Listed below are books dealing with the many uses of the MiG-21 in the air forces of the world, or at least containing larger sections on it. As such books are often only available in the country of publication, the author is always grateful for references to such sources – or even for such books being sent to him.
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African MiGs. MiGs and Sukhois in Service in Sub Saharan Africa: Cooper: SHI Publications 2004 Overview of the use of Soviet combat aircraft and their licence-built versions in sub-Saharan African states with much interesting information. Unfortunately illustrated only with drawings. (In English) |
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African MiGs Volume 1 - Angola to Ivory Coast: Cooper, Weinert, Hinz, Lepko: Harpia 2010 African MiGs Volume 2 - Madagascar to Zimbabwe: Cooper, Weinert, Hinz, Lepko: Harpia 2011 In the two-volume new edition of his book on combat aircraft of Soviet origin in sub-Saharan Africa, Tom Cooper, together with several co-authors, corrects the numerous errors of the first edition and also illustrates his account with unique photos. The reference work on the subject. (In English) |
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Arab MiGs Volume 2. Supersonic Fighters 1958 - 1967: Cooper, Nicolle: Harpia 2011 Arab MiGs Volume 3. The June 1967 War: Cooper, Nicolle, Nordeen, Salti: Harpia 2012 Arab MiGs Volume 4. Transition and War of Attrition 1967-1973: Cooper, Nicolle, Nordeen, Salti, Smisek: Harpia 2013 Arab MiGs Volume 5. October 1973 War Part 1: Cooper, Nicolle, Müller, Nordeen, Smisek: Harpia 2014 Arab MiGs Volume 6. October 1973 War: Part 2: Cooper, Nicolle, Grandolini, Nordeen, Smisek: Harpia 2015 Whereas almost all earlier publications on the Israeli-Arab air wars present events from the Israeli Air Force's point of view, here Arab participants and eyewitnesses have their say for the first time. Not only the air war is covered, but also the development of the Arab air forces in detail. While the first part of the six-part series deals only with the MiG-15 and MiG-17, the further volumes focus on the MiG-21 as the main type of the Arab air forces from the mid-1960s. A unique project. (In English) |
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MiGs in the Middle East. Volume 2: Nicolle, Cooper: Helion 2021 With the "MiGs in the Middle East" series, Helion starts a new round of studies of Soviet aircraft types in the Arab air forces. Part 2 of the series covers Egypt and Syria between 1963 and 1967, i.e. the period in which the MiG-21 was introduced. (In English) |
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1973: The First Nuclear War: Cooper, Emran: Helion 2019 Under the somewhat irritating title, the air war of the Arab-Israeli war of October 1973 is presented essentially from the Arab point of view, with the use of the MiG-21 taking up a great deal of space. (In English) |
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The June 1967 Arab-Israeli War Volume 1: Cooper: Helion 2024 After Tom Cooper, certainly the specialist in the history and combat use of the Arab air forces, had already covered the Six-Day War comprehensively in Harpia's "Arab MiGs" series, a new account now follows from his current publisher Helion & Co. And while it is his express intention to refute sweeping statements about the alleged incompetence of the Arabs, through his detailed description of events he equally confirms the superiority of the Israelis in planning, command and flying skills, but also – and this is of particular interest to the author and confirms his own observations – in technical support on the ground. (In English) |
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The Arab-Israeli War of Attrition 1967 - 1973 Volume 1: Norton: Helion 2022 The Arab-Israeli War of Attrition 1967 - 1973 Volume 2: Norton: Helion 2023 The Arab-Israeli War of Attrition 1967 - 1973 Volume 3: Norton: Helion 2023 First part of a comprehensive account of the fighting in the Middle East between the wars. Although expressly devoted also to the air forces of the opponents, it contains hardly any information beyond the previous Helion and Harpia publications on the subject. (In English) |
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Czechoslovak Arms Exports to the Middle East Volume 2 Syria, 1948-1989: Smisek: Helion 2022 Czechoslovak Arms Exports to the Middle East Volume 3 Egypt, 1948-1989: Smisek: Helion 2022 Multi-part series on arms exports and other support provided by Czechoslovakia to Arab states, including Egypt and Syria, which besides other aircraft also received Czechoslovak-built MiG-21s. (In English) |
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Mirage III vs MiG-21: Aloni: Osprey 2010 Technical comparison of the two types and account of their encounters in the 1967 Six-Day War from the Israeli point of view. The omission of the subsequent confrontations suggests that the conclusions drawn could not have been maintained had they been included. (In English) |
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Arab MiG-19 and MiG-21 Units in Combat: Nicolle, Cooper: Osprey 2004 Detailed overview of the operations of Egyptian, Syrian and Iraqi MiG-21 units during the Israeli-Arab conflicts and the first two Gulf Wars. With many previously unpublished photos, but also much contradictory information. (In English) |
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Air Combat during Arab-Israeli Wars: Marszałkiewicz: Kagiero 2017 Brief summary of the air war in the Middle East since the late 1940s without news value and with numerous errors. (In English) |
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Soviet and Russian Military Aircraft in Africa: Gordon, Komissarov: Hikoki 2013 Soviet and Russian Military Aircraft in Asia: Gordon, Komissarov: Hikoki 2014 Soviet and Russian Military Aircraft in the Middle East: Gordon, Komissarov: Hikoki 2013 Soviet and Russian Military Aircraft in the Americas: Gordon, Komissarov: Hikoki 2016 With these accounts of the regional use of Soviet and Russian military aircraft, serial authors Gordon and Komissarov have once again found a new way of recycling their material. Well-known photos and texts alternate with pages of aircraft lists that are largely worthless because the construction numbers are missing. (In English) |
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Latin American Fighters: Guevara y Moyano: Harpia 2009 Comprehensive account of the use of jet combat aircraft in the air forces of Latin America. The chapter on Cuba also covers the country's MiG-21s. (In English) |
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Wings over the Hindu Kush: Müller: Helion 2020 Operational and technical history of the Afghan Air Force from the withdrawal of Soviet troops in 1989 to the defeat of the Taliban in 2001 in previously unmatched detail and with numerous pictures and facts on the Afghan MiG-21s. (In English) |
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Phoenix over the Nile. A History of Egyptian Air Power 1932 - 1994: Nordeen, Nicolle: Smithsonian Institution Press
1996 Broad account of the development of the Egyptian Air Force, but with little concrete information on the use of the MiG-21 in the wars of 1967 and 1973. (In English) |
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War of Intervention in Angola: Volume 1: Angolan and Cuban Forces at War, 1975-1976: Fontanellaz, Cooper: Helion 2018 War of Intervention in Angola: Volume 2: Angolan and Cuban Forces at War, 1976-1983: Fontanellaz, Cooper: Helion 2019 War of Intervention in Angola: Volume 3: Angolan and Cuban Forces at War, 1975-1985: Fontanellaz, Cooper, Matos: Helion 2020 War of Intervention in Angola: Volume 4: Angolan and Cuban Forces at War, 1985-1987: Fontanellaz, Cooper, Matos: Helion 2021 War of Intervention in Angola: Volume 5: Angolan and Cuban Forces at War, 1987-1992: Fontanellaz, Cooper, Matos: Helion 2023 Comprehensive treatment of the fighting after Angolan independence, when Cuban troops, equipped among other things with MiG-21s, supported the MPLA government against the domestic opposition and the South African army. (In English) |
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The MiG Diaries: Gonzáles Sarría, Reid: Mercury 2023 Recollections of Cuban and South African pilots of the air war during the Angolan civil war. The South African accounts are considerably more stringent; the Cuban ones provide more local colour. (In English) |
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Ethiopian-Eritrean Wars. Volume 1: Eritrean War of Independence, 1961-1988: Fontanellaz, Cooper: Helion 2018 Ethiopian-Eritrean Wars. Volume 2: Eritrean War of Independence, 1988-1991 & Badme War, 1998-2001: Fontanellaz, Cooper: Helion 2018 Comprehensive and in many respects completely new account of the fighting during the wars between Ethiopia and Eritrea. The use of air power, and of course of the MiG-21, is covered to a considerable extent. (In English) |
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Wings Over Ogaden: Cooper: Helion 2015 Account of the air war in the Horn of Africa in 1978/79, when Ethiopian and Somali MiG-21s faced each other as enemies. (In English) |
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Bulgarian Air Force: MoD of the Republic of Bulgaria Overview of the history of the Bulgarian Air Force since 1900 and presentation of its current state with units and equipment. (In English) |
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История на
Авиобаза Граф
Игнатиево / The History of Graf Ignatievo Air Force Base:
Военно
Издателъство 2003 Comprehensive and very detailed history of what is today the most important base of the Bulgarian Air Force (In Bulgarian and English) |
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Хората и летище
Граф Игнатиево: Еър
Груп 2000 20061 Recollections from the history of Graf Ignatievo air base. (In Bulgarian) |
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Авиобаза Граф
Игнатиево: Клуб
Криле: Еър Груп 2000 2001 History of Graf Ignatievo air base from its beginnings under German influence to the present. (In Bulgarian with English summary) |
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Нашето летище Узунджово: Еър
Груп 2000 2015 History of Uzundzhovo airfield and of the 21st Fighter Regiment of the Bulgarian Air Force stationed there, which operated MiG-21s from this airfield until 1991. (In Bulgarian) |
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Инженерно
Авиационната
Служба на Военната
Авиация на България:
Еър Груп 2000 2000 Development of the engineering service of the Bulgarian Air Force since the end of the Second World War. Larger sections deal with the MiG-21. Contains many b/w photos of poor quality and some colour photos. (In Bulgarian) |
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Българската авиация през
Студената война: Недялков:
Военно издателство 2011 Outline of the history of the Bulgarian Air Force during the Cold War, which begins with Bulgaria changing sides in the Second World War and focuses on the 1950s. Nevertheless, it contains numerous pictures and information on the MiG-21 – including interesting inventory lists, statistics and comparisons of strength with the potential main adversaries Turkey and Greece. (In Bulgarian) |
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Българските ВВС
и Студената Война:
Бориславов:
Еър Груп 2000 2002 Brief outline of the history of the Bulgarian Air Force during the Cold War. With numerous documentary photos and an overview of all aircraft types operated – including all MiG-21 versions in Bulgarian service. (In Bulgarian) |
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ХХ Век Българска
Авиация 1897-2000. Триумфи
и Катастрофи: Цаков:
Еър Груп 2000 2000 Detailed account of (military) aviation in Bulgaria from 1897 to 2000. (In Bulgarian) |
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Авиацията Обич и
Мъка: Петков: Еър
Груп 2000 2002 History of the 11th Fighter Regiment of the Bulgarian Air Force stationed at Gabrovnitsa. (In Bulgarian) |
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ХХ Век Българска Авиация
1897 - 2000. Триумфи и Катастрофи:
Цаков: Еър Груп 2000 2000 (In Bulgarian) |
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Chinese Air Power in the 20th Century: Rise of the Red Dragon: Rupprecht: Harpia 2019 Overview of the development history and structure of the Chinese air forces, in which, in keeping with its historical role, reference is made in numerous places to the Chinese MiG-21 derivative J-7. (In English) |
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Chinese Air Power: Current Organisation and Aircraft of All Chinese Air Forces: Gordon: Midland Counties 2010 As usual with author Gordon, the book is a compilation of publicly available information on the subject and of his earlier similar writings. Nevertheless suitable as a source of overview information. (In English) |
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Brief outline of the history and present of the world's only MiG-21 aerobatic team, the "1 August" team of the Chinese People's Liberation Army. With mostly mediocre photos. (In Chinese) |
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MiG-21 "Jednadvacítka". Letoun MiG-21 v Čs. vojenském letectvu v letech 1962-2005 1. díl: Irra: Jakab 2007 MiG-21 "Jednadvacítka". Letoun MiG-21 v Čs. vojenském letectvu v letech 1962-2005 2. díl: Irra: Jakab 2008 Overall account of the use of the MiG-21 by the Czechoslovak Air Force, essentially summarising known information from the books listed below and from the author's series of articles in the magazine letectví+kosmonautika. (In Czech and English) |
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Stříbrné Šípy: Janoušek: Eduard 2014 Service history of the MiG-21PF / PFM / R with the Czechoslovak, Czech and Slovak air forces. For more information see the review. (In Czech) |
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MiG-21MF: Janoušek: Eduard 2016 Service history of the MiG-21MF with the Czechoslovak, Czech and Slovak air forces. For more information see the review. (In Czech) |
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MiG-21F-13 v československém vojenském letectvu 1.díl. AERO 38: Irra: Jakab 2017 MiG-21F-13 v československém vojenském letectvu 2.díl. AERO 39: Irra: Jakab 2017 MiG-21F-13 v československém vojenském letectvu 3. díl AERO 41: Irra: Jakab 2018 MiG-21F-13 v československém vojenském letectvu 4. díl AERO 42: Irra: Jakab 2018 MiG-21PF/PFM v československém vojenském letectvu 1. díl AERO 48: Irra: Jakab 2018 MiG-21PF/PFM v československém vojenském letectvu 2. díl AERO 49: Irra: Jakab 2018 MiG-21R a M v ceskoslovenském a ceském vojenském letectvu. AERO 56: Irra: Jakab 2019 MiG-21MF v ceskoslovenském a ceském vojenském letectvu 1. díl. AERO 63: Irra: Jakab 2019 MiG-21MF v ceskoslovenském a ceském vojenském letectvu 2. díl. AERO 65: Irra: Jakab 2020 MiG-21MF v ceskoslovenském a ceském vojenském letectvu 3. díl. AERO 67: Irra: Jakab 2020 MiG-21MF v ceskoslovenském a ceském vojenském letectvu 4. díl. AERO 71: Irra: Jakab 2020 MiG-21U/US/UM v ceskoslovenském vojenském letectvu 1. cást. AERO 75: Irra: Jakab 2021 MiG-21U/US/UM v ceskoslovenském vojenském letectvu 2. cást. AERO 78: Irra: Jakab 2021 Divided into 13 (!) booklets, the service history of all MiG-21 versions with the Czechoslovak Air Force is presented here with a large quantity of pictures and tabular information. (In Czech) |
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Šedivky. Trochu jiné MiGy-21MF v našem letectvu: Rogl, Martinek: Svět Křídel 2018 Lovingly designed account of the use of the Gorky-built MiG-21MF (MF-75) by the Czechoslovak and Czech air forces, with a detailed description of the service life of the individual aircraft, many detail photos and drawings and an illustrated overview of the use of this version worldwide. (In Czech) |
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Zrušená křídla: Lorenc, Rogl: Votobia 2000 Detailed history of the Czechoslovak / Czech Air Force including all regiments. With a large number of b/w and colour photos. (In Czech) |
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Vysoká modrá zeď - ohlédnutí druhé: Protivzdušná obrana Československa v letech 1962-1980: Irra: Jakab 2021 Account of the development of Czechoslovak air defence between 1962 and 1980, i.e. from the introduction of the MiG-21 to the end of deliveries. As with all books by author Miroslav Irra, with a large number of photos and documents. (In Czech) |
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Vysoká modrá zeď - ohlédnutí poslední: Protivzdušná obrana Československa v závěrečném období studené války: Irra: Jakab 2022 Conclusion of the trilogy (the first part is not covered here for lack of MiG-21 relevance) on the build-up of Czechoslovak air defence, covering the period from 1980 to the end of the Cold War – again extensively illustrated. (In Czech) |
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První, stíhací, Zvolenský 1962-1970, 3.díl: Irra: Jakab 2024 První, stíhací, Zvolenský 1971-1980, 4.díl: Irra: Jakab 2024 The third and fourth parts of a series on the history of the 1st Czechoslovak Fighter Regiment focus on the MiG-21. Again with numerous contemporary documents, though often familiar from other Irra publications. (In Czech) |
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414, asi jsme se srazili: Faul: zlinek 1994 History of the 5th Fighter Regiment of the Czechoslovak Air Force with many pictures of the MiG-21. (In Czech) |
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Psohlavci letectva: Lančí, Brašna: Svět Křídel 2015 Outline of the history of the Czechoslovak 5th Fighter Regiment at Plzeň-Líně, which was equipped with MiG-21s from 1971 until its disbandment in 1991. (In Czech) |
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O Létání v Bechyni: Havel: Svet Krídel 2002 History of the Czech airfield Bechyně and of the fighter and fighter-bomber regiments stationed there, which were equipped with the MiG-21 from the mid-1960s until the airfield closed in 1993. (In Czech) |
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Od 313. (čs.) perutě až k 4. stíhací letce: Vystavěl: Svět Křídel 2015 The treatise spans the history from a Czechoslovak RAF unit in the Second World War via the 8th Fighter Regiment of Czechoslovakia and the 82nd independent fighter squadron of the ČSFR to the 4th independent fighter squadron of the Czech Republic. The last three were all equipped with MiG-21s. Like all Vystavěl books, with numerous photos. (In Czech) |
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Říkali mu KOREA: Vystavěl: Svět Křídel 2005 History of the 11th Fighter Regiment of the Czechoslovak Air Force at Žatec, which in 1963 was the first to be equipped with the MiG-21 and flew this type until its disbandment in 1993. (In Czech) |
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11. stíhací Invazní: Vystavěl: Svět Křídel 2006 Continuation of Říkali mu KOREA with some familiar and numerous new pictures. (In Czech) |
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11. stíhací "Invazní" (podruhé): Vystavěl: Svět Křídel 2018 Supplementary volume to the two previous ones with a wealth of further photos and documents. (In Czech) |
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11. letecká základna a její předchůdci: Vystavěl: Svět Křídel 2008 This volume deals both with the 11th Fighter Regiment at Žatec and with its support units. (In Czech) |
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Letiště na jihu. Letiště České Budějovice-Planá 1937-2017: Irra: Jakab 2017 History of České Budějovice-Planá airfield, which also covers the MiG-21 operations of the 1st Fighter Regiment stationed there and Soviet MiG-21 operations in 1968. (In Czech) |
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Letiště. Odkud vzlétali a kde přistávali letci československého a českého vojenského letectva: Vystavěl: Svět Křídel 2015 History of the airfields of the Czechoslovak and Czech air forces with details of the units based there – including, of course, MiG-21s. (In Czech) |
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21st TAC AFB Čáslav in detail. WWP History Profile Line No. 3: Soukop: WWP 2005 Richly illustrated account of the recent history of Čáslav air base, where all Czech fighter forces were concentrated in the 1990s. Unfortunately without pictures of the MiG-21 farewell in July 2005. (In English) |
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Letectká Opravárenska Základna Čáslav: Ministerstvo Obrany České Republiky 2001 Outline of the history and present of the repair base at Čáslav, where all Czech MiG-21s have been maintained since 2001. (In Czech and English) |
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Renta, já 310 uvolnil dráhu: Oberfalzer: Svět Křídel 2017 Memoirs of Czech pilot Jan Oberfalzer, who flew more than 1,200 hours in the MiG-21. (In Czech) |
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Život stíhače: Pecha: Svět křídel 2015 Recollections of Czech pilot Milan Pecha, which besides flights in the MiG-21 also cover, for example, the training of Libyan student pilots. (In Czech) |
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MiG-21F-13 / MiG-21U. Aero model 10: Plicka, Irra, Kolmann: Jakab 2021 Besides cut-out sheets for paper models of these MiG-21 versions, the booklet also contains a short text on their Czechoslovak service history. (In Czech) |
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MiG-21 in Finnish Air Force: Laukkanen: Apali 2004 Service history of the Finnish MiG-21s (and MiG-15UTIs) with excellent photos, informative texts and the service lives of all aircraft. Despite a somewhat bumpy English translation, one of the finest MiG-21 books of all. (In English and Finnish) |
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Poltto palaa! Hoffrén: Ketterät Kirjat 2016 This history of the MiG-21 in Finnish service comes nowhere near the Laukkanen book in quality and appearance, but offers some interesting photos and documents. (In Finnish and Swedish) |
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Afterburner on! MiG-21 in Finland 1963 - 1998: Hoffrén: Ilmailumuseoyhdistys 2021 Despite a mediocre translation, the smaller-format English version of "Poltto palaa!" provides a wealth of interesting information on the Finnish MiG-21s, including the background to their procurement, problems and experience in service and the fate of the aircraft. Compared with the Finnish version, some photos and documents have been added. (In English) |
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MiG-21 Suomen Sinessä: Lahtela, Nykänen: Karjalan Lennosto 1998 Overview of 35 years of MiG-21 service with the Finnish Air Force, published on the occasion of the MiG-21's retirement from active service in 1998. (In Finnish) |
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Finnish Jet Colours: Partonen: MMPBooks 2018 Extensively illustrated with photos and drawings, the book deals with the external appearance of jet aircraft in Finnish service. Some forty pages are devoted to the MiG-21. (In English) |
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First to the Last: 50 years of MiG-21s with the IAF: Rajkumar, Singh: Society for Aerospace Studies 2013 Comprehensive account of the MiG-21 in Indian Air Force service based on the recollections of mostly high-ranking participants. With numerous interesting photos, but unfortunately without a fleet list. (In English) |
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Legacy of a Legend. MiG-21 in the Indian Air Force: Paranjpe, Sharma: OCU IAF 2013 Beautiful photo book with numerous interesting and sometimes unusual motifs from the 50-year service history of the Indian MiG-21s. Unlike many other photo documentaries, the work of the technical personnel is not forgotten. (In English) |
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The First Supersonics. No 28. Squadron, IAF 1963 - 2013: Singh: Society for Aerospace Studies 2013 No. 28 Squadron of the Indian Air Force was, as its name says, the first to fly supersonic aircraft – MiG-21F-13s. Published for the 50th anniversary of the unit's formation, the book describes, mainly through personal recollections, among other things MiG-21 training in the Soviet Union, the successful use of the MiG-21FL in the 1971 war and finally the conversion from the MiG-21 to the MiG-29. The MiG-29 photos dominate in quality and quantity, yet numerous photo documents illustrate the MiG-21 period of the "First Supersonics". (In English) |
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The Battle Axes: Singh: Society for Aerospace Studies 1993 Chronicle of No. 7 Squadron of the Indian Air Force, which from 1973 to 1985 flew first Soviet-built MiG-21MFs and then Indian-built MiG-21Ms. Unfortunately only with black-and-white pictures in "Indian" print quality. (In English) |
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The Black Archers: Singh: Society for Aerospace Studies 2009 History of No. 47 Squadron of the Indian Air Force, which was at times also equipped with MiG-21s and operated them successfully in the Indo-Pakistani war of 1971. (In English) |
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Eagles over Bangladesh: Mohan, Chopra: HarperCollins 2013 Detailed account of the air war during the Bangladesh war of independence from the Indian point of view. Indian MiG-21FLs were very successful in the conflict both as fighters and as fighter-bombers. (In English) |
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The Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 Volume 1: Rikhye: Helion 2020 As the work describes all the fighting during the Indo-Pakistani war of 1971 (from the Indian point of view), the air war with the successful use of the Indian MiG-21s takes up little space. (In English) |
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Role of Indian Air Force in 1971 War: Singh: KW Publishers 2013 Contrary to the title, an overall account of the conflict with only short descriptions of the air war and the use of the MiG-21. (In English) |
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In Memoriam. The Fallen Air Warriors: Kumar: IMR Media 2017 Chronicle of the personnel losses of the Indian Air Force from its foundation in 1932 to 2012, including dozens of MiG-21 pilots. (In English) |
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Wings of Iraq. Volume 1: Sipos, Cooper: Helion 2020 Wings of Iraq. Volume 2: Sipos, Cooper: Helion 2022 Detailed development history of the Iraqi Air Force from the beginning. The first part describes, among other things, the start of MiG-21 procurement from 1962 and the build-up of the fleet until 1970. The period covered by the second part includes the mass introduction of third- and fourth-generation MiG-21 versions. (In English) |
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Iraqi Fighters 1953-2003: Camouflage & Markings: Sadik, Cooper: Harpia 2008 The use and – as the title promises – the colour schemes and markings of all tactical jet aircraft in Iraqi service are illustrated with photos mostly known from the internet, supplemented by colour profiles by Tom Cooper. (In English) |
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IRIAF 2010: Cooper, Taghvaee, Devlin: Harpia 2010 Besides an extraordinarily detailed snapshot of the Air Force of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the book, illustrated with wonderful photos, offers historical outlines of both the service as a whole and the individual units, including the 5th Tactical Fighter Base "Ardestani" at Omidiyeh, equipped with F-7s. (In English) |
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Iran-Iraq War in the Air: Cooper, Bishop: Schiffer 2000 First comprehensive account of the air war during the Iran-Iraq war of 1980 to 1988. Excellent in scope and presentation, but essentially from the Iranian point of view. (In English) |
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Hot Skies Over Yemen: Volume 1: Aerial Warfare Over the Southern Arabian Peninsula, 1962-1994: Cooper: Helion 2017 Hot Skies Over Yemen: Volume 2: Aerial Warfare Over Southern Arabian Peninsula, 1994-2017: Cooper: Helion 2018 Another pioneering achievement by Tom Cooper: for the first time, the previously largely unknown air war in Yemen is described comprehensively – where two states equipped with MiG-21s once faced each other and where, after a short, reasonably peaceful phase following the unification of the two parts of the country, an internal conflict with foreign involvement, raging for years now, has led to the almost complete destruction of the flying inventory. (In English) |
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Jugoslovensko Ratno Vazduhoplovstvo 1942 - 1992: Dimitrijević: Institut za savremenu istoriju 2006 Comprehensive history of the Yugoslav air arm from its beginnings in Tito's partisan army to the break-up of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Also contains the detailed history of the individual units, including of course those equipped with MiG-21s. (In Serbian) |
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Silver Birds over the Estuary: Dimitrijević, Micevski: Helion 2020 Extensively illustrated service history of the Yugoslav and Serbian MiG-21s from the first procurement in 1962 via the combat missions of the 1990s to (almost) their retirement in 2021. (In English) |
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83. lovački avijacijski puk: Dimitrijević, Micevski: Galaksija 2016 History of the 83rd Fighter Regiment of the Yugoslav Air Force, which flew the MiG-21 from 1970 until its disbandment in 2000. Contains a large number of interesting photos and facts. (In Serbian) |
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117. lovački avijacijski puk, 352. izviđačka avijacijska eskadrila, 200. vazduhoplovna baza: Dimitrijević, Micevski: Galaksija 2015 History of the 117th Fighter Regiment and the 352nd Reconnaissance Squadron of the Yugoslav Air Force and of their base, Bihać airfield with the largest aircraft cavern in Europe. In particular, the use of the MiG-21 from 1967 until the disbandment of the units in 1992 (117th lap) and 2006 (352nd iae) is extensively documented in pictures and text. (In Serbian) |
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204. Lovački avijacijski puk: Oluić, Antić, Dimitrijević: Vojska 2005 History of the 204th Fighter Regiment of the Yugoslav and Serbian-Montenegrin air forces with a large number of interesting photo documents and facts. (In Serbian) |
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The Yugoslav Air Force in the Battles for Slovenia, Croatia And Bosnia and Herzegovina Volume 1: Radić: Helion 2020 Detailed account of the air war during the break-up of Yugoslavia, including numerous MiG-21 missions. (In English) |
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Tito's Underground Air Base: Dimitrijevic, Micevski: Helion 2020 Meticulous description of the origins, construction, use and finally destruction of the underground air base at Bihać, including the activities of the MiG-21 regiments stationed there. (In English) |
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Српско Војно
Ваздухопловство Данас:
Радић: Министарство
Одбране Србије 2009 Official presentation of the current structure and equipment of the Serbian Air Force and the history of the individual units. (In Serbian and English) |
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Izviđači Jugoslovenskog ratnog vazduhoplovstva: Dimitrijević: Odbrana 2011 Detailed and extensively illustrated overall account of the Yugoslav reconnaissance forces, their aircraft types and equipment, including the MiG-21R and the MiG-21M/MF fitted with the American LORAP system. (In Serbian) |
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Letačke priče: Suad Hamzić: Tango Six 2017 Memoirs of Yugoslav pilot Suad Hamzić, who among other types also flew the MiG-21. (In Serbian) |
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Srebrna krila - U službi i zaštiti Hrvatske: Tokunaga, Berger: Harpia 2009 Attractive photo book on the Croatian Air Force with spectacular air-to-air photos of MiG-21s. (In Croatian and English) |
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Hrvatski Zrakoplovi: Jereb, Frka: Carski Husar 1994 Account of the formation of the Croatian Air Force and its activities in the fight against the federal army after the break-up of Yugoslavia. Besides agricultural and sports aircraft, three MiG-21s were also used, which Croatian pilots "brought along" when defecting. (In Croatian with English captions) |
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Operation Deliberate Force: Dimitrijević: Helion 2021 Detailed description of the air war over Bosnia between 1992 and 1995. MiG-21s were involved only to a small extent, mainly on the Croatian side. (In English) |
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The Armed Forces of North Korea: Mitzer, Oliemans: Helion 2020 Extraordinarily extensive and detailed description of all weapon systems of the North Korean armed forces known at the time of publication. These of course include the MiG-21s of the air force, whose description, however, takes up only modest space given the wealth of subjects. (In English) |
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North Korean Aviation: An Eyewitness Account: Manning: Key Publishing 2022 Behind the somewhat grandiose title lies a travel report from the Wonsan International Friendship Air Festival in the DPRK in 2016. For the author, who was there himself, a nice reminder of an extraordinary experience. Besides impressions of the airshow, the slim booklet also contains impressions of the tour programme through the country after the event. (In English) |
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Cuban MiGs: The Defenders of Castro's Air Force: Higuchi, Bastos Jr.: Harpia 2022 Probably the first overall account of the development of the Fuerza Aérea Revolucionaria from the Cuban revolution in 1959 to the present, with some interesting details. Unfortunately, the many foreign deployments of the Cuban Air Force are only touched on briefly. (In English) |
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Inside Castro’s Bunker: del Pino: Amazon 2012 Proa a la libertad: del Pino: Planeta 1991 Two autobiographical titles by Rafael del Pino, a former general of the Cuban Air Force who later defected to the USA. The books contain numerous details and pictures on the development of the Fuerza Aérea Revolucionaria and its activities in Africa, but also numerous passages that can be read as a renegade's belated settling of scores. (In English / Spanish) |
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The Pakistan Air Force 1998 - 2008. A New Dawn: Warnes, Key Publishing 2009 Alan Warnes, the former editor of Air Forces Monthly, was granted access as "court reporter" of the Pakistan Air Force to probably all of its units and describes the development of the PAF over a decade with an enormous wealth of material. Critical assessments are of course not to be expected in this quasi-official chronicle, but there is plenty of information and pictures on the use of the various F-7 versions. (In English) |
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Against all odds. Pakistan Air Force in the 1971 India-Pakistan War: Tufail: Helion 2020 Account of the Pakistani view of the air war in the 1971 Indo-Pakistani war, in which the Indian MiG-21s operated very successfully. (In English) |
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Fiza'ya. Psyche of the Pakistan Air Force: Singh, Rikhye, Steinemann: Society for Aerospace Studies 1991 Development and current structure of the Pakistan Air Force, presented from the Indian point of view. Detailed sections are devoted to the wars between India and Pakistan in 1965 and 1971 and to the MiG-21 (F-7) in Pakistani service. With numerous b/w pictures and the well-known colour photos by Peter Steinemann. (In English) |
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Polskie lotnictwo wojskowe 1990-2003: Konopka: Bellona 2003 Account of the renewal and restructuring process in the Polish Air Force after the end of the Cold War. (In Polish and English) |
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Polskie lotnictwo wojskowe 1945-1980: Krzemiński: Wydawnictwa Komunikacji i Łączności 1989 Outline of the post-war history of the Polish Air Force in the typical manner of the time of publication, with not very informative pictures, poor print quality and many empty phrases. (In Polish) |
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MIG-21: Samoloty Wojska Polskiego - 100 lat polskich skrzydel Tom 8: Fiszer, Gruszczyński: EDIPRESSE 2019 The slim booklet from a series published for the centenary of Polish aviation contains roughly equal parts of information on the development, technology and Polish service history of the MiG-21. (In Polish) |
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10 Pułk Lotnictwa Myśliwskiego - 7 Batalion Radiotechniczny: Łaskie Towarzystwo Kulturalne 1999 Minimal version of the history of the 10th regiment of the Polish Air Force stationed at Łask. (In Polish and English) |
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32. Pułk Lotnictwa Rozpoznania Taktycznego: Mikołajczuk: Rossagraph 2004 Detailed history of the Polish 32nd Reconnaissance Regiment. Attractively designed and with numerous interesting photos. (In Polish with captions and a summary in English) |
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34. Pułk Lotnictwa Myśliwskiego: Kirschenstein: Aviateam.pl n.d. Comprehensive account of the history of the 34th Fighter Regiment of the Polish Air Force, which operated MiG-21s from Gdynia-Babie Doły from 1967 until its transfer to naval aviation in 1995. Contains numerous interesting pictures. (In Polish) |
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Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-19P & PM, MiG-21F-13. Polish Wings 24: Musiałkowski: Stratus 2018 Service history of the first supersonic types in the Polish Air Force with numerous documentary photos. (In English) |
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Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-MF. Polish Wings 32: Gołąbek: Stratus 2021 The focus of the Polish Wings booklet on the MiG-21MF is on the external appearance of the aircraft. Paint schemes, markings and stencils are described in detail and documented with numerous photos. A list of all aircraft, service histories of selected aircraft and a technical description round off the picture. (In English) |
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Katastrofy Awarie Uszkodzenia w polskim lotnictwie wojskowym 1961-1970: Bartosik, Bogdański, Senkowski: AEROMAX 2011 Katastrofy Awarie Uszkodzenia w polskim lotnictwie wojskowym 1971-1980: Bartosik, Bogdański, Senkowski: AEROMAX 2012 Extraordinarily detailed account of apparently all (!) incidents, accidents and crashes in the Polish Air Force in the respective period. One can look forward to the hopefully forthcoming sequels. Similar documentation for all the air arms of this world would be desirable. (In Polish) |
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MiG-21UM "Tiger" in the Polish Air Force: Idzior: HussarProductions 2013 Beautiful picture book with colour profiles and decals, devoted especially to the Polish MiG-21UMs 9292, 9308, 9349 and 9351 in tiger paint schemes, but also containing numerous photos of other Polish MiG-21UMs. (In English) |
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Aviatia de lupta reaktiva in Romania: Sandachi: Editura Regina din Arcadia 2001 History of Romanian jet aviation. (In Romanian with clumsily translated English captions) |
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Slovenské vojenské letectvo v obrazoch: Szabo, Gyűrösi, Stolár: Magnet Press 2008 The photo book documents the first 15 years of the new Slovak Air Force since 1993 and of course the use of the MiG-21 until 2002. (In Slovak and English) |
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Sri Lanka Air Force. 60th Anniversary Exhibition: Sri Lanka Air Force 2011 Published for the celebrations of the SLAF's 60th anniversary, the book offers a (very) short outline of the history of the service and of the aircraft types it has operated – including the F-7. (In English) |
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Paradise Afire Volume 3. The Sri Lankan War 1990 - 1994: Fontanellaz: Helion 2020 The third part of the series on the long war between Sri Lankan government troops and Tamil separatists describes the procurement of the F-7 for the Sri Lanka Air Force, although they were only used later in the conflict. (In English) |
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Syrian Conflagration: The Syrian Civil War, 2011-2013: Cooper: Helion 2015 Outline of events in the first two years of the civil war in Syria, including the use of the MiG-21 on the side of the government forces. (In English) |
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Страницы
Истории 32-го
Гвардейского
Истребительного
Авиационного
Полка. Часть I: Исаев:
Арбор 2006 Страницы Истории 32-го Гвардейского Истребительного Авиационного Полка. Часть II: Исаев: Арбор 2009 History of the 32nd Guards Fighter Regiment of the Soviet Air Force, which was the very first operational unit to be equipped with the MiG-21 and – stationed in Cuba – flew the first combat missions with this type. (In Russian) |
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В небе Кубинки ХХ-го века.
Записки пилотажников (по
страницам истории 234-го
Гвардейского
истребительного
авиационного полка). 1950-1992 гг.:
Кузнецов: Новые печатные
технологии 2013 Страницы истории пилотажного полка: Исаев: Арбор 2013 Both extraordinarily detailed and richly illustrated books deal with the history of the 234th Guards Fighter Regiment stationed at Kubinka. The "showcase unit" of the Soviet Air Force, whose tasks included both public displays and visits abroad, was equipped with various MiG-21 versions between 1961 and 1988. While Isayev's work also shines with good print quality, Kuznetsov's book was obviously produced in a copy shop. Nevertheless, both are highly recommended. (In Russian) |
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Rote Plätze. Russische Militärflugplätze Deutschland 1945 - 1994: Freundt (ed.), Büttner: Aerolit 2007 By far the most extensive and systematic treatise on the stationing of the Soviet air forces in Germany, including the former German eastern provinces. The design and function of the infrastructure (flight operating areas, buildings and shelters) as well as the basing of units and aircraft types – including of course the MiG-21 – are covered in detail. For more information see the review. (In German) |
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Sowjetische Fliegerkräfte in Deutschland 1945 - 1994. Bd. 1 - 4: Freundt: 1998 - 2000 Comprehensive account of the stationing of the Soviet air forces in Germany with information on almost all aspects, from aircraft, airfields and units to paint schemes. The sparse mention of the MiG-21 is due to the availability of sources. (In German) |
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Himmelsstürmer. Flugunfälle und Fliegergräber der Sowjetarmee in Deutschland: Freundt (ed.): Aerolit 2008 Chronology of the accidents and crashes of the Soviet air forces in the GDR and in reunified Germany, compiled – for lack of access to files – mainly on the basis of eyewitness and contemporary accounts and through "aviation archaeology" at graves and memorials. In keeping with the large number of aircraft stationed in Germany, numerous incidents involving MiG-21s are listed. (In German) |
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Небесный страж ГСВГ: Толмачёв:
Манускрипт 2010 History of the air forces of the Group of Soviet Forces in Germany (GSFG) and the Western Group of Forces (WGF) from 1945 until the withdrawal in 1994. The gain in knowledge regarding the MiG-21, which for about 15 years was the most important combat aircraft type of the 16th Air Army stationed in the GDR, is close to zero. (In Russian) |
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Légierő társbérletben: Vándor: VPP 2009 Légierő társbérletben II: Vándor: VPP 2010 Greatly expanded version of Karoly Vándor's two previous books on the same subject. Design and structure are modelled on Rote Plätze, the standard work on the Soviet air forces. The second part of the comprehensive account of the stationing of Soviet air forces in Hungary and Austria deals, among other things, with uniforms, accidents and the units' bases, illustrated with numerous documentary photos. (In Hungarian) |
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Soviet Air Force in Hungary and Austria: Vándor: VPP 2004 The revised and updated edition of this book, first published in 2003, offers an overview of the history, equipment and airfields of the Soviet air forces in Hungary (and Austria) in considerably improved print quality. The publication contains interesting facts and documentary photos on the use of Soviet MiG-21s in Hungary. (In English and Hungarian) |
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Soviet Air Force over Czechoslovakia 1968 - 1991. Part I: Hottmar, Mackovík: JaPo 2008 During the Warsaw Pact invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968, almost half of the Soviet air contingent consisted of MiG-21s. MiG-21s remained in the inventory of the Central Group of Forces until 1984. The first part of the publication focuses on the course of the invasion and deals only briefly with the stationed aircraft and armament. (In English with Czech captions) |
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Operation Danube: Francois: Helion 2020 The book on the Warsaw Pact invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968 deals mainly with the (largely familiar) political background to the event and its aftermath. Little space remains for the actual military operations and the share of the air forces, which consisted largely of MiG-21s. (In English) |
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Жаркое Небо
Афганистана:
Марковский:
Техника Молодежи 2000 Documentation of the air war over Afghanistan. One chapter deals, among other things, with the MiG-21, which was used as a reconnaissance aircraft and fighter-bomber. (In Russian) |
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Боевая авиация в Афганской войне: Марковский: Эксмо 2016 Considerably expanded new version of Жаркое Небо Афганистана. In this book, a whole chapter is devoted to the MiG-21, which was used above all in the early phase of the war. (In Russian) |
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Камуфляж и бортовые эмблемы
авиатехники советских ВВС в
афганской кампании:
Марковский, Приходченко:
Эксмо 2017 Detailed description of the paint schemes and markings of Soviet military aircraft in Afghanistan, including of course the MiG-21. (In Russian) |
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Реактивный прорыв
Сталина: Подрепный: Яуза /
Эксмо 2008 Development history of Soviet jet aviation with numerous interesting details. (In Russian) |
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Полет сквозъ Столетие:
Нахапетов, Тищенко,
Шевченко: Майдан 2005 History of the 562 Авиаремонтный Завод, which today operates as OdesAviaRemServis and maintains mainly MiG-21s. (In Ukrainian) |
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Wars and Insurgencies of Uganda 1971-1994: Cooper, Fontanellaz: Helion 2016 Account of Uganda's internal and external conflicts in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, in which – above all in the war with neighbouring Tanzania – MiG-21s also played a role. (In English) |
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Felhölovagok - Knights of the Clouds: Toperczer: Tradeorg 2003 Comprehensive portrait of the Hungarian Air Force between 1991 and 2001 in excellent pictures. With short outlines of the history of the individual units and numerous photos of the Hungarian MiG-21s. (In Hungarian and English) |
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Ég - Szín - Tér. Magyar Légierő 1999 - 2009: Toperczer: Zrínyi Kiadó 2009 Another beautiful photo book by István Toperczer, documenting among other things the last months of MiG-21 service with the Hungarian Air Force. (In Hungarian) |
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Kecskeméti Katonai Repülés Története Kezdetektöla a Gripenig: Kenyeres: Kecskemét 2006 History of Kecskemét airfield and the units stationed there – including the 59th Fighter Regiment equipped with MiG-21s – from the beginnings in 1913 to the present. (In Hungarian) |
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Az ég Katonái. Magyar Légierő 1938 - 2008: Honvédelmi Minisztérium 2008 History of the three Hungarian air forces from 1938 to 2008, told through the life stories mainly of the pilots. (In Hungarian) |
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Pilote de MiG 21. La Dernière Vrille: Kositzky: JPO 2016 Memoirs of the former chief of staff of the Hungarian Air Force, who flew the MiG-21 for three decades. (In French) |
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Red Eagles: America's Secret MiGs: Davies: Osprey 2008 History of the 4477th Test & Evaluation Squadron, which from 1979, under the code name CONSTANT PEG, provided realistic adversary training for US Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps pilots at the remote Tonopah base in the Nevada desert. Written from the perspective of the pilots involved, it describes numerous interesting aspects of this secret operation. (In English) |
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America's Secret MiG Squadron: Peck: Osprey 2012 Very subjective account of the history of the 4477th Test & Evaluation Squadron from the perspective of one of its commanders, with only a few interesting facts. Anyone interested in the history of the CONSTANT PEG programme is better served by Steve Davies' book. (In English) |
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MiGs over Nevada: Barnes: Amazon 2014 Self-published recollections of a technician involved in the American evaluation programmes of the MiG-17, MiG-21 and MiG-23. Personal impressions are hardly to be found, however; the book consists essentially of reproductions of the official test reports, which are no longer classified. (In English) |
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Air War over North Viet Nam: Toperczer: squadron/signal 1998 Detailed account of the air war over Vietnam – pleasingly from the country's own point of view. For long stretches devoted to the MiG-21, which probably experienced its most successful combat use there. (In English) |
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Silver Swallows and Blue Bandits: Toperczer: Artipresse 2015 Extraordinarily detailed account of the air war over North Vietnam between 1964 and 1975 from the Vietnamese point of view, with a great wealth of documentary photos, colour profiles and drawings. (In English) |
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MiG-21 Units of the Vietnam War: Toperczer: Osprey 2001 Expansion of the accounts in "Air War over North Viet Nam" with a focus on the MiG-21 and its pilots. All air combats involving MiG-21s are listed, with American and Vietnamese claims compared. Recommended. (In English) |
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MiG Aces of the Vietnam War: Toperczer: Schiffer 2015 Personal accounts of the combat missions of Vietnamese pilots against the American aggressors, again extraordinarily extensively illustrated. (In English) |
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MiG-21 Aces of the Vietnam War: Toperczer: Osprey 2017 Further tribute to the heroic actions of the Vietnamese MiG-21 pilots against American superiority. With numerous familiar and some new illustrations. (In English) |
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MiG-21 "FISHBED": Opposing Rolling Thunder 1966 - 68 (Dogfight 8): Toperczer: Osprey 2023 Account of the use of the MiG-21 during the largest air operation of the Vietnam War, in which the Vietnamese Air Force inflicted massive losses on the American attackers despite considerable losses of its own. Thanks to tactics optimally tailored to the type's capabilities and limitations, and above all thanks to the courage of its pilots, the MiG-21 experienced what was probably the most successful chapter of its service history. (In English) |
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MiGs over North Vietnam: Boniface: Hikoki 2008 Incorrect version details for almost every picture of a MiG-21 in this service history of the Vietnamese Air Force make reading the text seem superfluous. (In English) |
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Боевое Применение
МиГ-21 во Въетнаме:
Война в Воздухе №22 2000 In the – qualitatively much poorer – Russian edition of MiG-21 Units of the Vietnam War, the author, Dr. Istvan Toperczer, is not even mentioned. (In Russian) |
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MiG's op de vlucht: van der Aart: Boom 2009 The book describes – in part in great detail – numerous cases of defection using Eastern aircraft, i.e. not only MiGs. Regarding the MiG-21, defections from Afghanistan, China, Czechoslovakia, Iraq and Cuba, among others, are reported. (In Dutch) |
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From Lightnings to MiGs: Peart: Pen & Sword 2021 Varied memoirs of a British pilot who, as an exchange pilot in Bangladesh, also flew the MiG-21. (In English) |