The Most Iconic MiG Jets in Aviation History

The MiG-5 was the first aircraft Miyokan-Gurevich introduced. While only two were actually produced, the family of MiG aircraft would go on to become a staple of the Soviet and Russian air forces as well as many other militaries around the world.

Only about 100 MiG-1 models were produced, giving way to the MiG-3 model. Each model was developed early in WWII as a single-engine monoplane fighter, building on earlier prototypes. In all, over 3,400 MiG-3s were produced. Although these aircraft were not widely successful, they would set a precedent for Russian aircraft for decades to come.

The I-270 was influenced by the German Messerschmitt Me 263 as a rocket-powered interceptor. These aircraft were outfitted with the Dushkin-Glushko RD-2 M3-V series rocket engine, which allowed for speeds over 580 mph. However, initial tests for this aircraft were burdened by setbacks that ultimately scuttled the program. The turbojet and missile technologies used in this aircraft would be used in other Soviet aircraft.

The MiG-9 (Fargo) appeared immediately after WWII, using technologies that many speculate were from captured German aircraft. Nearly 600 models of this aircraft were produced. Setbacks and design flaws of this early jet were ironed out in later iterations of the MiG.

The MiG-15 (Fagot) was by far the most successful of the early MiG models with roughly 18,000 manufactured throughout its service. It would see extensive combat action throughout the Korean War. Part of the reason for this aircraft’s success and popularity was its standard armament featuring a cannon (compared to smaller Western machine guns), which was capable of rendering enemy aircraft inoperable with just a single hit.

The MiG-17 (Fresco) was a vastly upgraded version of the MiG-15. Russian engineers improved on the handling and overall structure of the MiG-15, adding a bigger cannon as well. Overall, the MiG-17 is considered one of the best fighter jets of the Cold War. The United States had such a poor kill ratio against the MiG-17 during the Vietnam War that it secretly imported MiG-17s to Nevada to train against its weapons systems.

The MiG-19 (Farmer) continued to build on the tech of the MiG-15 and MiG-17, this time with a twin-engine design that allowed it to hit speeds over Mach 1. It was the first Soviet fighter jet to fly at these speeds consistently in level flight. The Farmer was extensively modified, with variants playing several operational roles, including interception, air-to-air combat, ground attack, close-air support, and reconnaissance.

The MiG-21 (Fishbed) is one of the most successful Cold War fighter jets that the Soviets have introduced. It is still used in over 15 different air forces, and over 11,000 of these aircraft have been produced. The Fishbed built on the success and winning technologies of its predecessors in the Korean War and would go on to dominate in the Vietnam War where it faced off against the U.S. F-4 Phantom.

The MiG-23 (Flogger) was a crucial part of the Soviet Air Force throughout the 1970s and early 1980s. Not only could this fighter-bomber aircraft reach speeds of Mach 2, but it also had the potential to carry nuclear-tipped weapons. It served primarily in an interceptor role.

The MiG-25 (Foxbat) is a highly specialized aircraft capable of almost Mach 3. Despite its incredible speed, the Soviet Union primarily used it for interception, bombing, and reconnaissance. The United States was able to secure one MiG-25 when Soviet pilot Viktor Belenko defected in 1976. However, with this jet Belenko, brought news that a new MiG-31 series was on the way with even more capabilities than previously thought.

The MiG-27 (Flogger) built off the MiG-23 but was more dedicated to ground attack aircraft. Despite technological upgrades, the previous Flogger model (MiG-23) was more popular and widely produced. Much of this decision by the Soviets to move away from the MiG-27 was that other aircraft within the Soviet air force, namely the Sukhoi Su-25, already filled the role of a proficient strike aircraft.

Although the MiG-31 (Foxhound) was introduced at the end of the 1970s, it is still in service today. It was developed in tandem with the Foxbat, but while it did not have the same speed capabilities, it offered much more maneuverability and control, especially at lower altitudes. These aircraft feature a similar arsenal of missiles as well.

The MiG-29 (Fulcrum) laid the foundation for the newest MiGs to enter the Russian fleet of fighter jets. Although it was developed during the Soviet Union, the MiG-29 would continue to be a staple for Russia’s air force through numerous variations. Russia currently maintains over 200 of these fighter jets.

The MiG-29K (Fulcrum-D) is the navalised version of the traditional MiG-29. These are widely used by the Russian and Indian navies, as their compact size allows for easy storage and launch from aircraft carriers. These MiGs are designed with a reinforced undercarriage and folding wings for this purpose. However, only a handful of these aircraft were produced.

The MiG-35 (Fulcrum-F) is the most recent iteration of the Fulcrum series, introduced to service in 2020. It features improved radar, wings, and stealth capabilities. Although the MiG-35 is not considered a fifth-generation aircraft, it has some of the generation’s technological features as well as the improved control and handling that comes with each new generation.