The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 (Russian: Микоян и Гуревич МиГ-21; NATO reporting name "Fishbed") is a supersonic jet fighter aircraft, designed by the Mikoyan-Gurevich Design Bureau in the Soviet Union.
It was popularly nicknamed "balalaika", from the aircraft's planform-view resemblance to the Russian stringed musical instrument or ołówek (English: pencil) by Polish pilots due to the shape of its fuselage. Early versions are considered second-generation jet fighters, while later versions are considered to be third-generation jet fighters.
Some 50 countries over four continents have flown the MiG-21, and it still serves many nations a half-century after its maiden flight. The fighter made aviation records.
At least by name, it is the most-produced supersonic jet aircraft in aviation history and the most-produced combat aircraft since the Korean War, and it had the longest production run of a combat aircraft from 1958 to 1985.
The Fishbed is a delta-winged jet interceptor identifiable by nose air intake with protruding centerbody for radar, flush canopy with heavy bow frame, and empennage with single engine and stabilizer, ventral fin and raked tailplanes. Armament included one 30mm automatic cannon, two air-to-air missiles or 2 bombs. Many are still in service with various air forces around the world.
