadores MiG-21U. En 1970 recibieron el MiG-21PFS seguido de 12 MiG-21M, 110 MiG-21MF y 24 MiG-21U y "UM".[1]
- 104 Brigada de caza (El Mansoura)
- 45° Escuadrón - MiG-21MF
- 49° Escuadrón - MiG-21MF
Aparte de lo anterior existe una Brigada de caza en (Aswan) que cuenta con un escuadrón de cazas MiG-21MF cuya numeración es desconocida.
La Fuerza Aérea de Etiopía recibió en los años 1977 y 1978 unos 48 cazas MiG-21MF, MIG-21BIS y MiG-21UM. Entre 1986 y 1988 se recibiéron 30 cazas MiG-21BIS (75a). Con la llegada de los formidables Su-27 muchos de estos aviones han sido retirados del servicio aunque todavía se mantiene en activo a 18 de ellos.
Situación de los cazas MiG-21 de Etiopía para el año 2007.[1]
- 3er Regimiento Aéreo (Dire Dawa)
Un Regimiento Aéreo desconocido en (Debre Zeyit)
La India recibió sus primeros MiG-21 en 1963, que fueron 8 MiG-21F-13. Dos MiG-21F-13 y dos MIG-21PF fueron recibidos en 1964. Para cumplir con un pedido indio, la Oficina de diseño de Mikoyán diseñó el MiG-21FL, que fue la primera versión que comenzó a producirse bajo licencia en la India por HAL. Los primeros 54 aviones se construyeron en la URSS y fueron ensamblados en la India. El primero en ser construido en la India fue entregado a la Fuerza Aérea en octubre de 1970. Unos 205 cazas MiG-21FL fueron construidos en la India, de los cuales 196 son completamente indios. Los MiG-21FL se retiraron en el año 2005.[1]
En 1971 fueron entregados 65 MiG-21M. La producción en serie de la variante MiG-21MF tipo 88 que solo empleó la India comenzó en 1973 y duró hasta el 1981, en total se construyeron 158. Este caza es totalmente diferente al MiG-21MF (artículo 96) que era producido en la URSS para la exportación a otros países.Error en la cita: Error en la cita: existe un código de apertura <ref> sin su código de cierre </ref>
Unidad | Ubicación | Variante |
---|---|---|
46° Regimiento Aéreo | Wonsan | Texto de celda |
56° Regimiento Aéreo | Toksan | Texto de celda |
60° Regimiento Aéreo | Pukch'ang | MiG-21BIS, MiG-21MF y MiG-21UM |
86° Regimiento Aéreo | Koksan | MiG-21PF and MiG-21U |
Regimiento Aéreo no identificado | Hwangju | MiG-21PF and MiG-21U |
Además un regimiento aéreo de exploración radioeléctrónica.
Romanian Air Force. 24 MiG-21F-13 were delivered in 1962-63; they were withdrawn in 1976 but not officially written off until 1993. Deliveries of the MiG-21PF began in 1965, and a total of 38 were delivered; these were designated MiG-21RFM (Radar Fortaj Modernizat) in Romanian service. The survivors were grounded in the early 1990s and put into storage by 1999[9]. The first MiG-21PFMs arrived in 1966. 29 of these were the standard izdeliye 94A, and 23 nuclear-capable variants (izdeliye 94N) were delivered as well. Both variants were designated MiG-21RFMM in Romanian service. The last of these were retired in 2002, replaced by MiG-21 Lancer As. Eleven MiG-21Rs, locally designated MiG-21C (Cercetare) were delivered in 1968, remaining in service until 1998. Starting in 1969, 60 MiG-21M were delivered, and a total of 71 MiG-21MFs were delivered starting in 1972[9]. MiG-21Ms formed the basis for the MiG-21 Lancer A upgrade, and MiG-21MFs were rebuilt into MiG-21 Lancer Cs. A total of 73 Lancer A and 26 Lancer C were built, these are currently in service. In Romanian service, all variants of the two-seat trainer were designated MiG-21DC (Dubla Comanda). The first for were MiG-21U izdeliye 66-400 arriving in 1965, followed by three of izdeliye 66-600. From 1969, fourteen MiG-21US were delivered, and 31 MiG-21UM were delivered between 1972 and 1980, of which 14 were upgraded to the MiG-21 Lancer B standard[9]. As of 2007, MiG-21 dispositions were as follows (EAvV = Escadrila Avioane Vânǎtoare - Fighter Squadron; EAS = Escadrila Aviaṭie Scoala - Aviation Training Squadron)[10]:
- Baza 71 Aeriana (Câmpia Turzii)
- 711 EAvV - Lancer A & B
- 712 EAvV - Lancer B & C
- Baza 86 Aeriana (Borcea)
- 861 EAvV - Lancer B & C
- 862 EAvV - Lancer A & B
- Baza 95 Aeriana (Bacǎu)
- 951 EAvV - Lancer A, B & C
- 205 EAS - Lancer A & B
During the civil disturbances during the overthrow of the Nicolae Ceauşescu regime, Romanian MiG-21s were quite active, mostly responding to "shadows" caused by (probably Soviet) electronic warfare[11]. The only known air-to-air action of the period involved a Romanian AF MiG-21MF shooting down an IAR 330 helicopter of the Romanian Army[12].
Serbian Air Force. Serbia inherited its Mig-21s from the former Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in 2006. Currently, there are about 20 MiG-21s, of which perhaps five are operational; two others were modified to carry recce pods and are in service as well, bringing the total active MiG-21 aircraft to perhaps seven. As of a reorganization in 2007, only the 101st Fighter Aviation Squadron and 1st Reconnaissance Aviation Flight based at Batajnica Air Base, operate MiG-21s[9].
- 204th Air Base
- 101st Fighter Aviation Squadron
- 1st Reconnaissance Aviation
Syrian Air Force. 40 or 45 MiG-21F-13 were delivered around 1965 followed by 36 MiG-21PFs in 1966; six of the F-13s were lost in 1967 prior to the start of the Six Day War, and during the war itself, 32 of 60 F-13s and PFs were destroyed. These losses were covered by future deliveries from the USSR, as well as four MiG-21F-13s from Czechoslovakia and ten from Hungary. From 1968, 100 MiG-21PFM and MiG-21PFS were delivered, as were six MiG-21Rs in the 1970s. Sixty-one MiG-21MFs were delivered between 1971 and 1973, but massive losses during the Yom Kippur War (180 Syrian fighters of all types were lost) resulted in the delivery of 75 more MFs from the USSR. During the Yom Kippur War, 12 MiG-21Ms were bought from East Germany. A total of 54 MiG-21s and MiG-23s are estimated to have been lost by Syria during the 1982 Lebanon War; and subsequently 198 MiG-21bis were supplied by the USSR through the 1980s. About eight MiG-21U trainers were delivered in the 1960s, and 20 MiG-21UMs around 1973[9]. As of 2007, eight squadrons still operated MiG-21bis aircraft, about 200 in total, namely 8 Sqn (MiG-21MF) at Deir ez-Zor, 12 Sqn (MiG-21MF) at Tabqa, 679 and 680 Sqns (all MiG-21MF) at Hama and 825, 826, 945 and 946 Sqns (all MiG-21bis) at Al Qusayr.[9] Another source says there are 142 MiG-21 in service.[13] The current (2008) order of battle is as follows[14]:
- 8 Sqn (Deir ez-Zor): MiG-21MF, MiG-21UM
- 12 Sqn (Tabqa): MiG-21MF, MiG-21UM
- 679 Sqn (Hama): MiG-21MF, MiG-21UM
- 680 Sqn (Hama): MiG-21MF, MiG-21UM
- 825 Sqn (Al Qusayr): MiG-21bis
- ? Sqn (Dumayr): MiG-21
- 945 Sqn (Khalkhalah): MiG-21bis
- 946 Sqn (Khalkhalah): MiG-21bis
Ugandan Air Force. Up to 18 MiG-21MF fighters and three MiG-21U variants were delivered in the early 1970s. Seven were destroyed in the Israeli raid on Entebbe in 1976 and the rest were destroyed or captured by Tanzanian forces in 1979; the wreckage of many of these were still visible in Entebbe as late as 2003[9]. In 1999, six MiG-21bis izdeliye 75A and one MiG-21UM arrived from Poland; one of these was lost in an accident, but the rest continue in service in what is called "The Combat Unit."[9]
Vietnam People's Air Force. The VPAF received the first of its 20 or 30 MiG-21F-13 fighters in 1965; 30 MiG-21PFLs, a special variant for Vietnam, were delivered in 1966 (some historians refer to this variant as MiG-21PFV (V = Vietnam), but this is denied by the MiG OKB); either 100 or 110 MiG-21PFM were delivered starting in 1968; sixty MiG-21MF were delivered around 1970; several batches of MiG-21bis izdeliye 75B were delivered starting in 1979, and 18 of izdeliye 75A were received second hand from Poland in 2005 (the 18 included a few MiG-21UMs). An unknown number of all variants of the MiG-21 trainers were delivered, but MiG-21UMs were the majority[9]. In 1996, six UMs arrived from the Ukraine. Some reports suggest that as many as 180 MiG-21bis, plus at least 24 MiG-21UMs, are still in service. The order of battle of units operating MiG-21s in 2007 is as follows[9]:
- 370th Air Division
- 371st Air Division
- 372nd Air Division
- 933rd Fighter Regiment (Kiến An)
- Air Academy
- 920th Fighter Regiment (Phù Cát)
- 932nd Fighter Regiment (Phù Cát)
Yemen Air Force. Following the unification of North and South Yemen, the new YAF received the MiG-21s in service with the former Yemen Arab Republic Air Force and the former People's Democratic Republic of Yemen Air Force. It is estimated that 21 MiG-21MF were available in 2006, though some reports cite as many as 60 fighters and 12 trainers. Still other reports claim the presence of MiG-21bis, but these are unsubstantiated. It is not known how many are still airworthy[9]. MiG-21s are operational with 6 Sqn (MiG-21MF, MiG-21bis, MiG-21UM) at Al Hudaydah and 26 Sqn (MiG-21MF, MiG-21bis, MiG-21UM) at Ta'izz[15]
Zambian Air Force & Air Defence Command. The ZAFADC received 14 MiG-21bis (izdeliye 75A) fighters and two MiG-21UM trainers in 1976. The two trainers and eight surviving fighters were upgraded in Israel in 1997-98 and are now in service[9].
Former operators
Afghan Air Force. The Democratic Republic of Afghanistan Air Force received 40 MiG-21F-13 (izd. 74) in 1973, and from 1979, 70 MiG-21MF (izd. 96F), 50 MiG-21bis (izd. 75A and 75B) and 6 MiG-21UM (izd. 69A) were delivered. Small numbers of aircraft left behind by the Soviet Air Force after their withdrawal were taken up by the DRAAF, including MiG-21PFS (izd. 94A) and MiG-21PFM (izd. 94A). Following the overthrow of the communist government, the armies of some warlords operated MiG-21s. The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan Air Force was set up by the Taliban, and was known to have operated at least one MiG-21PFM, 8 MiG-21MF, 5 MiG-21bis, one MiG-21U (izd. 66-400) and three MiG-21UM. All are now out of service (derelict and/or destroyed)[9]. MiG-21s were operated by the following units in the late 1980s[9]:
- 322nd Fighter Regiment (FR) (Bagram):
- 4 squadrons of 20 MiG-21MF/bis and 2 MiG-21UM each
- 393rd FR (Mazar-e-Sharif):
- 3 squadrons of 20 MiG-21MF/PFM/bis and 2 MiG-21UM each
MiG-21s saw combat during the civil war in 1994 and 1995, with Northern Alliance MiG-21s destroying one MiG-21, three Su-22s and one other fighter belonging to the Dostum-Gulbuddin Militia Air Force; the DGMAF is known to have destroyed one NA MiG-21, the kill scored by a Su-22.[16]. The Taliban's IEAAF MiG-21s are known to have shot down two Mi-8 helicopters of the Northern Alliance, while an NA MiG-21 is credited with a kill of an IEAFF Su-20.[16] Four DRAAF MiG-21s are known to have been shot down by Pakistani F-6s and Mirage IIIs in 1986[17].
Algerian Air Force (QJJ). First received MiG-21F-13 starting in 1965, a total of 40 delivered; 31 were 'lent' to Egypt in 1967 for the Six Day War. Of these, six landed at an airbase just captured by the Israelis in the war - one pilot destroyed his plane, the other five were captured, and four of these were shipped to the USA for evaluation by the USAF[9]. In 1966-1967 30 MiG-21PF were received, followed by probably 40 MiG-21PFM. Six MiG-21R were reportedly delivered; there is no further information. Some MiG-21M and MiG-21MF were also received; these were all designated "MiG-21MF" by the QJJ. About 60 MiG-21bis of both izdeliye 75A and 75B were delivered[9]. Some MiG-21s were traded to Ukraine as part of a package for 36 MiG-29S; similar deals may have been made with Belarus, who provided Algeria with 36 more MiG-29S aircraft. The last MiG-21s were withdrawn from service by 2003. Before 1993, MiG-21s served with the following units[9]:
- 11e Escadron de Chasse (EdeCh - Fighter Squadron) (Colomb-Béchar)
- 14e EdeCh (Tindouf) - MiG-21PFM/MF
- 19e EdeCh (Colomb-Béchar)
- 120e EdeCh (Aïn Oussera)
- 140e EdeCh (Ouargla)
- 153e EdeCh (Bou Sfer)
- 630e EdeCh (Bou Sfer)
After 1993, MiG-21s were assigned to the following units:[9]
- 113e EdeCh (Tindouf)
- 143e EdeCh (Ouargla)
- 153e EdeCh (Colomb-Béchar)
- 193e EdeCh (Bou Sfer)
Angolan Air Force (FAPA-DAA). First MiG-21s in Angola were 12 MiG-21MF delivered in March 1976 from the USSR, followed by 8 MiG-21F-13 and two MiG-21US with Soviet pilots. In 1980, 12 more MiG-21MF and two more MiG-21US were delivered to the AngAF, and four more MiG-21US and 12 MiG-21bis (izd. 75B) in 1983. None remained operational by 2007, but 18 MiG-21bis and 4 MiG-21UM are reportedly still on the Air Force's lists[9]. Prior to 1993, MiG-21s served with the following units[9]:
- 9th Fighter Training Squadron (7 MiG-21US, 5 MiG-21UM)
- 24th Air Instructional Regiment
- 25th Air Combat Fighter Regiment
- 26th Air Combat Fighter Regiment
- 14th Fighter Squadron
- 15th Fighter Squadron
- 16th Fighter Squadron
Little is known about the combat record of Angolan MiG-21s; only two air-to-air victories are known for certain. The first came on March 13, 1976, when a FAPA-DAA MiG-21MF destroyed an Air Congo Fokker F27[9], and the second on April 3, 1986, when a MiG-21MF (or bis) shot down a TAAG Lockheed L-100[18]. Four Angolan MiG-21MFs are known to have been lost in air-to-air combat, all to the South African Air Force[19]: The first three were claimed by Johann Rankin in a Mirage F.1CZ - one on November 6, 1981 and the other two (one reportedly only damaged) on October 5, 1982. A fourth was destroyed on December 5, 1985, by an SAAF Mirage F.1AZ.
Bangladesh Air Force. Received 12 HAL-built (Indian) MiG-21MF in 1973. All now retired, instead use Chengdu J-7.MiG-21's in the Bangladesh Air Force
Burkina Faso Air Force. Eight MiG-21bis (izd. 75A) and two MiG-21UM delivered in 1984; all non-operational by 1993[9]. In 1984, the following units were equipped with MiG-21s[9]:
- Escadrille de Chasse ("Fighter Squadron") (Ouagadougou) - 8 MiG-21bis, 2 MiG-21UM.
- Military of Chad captured aircraft, one in service, but retired.
People's Liberation Army Air Force: Three complete MiG-21F-13 and 20 kits were sent from the USSR to China in 1961; the rest used by the PLAAF were all locally-built Chengdu J-7 aircraft[9]. Though only 23 "actual" aircraft were delivered from the USSR to China, they did see active service in the PLAAF and/or PLANAF; on January 3, 1966, a MiG-21F-13 of the PLANAF, flown by Lu Xiangxiao, shot down a USAF AQM-34 unmanned aerial vehicle using 57mm rockets[20]
Congolese Air Force: Reportedly 14 MiG-21bis (izd. 75B) and two MiG-21UM were delivered starting in 1988; all out of use by 1997[9].
Czechoslovakian Air Force. All aircraft passed on to Czech Republic and Slovakia. First version to operate with CSAF was the locally-built Avia S-106 (= MiG-21F-13); 194 were built, and some were converted to MiG-21FR standard. 40 MiG-21PF were delivered from 1964, retired by 1990. MiG-21PFM, including nine nuclear-capable aircraft, were delivered between 1966 and 1969; all were retired by 1991. 25 MiG-21R were delivered between 1969 and 1972, retired between 1992 and 1994. 24 MiG-21M were delivered which were later upgraded to MiG-21MA standard. 102 MiG-21MF were delivered. Three MiG-21U izdeliye 66-400 and eight of izdeliye 66-600 were received, followed by 13 MiG-21US and 32 MiG-21UM[9]. An Avia S-106 flown by a J. Foks is credited with the downing of a US Air Force aircraft violating Czechoslovak airspace in September 1963[12].
Czech Air Force. Ten MiG-21MF were upgraded to MiG-21MFN standard with NATO avionics; these were retired in 2005, replaced by the Saab JAS 39 Gripen[9].
East German Air Force (LSK/NVA): 251 MiG-21s of seven versions were handed over to the Luftwaffe upon reunification; these were rapidly phased out of service. The LSK/NVA received 75 MiG-21F-13' in 1962-64, 52 MiG-21PF, 83 MiG-21PFM without cannon (locally designated MiG-21SPS) and 56 with cannon (locally designated MiG-21SPS-K), 89 MiG-21M, 68 MiG-21MF, 14 MiG-21bis izdeliye 75A and 32 izdeliye 75B, 14 MiG-21U izdeliye 66-400 and 31 izdeliye 66-600, 17 MiG-21US and 37 MiG-21UM[9]. The following units operated MiG-21s:[21]
- 1st Air Defence Division (HQ Cottbus
- 3rd Air Defence Division (HQ Neubrandenburg)
- JG-2 (Neubrandenburg) - MiG-21M, MiG-21SPS (PFM), MiG-21UM
- Fighter-Bomber & Air Transport Command (HQ Cottbus)
- TAFS-47 (Drewitz) - MiG-21M, MiG-21UM
- TAFS-87 (Preschen) - MiG-21M, MiG-21UM
- Air Force Training Command (HQ Kamenz)
- FAG-15 (RothenburgPlantilla:Dn - MiG-21SPS (PFM), MiG-21U, MiG-21US, MiG-21UM
Eritrean Air Force: Though nine Ethiopian MiG-21s remained at Asmara airport on independence, none were taken up by the ErAF. There are unsubstantiated reports that six were purchased from Moldova[9].
Finnish Air Force. Fighters: MiG-21bis Fishbed-N (26; 1977–1998), MiG-21F-13 Fishbed-C (22; 1963–1986), Trainers: MiG-21UM Mongol-B (2; 1974–1998), MiG-21US Mongol-B (2; 1981–1997), MiG-21UTI Mongol-A (2; 1965–1997). Six of the MiG-21bis were converted to MiG-21bis/T recce standard[9]. All aircraft were operated by HävLLv 31, Finland was the first country outside the Warsaw Pact to buy MiG-21, after Finland had rejected MiG-19 and Soviet Union offered the brand-new Fishbed-C, Finland chose Fishbed-C and training of pilots by Soviet air force began, only to stop after start of Cuban Crisis when Soviet Union ordered its pilots on stand-by, and Finnish Air force decided the training could be continued in Finland without Soviet trainers.
Luftwaffe. Aircraft taken over from East German Air Force upon reunification. All received registration numbers (2x xx), but only those that were in operation received the full Luftwaffe serials with the Iron Cross painted on (2x + xx).
Georgian Air Force. Two MiG-21UM were retained by Tbilaviamsheni factory and reportedly transferred to Georgian Air Force.[9]
Air Force of Guinea: 8 MiG-21MF and one MiG-21U delivered in 1986. Five restored to airworthy condition in Russia and returned to service; one of these crashed into a TV tower in 2007[9].
Air Force of Guinea-Bissau: Six MiG-21MF and one MiG-21UM were delivered from Soviet surplus in the late 1980s. All are out of service[9].
Hungarian Air Force. Hungary was the first Warsaw Pact country to receive the MiG-21F-13, receiving 12 in 1961, followed by 68 more; all were retired by 1980. In 1964-65 24 MiG-21PF were delivered, the last of these being retired in December 1988. Hungary was the only Warsaw Pact nation not to receive any MiG-21PFM or MiG-21M; the next type received was the MiG-21MF, of which 50 were delivered between 1971 and 1974, and were retired in 1996. 39 MiG-21bis izdeliye 75A and 24 of izdeliye 75B were delivered from 1977, the last of these were retired in 2001. Of trainer variants, 12 MiG-21U izdeliye 66-400 and six izdeliye 66-600, as well as 27 MiG-21UM were delivered; the last of them were withdrawn in 2001[9]. In 1991, MiG-21s operated with the following units (HRE = Harcászati Repülő Ezred - Combat Air Regiment; VSz = Vadászrepulő Század - Fighter Squadron)[9]:
- 31. HRE "Kapos"
- 1. VSz "Boszorkány" ("Witch") - 10 MiG-21bis, 2 MiG-21UM
- 2. VSz "Turul" - 10 MiG-21bis, 2 MiG-21UM
- 47. HRE "Pápa" (Pápa)
- 2. VSz "Griff" ("Griffon") - 10 MiG-21bis, 2 MiG-21UM
- 59. HRE "Szentgyörgyi Dezső" (Kecskemét
- 1. VSz "Puma" - 10 MiG-21MF, 2 MiG-21UM
- 2. VSz "Dongó" ("Wasp") - 10 MiG-21bis, 2 MiG-21UM
- At 2000, the disposition was as follows:
- 47. HRE
- 1. VSz "Sámán" ("Shaman") - 12 MiG-21bis in fighter role
- 2. VSz "Griff" - 10 MiG-21UM in ground attack role
Indonesian Air Force. Twenty MiG-21F-13 and two MiG-21U izdeliye 66-400 were received in 1962 and used during the preparation of Operation TRIKORA in 1962 in Western New Guinea (now Papua and Papua Barat). The aircraft were largely grounded in 1969 and removed from service in 1970. At least 13 of the F-13s and one U were transferred to the USA for test purposes[9].
Iranian Air Force had purchased 2 Mig-21PFM and 37 Mig-21F (23 like for Chinese version for J-7) and some 18 aircraft and 5 Mig-21U (FT-7 for Chinese Version like 4 purchased aircraft).
Iraqi Air Force. Iraq received 35 MiG-21F-13 starting in 1963; one of these is the famous "007" aircraft that defected to Israel and was subsequently transferred to the USA. The first MiG-12PFs were delivered in 1966; 37 are known for certain to have been received, but some sources suggest 90. 55 MiG-21PFM are known to have been received in 1970, but the number purchased is likely over 100 when taking into account aircraft transferred from Iraq to Egypt and Syria, though it is possible that these sources have confused or "bundled up" the PFs and PFMs. Fifteen MiG-21R were delivered in 1979, and 40 MiG-21MF were received in 1973 with another batch of 40 in 1979. A total of 61 MiG-21bis (izdeliye 75A) were delivered from 1983; some of these were found in 1990 in Dresden, Germany for overhaul, and four others at Batajnica, Yugoslavia. The East German Air Force (and subsequently, the Luftwaffe) had planned to sell surplus trainer variants to Iraq, but this fell through after the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. At least 10 MiG-21U, 8 MiG-21US and 11 MiG-21UM were delivered between 1968 and 1985. 35 MiG-21s escaped to Iran during "Desert Storm" in 1991. Of those remaining in Iraq, none are operational, and most are likely destroyed or scrapped[9].
Israeli Defence Force/Air Force. A number of MiG-21s of various models have been captured in wars with neighbours, but the best-known example is the "007" aircraft, a MiG-21F-13 of the Iraqi pilot, Munir Redfa who defected to Israel in 1966. This aircraft was examined and then shipped to the USA. A second MiG-21F-13 was later given the same number; this aircraft is now on display in an Israeli camouflage scheme with Israeli markings at the IDF/AF museum at Hatzerim AB[9]. Since the 1990s, Israel has also undertaken various MiG-21 modernisation programmes[9].
Air Force of Kyrgyzstan. A considerable number of MiG-21bis and MiG-21UM in storage near Bishkek. The Kyrgyz Air Force has no interest in operating them and has offered them for sale[9].
Lao People's Liberation Army Air Force. Thirteen MiG-21PFM and two MiG-21U were delivered in 1975, followed by ten MiG-21MF in 1985; none are now airworthy. There are reports of 20 MiG-21bis izdeliye 75A having been delivered in 1983, though there is now no trace of these, likely meaning they are also retired. A second batch of trainers, probably MiG-21UM, was also delivered[9].
Tafika Anabakabaka. Madagascar received eight MiG-21PFM and one MiG-21U from North Korea in 1978. There are some unconfirmed reports of MiG-21 deliveries prior to the proven delivery of 12 MiG-21bis izdeliye 75B and at least two MiG-21UM from the USSR. All MiG-21s were placed in storage by 2000[9].
Mongolian People's Air Force. Received 44 aircraft in 1977-1984. 8-12 MiG-21PFMs and two trainers - MiG-21UM - have reportedly been carefully been put into storage at air base Nalaikh due to lack of funds and shortage of spares, though there have been no reports of their reactivation to date[9].
Mozambique Air Force. 48 MiG-21bis were delivered from 1982 from Cuba, including pilots, for use against the RENAMO guerrillas; by 1990 only 18 were still operational. After the 1990 ceasefire they were all put into storage and neglected[9]. Only one air-to-air victory by a Mozambican fighter, probably a MiG-21, is known: in 1983, a Mozambican fighter downed a South African Air Force Seeker UAV[18].
Namibian Air Force. At least two MiG-21bis and one MiG-21UM were delivered to the NAF in 2002 following an overhaul and upgrade in Israel. Namibia also operates twelve Chengdu J-7s since 2006[9].
Nigerian Air Force. 25 MiG-21MF and six MiG-21UM were delivered in 1975. Three were lost in accidents, and one is preserved as a gate guard at Abuja air base. All were put into storage in the 1990s due to lack of spares and cash. By 2005, cash was available from increased oil production, but instead of refurbishing the MiG-21s, it was spent on new Chengdu F-7NI fighters and three FT-7NI trainers[9].
Polish Air Force. Poland received its first MiG-21F-13 in June 1961. 24 more arrived in 1962-63, and all were withdrawn in 1971; twelve were sold to Syria in 1973. 84 MiG-21PF were delivered from 1964; the last ones were retired in December 1989. A total of 162 MiG-21PFM were delivered. Of these, twelve were the nuclear-capable Izdeliye 94N and were designated MiG-21PFMN by the Polish Air Force; the rest (izdeliye 94A) were designated MiG-21PFMA. All were withdrawn by the mid 1990s; the PFMNs were retired in 1989 and stripped of their nuclear capability. Between 1968 and 1972 a total of 36 MiG-21Rs were delivered; the last of these were retired in 2002. 36 MiG-21Ms were delivered in 1969-70, with all retired by 2002. In total Poland received 120 MiG-21MFs from 1972, with the last survivors retired in 2003. 72 MiG-21bis izdeliye 75A were delivered to Poland; the last of these were retired on December 31, 2003. The first trainers arrived in 1965 in the form of six MiG-21U izdeliye 66-400; three were lost in accidents, and the other three were retired in 1990. Five MiG-21U izdeliye 66-600 were delivered in 1966 and were retired by 1990. Twelve MiG-21US were delivered in 1969-70, the last being retired on December 31, 2003. Between 1971 and 1981 Poland received 54 MiG-21UMs; all were likewise retired at the end of 2003[9]. On July 15, 1970, a Polish MiG-21 flown by Henryk Osierda accidentally shot down a Su-7BKL of the Czechoslovak air force[12].
Slovak Air Force. The assets of the former Czechoslovak Air Force were divided following the separation of the country into the Czech and Slovak Republics. Of MiG-21 variants, Slovakia received 21 MiG-21F-13s (actually Czechoslovak-built S-106s), three MiG-21PFs, eleven MiG-21PFMs, eight MiG-21Rs, thirteen MiG-21MA, 36 MiG-12MF, three MiG-21U izdeliye 66-600, two MiG-21US and 11 MiG-21UM. The last few MiG-21MFs and UMs still in service were grounded on January 1, 2003[9].
Somalia Aeronautical Corps. The SAC received ten MiG-21MF fighters and four MiG-21UM trainers in 1974. The total number received is not certain, but most sources suggest that a maximum of 45 fighters and ten trainers were delivered. All were destroyed or damaged and subsequently abandoned in the Ogaden War and the subsequent civil wars. Eight MiG-21 wrecks can still be seen at Mogadishu airport[9].
Sudanese Air Force. Eighteen MiG-21PF fighters and two MiG-21U izdeliye 66-600 trainers were delivered in 1970, followed by 18 MiG-21M fighters and four MiG-21US trainers in 1971. By 1992 there were only seven fighters and two trainers remaining, with perhaps half being serviceable; none are in service today[9]. Twelve second-hand MiG-21s were to be delivered in 2007 from the Ukraine, apparently ordered because the Eastern European mercenaries employed by the Sudanese government preferred Russian-built aircraft over the Chinese-built F-7s in service with the SAF[9]. The only air-to-air action known to have involved Sudanese MiG-21s occurred on September 20, 1972, when several MiG-21Ms forced a Libyan AF C-130H to land[22].
Tanzania People's Defence Force Air Wing. 14 MiG-21MFs and two MiG-21UMs were delivered from the USSR in 1974. A few were lost before 1978, but the survivors took part in the war against Uganda; one was lost to enemy action and one to friendly fire. Seven Ugandan MiG-21MFs and one MiG-21U were captured and impressed into TPDFAW service. Four second-hand MiG-21MFs were bought from Ukraine in 1998, but by 2002 there were no MiG-21s in service[9].
Military of Turkmenistan had 3 Mig-21 aircraft in service.
Soviet Air Force and Soviet Anti-Air Defence[9]. MiG-21 passed on to successor states. Very little information is available on combat service of Soviet MiG-21 pilots, but what is known, is presented here (note that Col. Vadim Petrovich Shchbakov is known to have made ace status with 6 kills in the Vietnam War while serving as a pilot instructor,[23] presumably all with MiG-21s):
United States Air Force. In the 1960s around a dozen MiG-21s were given to the USAF from various sources. Though from the American point of view the details are a closely-held secret, from non-US sources it is well known that six ex-Algerian MiG-21F-13s landed at an airbase in Egypt just captured by Israeli forces, and that four of these were given to the USAF[9]. The famous "007" MiG-21F-13 of an Iraqi defector to Israel was also handed over to the Americans; further, at least 13 MiG-21F-13s were sent from Indonesia to the USA by President Suharto in the early 1970s. Most of these were not flown in the US, but were taken apart and examined in detail[9]. There was at least one MiG-21F-13, however, that was operated by the US Air Force. This MiG-21F-13 was given the USAF serial number 68-0965 and was intensively flight-tested in a programme codenamed "Have Doughnut" that took place from January 23 to April 8, 1968. According to some reports, this MiG-21F-13 was the "007" handed over by the Israeli Air Force[24]. It was tested together with a number of other aircraft, including an F-8 Crusader, an F-4B Phantom and a B-52. The final report concluded that the MiG-21F-13 was comparable to USAF types and though it was lacking in range and payload, it was "very manoeuvrable with an excellent rate of climb and acceleration, making it a good interceptor."[cita requerida] Its "smokeless" engine was singled out for special praise. Later variants were almost certainly tested after 1969; this is lent weight by the crash of a MiG-23M on Nellis Range on April 26, 1984 in which the pilot, LtGen Robert M. Bond was killed, which suggests that the reports of an organisation called "Red Hat Squadron" have a basis in fact.[9]
Ukrainian Air Force. None of the MiG-21s remaining in Ukraine after the breakup of the USSR were officially taken up by the UkrAF, but Ukraine has refurbished aircraft for sale[9].
Yemen Arab Republic Air Force (North Yemen). In 1968 the YARAF received an unknown number of MiG-21PF fighters via Syria or Egypt; no details of these survive, as after 1978 the YARAF switched to Wester aircraft. Following the brief invasion by South Yemen and the subsequent intermittent fighting, the USSR supplied an additional 45 new MiG-21MF fighters and MiG-21UM trainers; it is interesting to note that the USSR provided arms and aid to both sides in the conflict, and was simultaneously doing what it could to unite the two Yemens. Any MiG-21MFs and UMs that survived into 1990 were transferred to the new Yemen Air Force following unification of the two Yemens in 1990[9].
People's Democratic Republic of Yemen Air Force. In 1971 the USSR delivered MiG-21F-13s to the PDRYAF, and according to some reports, some others were sent by Bulgaria. Exact numbers are not known, but it is known that at least one squadron was formed. In the late 1970s further MiG-21 fighters and trainers arrived, including MiG-21MF. Any MiG-21s that survived into 1990 were transferred to the new Yemen Air Force following unification of the two Yemens in 1990.[9]
The Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia operated up to 200 MiG-21s in 9 variants from 1962 till 1992. During the war in western Yugoslavia, these aircraft were passed on to the newly established air force of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.[9]
Yugoslav MiG-21s were used briefly in the first period of the Yugoslav wars in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina between 1991 and 1992, mostly in ground attack missions. Additionally there are four known incidents of MiG-21s forcing Croatian police helicopters or civilian airliners to land,[12] several aerial victories are credited to MiG-21s of the Yugoslav Air Force. On January 7, 1992, Emir Šišić of 124th Fighter Aviation Squadron shot down an AB-205 helicopter of the EU flying a MiG-21bis.[12]
Yugoslav Air Force squadrons operating MiG-21 aircraft:
- 123rd Fighter Aviation Squadron
- 124th Fighter Aviation Squadron
- 125th Fighter Aviation Squadron
- 126th Fighter Aviation Squadron
- 127th Fighter Aviation Squadron
- 128th Fighter Aviation Squadron
- 129th Fighter Aviation Squadron
- 130th Fighter Aviation Squadron
- 352nd Reconnaissance Aviation Squadron
- 353rd Reconnaissance Aviation Squadron
Federal Yugoslavia
The Yugoslav Air Force received its MiG-21s from the former Socialist Yugoslav Air Force. A large number were destroyed during the 1999 NATO war against Yugoslavia; survivors were passed on to Serbia.[9] Very little MiG-21 activity is known of from the time of the NATO bombardment, though a MiG-21 is credited with the downing of a BGM-109 Tomahawk cruise missile on March 24, 1999.[12] Further, Serbian and other sources claim that Yugoslav MiG-21s destroyed three Albanian J-7s,[12] but none of these is believed to be a valid claim, as only 10 were in service at that time and none of them was flight capable.
- 204th Fighter Aviation Regiment
- 126th Fighter Aviation Regiment
- 352nd Reconnaissance Aviation Squadron
- 83rd Fighter Aviation Regiment
- 123rd Fighter Aviation Regiment
- 124th Fighter Aviation Regiment
- 130th Fighter Aviation Regiment
Air Force of Zimbabwe received 48 Mig-21F and 2 Mig-21U Fishbeds.
Civil operators
Some aircraft are now owned and flown by private collectors as warbirds. There are even importers in the U.S. that purchase MiG-21s, MiG-15s and MiG-17s from Russia and other states and sell them to civilians for around $45,000.
See also
References
- ↑ a b c d e f g h i (Gordon, 2008)
- ↑ (en inglés). arrow-aviation.nl http://www.arrow-aviation.nl/bvvs_mig21-1.html. Consultado el 22 de abril de 2011. Falta el
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(ayuda) - ↑ «Bulgarian Air Force» (en inglés). Scramble.nl. Consultado el 22 de abril de 2011.
- ↑ «Cambodian Air Force» (en inglés). Scramble.nl. Consultado el 22 de abril de 2011.
- ↑ «Croatian Air Force» (en inglés). Scramble.nl. Consultado el 22 de abril de 2011.
- ↑ Rubén. «Mikoyan Gurievich MiG-21 Fishbed». urrib2000.narod.ru. Consultado el 22 de abril de 2011.
- ↑ Luis. «Cuban Air Force DAAFAR». cubaaldescubierto.com. Consultado el 22 de abril de 2011.
- ↑ «Egyptian Air Force» (en inglés). Scramble.nl.
- ↑ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n ñ o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an añ ao ap aq ar as at au av aw ax ay az ba bb bc bd be bf bg Error en la cita: Etiqueta
<ref>
no válida; no se ha definido el contenido de las referencias llamadasGordon 2008
- ↑ Romanian Air Force (Scramble.nl)
- ↑ Romania 1989
- ↑ a b c d e f g European Air-to-Air Victories
- ↑ http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/syria/airforce-equipment.htm
- ↑ Syrian Air Force (Scramble.nl)
- ↑ Yemen Air Force (Scramble.nl)
- ↑ a b [1]
- ↑ [2]
- ↑ a b Different African Air-to-Air Victories
- ↑ South African Air-to-Air Victories
- ↑ PRC/Chinese Air-to-Air Victories since 1950 (ACIG.org)
- ↑ http://www.topedge.com/panels/aircraft/sites/kraft/nva.htm
- ↑ Sudan, Civil War since 1955
- ↑ Task Force Russia 18th Report
- ↑ Michel, Marshall L., Clashes: Air Combat Over North Vietnam 1965-1972, Naval Institute Press, Annapolis, MD, 1997. ISBN 1-55750-385-3