New images added Hobby Master HA0003 MIG-21bis 115th GIAP, Soviet VVS, Bagram AB, Afghanistan 1980
In 1980, the Soviet Air Force 115th Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment operated MiG-21 fighters during the early stages of the war in Afghanistan. Based at forward airfields, the regiment used the MiG-21 primarily for air defense, escort of transport aircraft, and limited ground attack missions. The aircraft flew patrols over major bases, supply routes, and urban areas to deter enemy air threats and support Soviet ground forces. Harsh terrain, high altitude conditions, and extreme weather affected operations and aircraft performance. Despite these challenges, the 115th GIAP helped maintain Soviet air control during the initial phase of the conflict.
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 Fishbed
Designed as a successor to the Soviet Union’s family of early MiG jet fighters, the MiG-21 was first flown on February 14, 1955. This supersonic jet fighter was the first Soviet aircraft to successfully combine fighter and interceptor characteristics. Its delta wing design gave it the ability to climb quickly and its light loading further improved its performance, making it possible for a skilled pilot to successfully engage in dogfights with contemporary enemy fighters. Today, more than 50 years after its introduction, the MiG-21 still serves the air forces of many nations and has become the most-produced supersonic jet in history.
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