During the Cold War, the Mikoyan-Gurevich design bureau, MiG, had an almost monopoly on frontline fighters, for example MiG-21, MiG-29, while the Sukhoi design bureau specialized in strike aircraft.
Sukhoi seems to have overtaken the legendary camp of MiG due to the massive success of the Su-27 Flanker family.
The Su-27 fighter, originally designed in the 1970s, was extremely versatile, possessing a massive payload capacity, excellent maneuverability, and a long operational range.
It proved to be a highly adaptable platform, allowing Sukhoi to develop highly successful variants such as the Su-30, Su-35, and Su-34.
In contrast, the MiG-29 of Mikoyan-Gurevich lacked the space and payload capacity for corresponding evolutionary upgrades.
After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, funding for research and development of military systems decreased drastically, forcing design bureaus to rely on the international market.
The Su-27 family, especially the versions exported to major buyers such as India and China, generated significant revenue.
Sukhoi used these profits to internally fund next-generation development.
MiG heavily promoted light upgrades of the MiG-29 and the MiG-35, but was limited by shorter range and maintenance issues.
When the 1.44 MFI, Multifunctional Frontline Fighter, program failed, MiG lost its lead as the top designer of advanced fighters.
By 2006, the Russian government proceeded to bail out the troubled aviation industry by merging the core design bureaus, including Sukhoi, MiG, Tupolev, and Yakovlev, into a single state-owned conglomerate named UAC.
Under this management, Sukhoi essentially absorbed MiG's design philosophies and took a leading role in all major new fighter contracts, including the Russian fifth-generation stealth fighter, the Su-57.
MiG had built its legendary reputation on small, fast, and light interceptors.
Although this strategy was successful at the height of the Cold War, modern aerial combat requires long range, endurance, high payload, as well as extensive space for advanced electronics and radars.
Sukhoi's heavy fighter philosophy proved much more suitable for the requirements of modern and future air warfare.
Mikoyan Design Bureau
The Mikoyan Design Bureau, MiG, was one of the leading Russian aviation companies and a major designer of military fighter aircraft.
It was founded in 1939 by Artem Mikoyan and Mikhail Gurevich, from whom it also took its name.
It has produced over 15,000 aircraft and is globally known for its highly maneuverability fighters and interceptors.
It started as an independent experimental design bureau, OKB-155, in Moscow.
The MiG fighters became a core element of the Soviet Air Force and allied air forces worldwide.
They frequently participated in engagements with American forces, mainly in the Korean War and the Vietnam War.
The iconic MiG-15 was one of the first successful swept-wing fighters, surprising Western forces with its performance in Korea.
The United States was forced to send the North American F-86 Sabre to counter the MiG-15, which outperformed allied straight-wing aircraft.
The swept-wing Sabre provided a technological balance, leading to intense dogfights in an area known as MiG Alley.
The MiG-17 constitutes a direct, evolved development of the MiG-15. In total, 10,900 MiG-17 were constructed.
In the Soviet Union, 6,000, production stopped in 1958.
China, Shenyang J-5, and Poland, Lim-5/Lim-6, produced significant numbers for the Warsaw Pact and for exports.
In total, 6,672 MiG-19 twin-engine aircraft and licensed variants were constructed worldwide. The Soviet Union, 2,172, and China, Shenyang J-6, produced over 4,500 under license.
The MiG-21 was the most produced supersonic fighter in aviation history, serving in over 60 countries.
The aircraft reached a peak production of approximately 300 units annually during the Cold War period.
Both India and China manufactured under license or copied the Soviet MiG-21, producing over 3,000 aircraft in total.
India assembled various versions locally, and thus became the largest foreign operator until the retirement of the fleet in 2025.
China copied it to create the Chengdu J-7, which was used extensively domestically and exported internationally.
Anxious about heavy losses against the MiG-21 in Vietnam, the Americans established the United States Navy Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor program, known as TOPGUN and as a MiG-killing school.
The most important air battles between the MiG-21 of the Indian Air Force, IAF, and the F-104 Starfighter of the Pakistan Air Force, PAF, occurred during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971.
In these engagements, the maneuverable MiG-21FL clearly outperformed the F-104, shooting down several Starfighters and gaining a reputation that eventually led Pakistan to the retirement of the F-104.
MiG-23 and MiG-27 family
The MiG-23 and MiG-27 family was a legendary series of Soviet variable-geometry wing, swing-wing, aircraft.
While the MiG-23 was manufactured as an air superiority interceptor, the MiG-27 was extensively redesigned as a specialized close air support ground attack aircraft, with a characteristic duck nose sloped nose and reinforced armor.
In total, over 6,000 aircraft were constructed.
Active flying fleets were maintained mainly by former allies of the Soviet Union, Middle Eastern states, and India.
The MiG-27 had limited use outside the Soviet Union, with India constituting the largest export operator.
Other operators of the MiG-27 were Kazakhstan and Ukraine.
The MiG-25, Foxbat, was a supersonic interceptor and reconnaissance aircraft.
Known for its explosive speed of Mach 2.83, it was designed primarily to outrun and intercept American high-altitude bombers and spy planes.
The Foxbat remains one of the fastest military aircraft ever to enter service.
It could reach Mach 3.2, although this caused severe damage to the engines.
It was constructed primarily from heavy stainless steel and nickel alloys instead of titanium, allowing field repairs with standard welding equipment.
It was powered by two massive Tumansky R-15B-300 turbojet engines with extremely powerful afterburners.
It usually carried four large radar-guided or heat-seeking air-to-air missiles.
When it was presented in 1967, its large wings and massive air intakes led Western intelligence agencies to believe it was an extremely agile dogfighter.
This assessment prompted the United States to accelerate next-generation fighter programs, leading eventually to the F-15 Eagle.
Its real capabilities were revealed in 1976, when Soviet pilot Viktor Belenko defected to Japan with his MiG-25.
The intelligence services established that the aircraft was exclusively specialized for high-speed interceptions and reconnaissance.
Its heavy steel structure limited maneuverability and it had been designed primarily for the destruction of targets at high altitudes rather than for close dogfights. It was developed to counter American Mach 3 capable bombers, such as the XB-70, and reconnaissance aircraft, aiming for rapid climb and high speeds.
Its main operators were the Soviet Union, Algeria, 36 aircraft, Syria, Libya, Iraq, India, reconnaissance versions MiG-25R/RB for strategic photography and intelligence missions, Bulgaria, and Turkmenistan.
The MiG-29 Fulcrum is a legendary Soviet twin-engine air superiority fighter.
It was presented in 1983 and was designed alongside the larger Sukhoi Su-27 to counter advanced American fighters such as the F-15 Eagle and the F-16 Fighting Falcon.
It is known for its exceptional maneuverability and close dogfight capabilities and has been widely exported, remaining in service worldwide.
The MiG-29S/SMT versions and early upgrades introduced beyond-visual-range, BVR, missile capability and improved electronic systems.
The MiG-29K is a carrier-based version used by the Russian and Indian navies.
The MiG-29UPG is an advanced, heavily upgraded multifunctional version tailored for the Indian Air Force, IAF.
In total, over 1,600 MiG-29 were constructed between 1981 and 2019 and remain in service in more than 20 air forces.
The MiG-31 Foxhound is a heavy, all-weather supersonic interceptor developed as a replacement for the MiG-25 Foxbat, on which it is based and from which it retains design elements. With a maximum speed of approximately 3,000 km/h, it continues to operate with the Russian Aerospace Forces.
The Russian Ministry of Defense expects that the MiG-31 will remain in service at least until 2030.
The MiG-31K version carries the Kh-47M2 Kinzhal missile, an air-launched ballistic missile with conventional or nuclear headroom capability.
The MiG-31BM version features upgraded electronics, a new multifunctional radar, HOTAS controls, LCD MFD color displays, and the capability to carry modern Russian weapon systems. The author had the opportunity to fly this version in Russia in 1999.
In total, 519 MiG-31 were constructed. Kazakhstan inherited the MiG-31 from the Soviet Union and used them until 2023. Attempts to sell them to India did not succeed.
The MiG-35 is a modern multifunctional 4.5 generation upgrade of the basic MiG-29 and is part of the state-owned United Aircraft Corporation, UAC, which operates under the umbrella of Rostec.
Although its production continues, the design bureau has seen its market position decline, with competitors like Sukhoi taking a leading role in the modern Russian aerospace industry.
Potential buyers such as India and Egypt have not proceeded with orders. Approximately 10 aircraft have been constructed.
The constant of Sukhoi
The Sukhoi Design Bureau specializes in the design, manufacture, and testing of advanced military and civil aircraft.
Based in Moscow, it was founded by Pavel Sukhoi in 1939, at the beginning of World War II, and today operates as a core subsidiary of the state-owned UAC.
The foundational aircraft was the Su-2, a light close support bomber, which was retired in 1944, transitioning toward the jet era in the 1950s and 1960s with iconic supersonic fighters such as the Su-7 and Su-17.
The Su-7 Fitter was a ground attack aircraft with a sharply swept wing, 1,847 units were constructed.
The IAF used the Su-7 extensively in the 1971 war with Pakistan.
It had six squadrons, 140 aircraft, and carried out almost 1,500 offensive missions during the war, undertaking the bulk of daytime attacks.
The IAF maintained a very high operational rate with the Su-7, reaching up to six sorties per pilot per day.
Fourteen Su-7 were lost during the war, mainly due to anti-aircraft fire, but it was established that the aircraft had high survivability, as it could return safely despite severe damage.
The Su-9 Fishpot, with a delta wing and a somewhat larger appearance reminiscent of the MiG-21, flew only for the Soviet Union, with 1,150 units constructed, and was retired in 1979.
The Su-11 was a lesser-known variant of the Su-9, with just 108 units constructed.
The Su-15 Flagon was a twin-engine supersonic interceptor. It entered service in 1965 and remained on the frontline until the 1990s.
It was designed to replace the Su-11 and Su-9, as NATO introduced newer and more capable strategic bombers.
The supersonic Su-15 had the performance to pursue subsonic aircraft such as the B-52 and Vulcan, and the range to do so while they were still far from their targets.
There were 1,290 constructed and they were finally retired in 1996.
The Su-17 Fitter was a variable-geometry wing fighter-bomber, evolved from the Su-7.
It was the first variable-wing aircraft to enter Soviet service and possessed upgraded electronic systems.
Although it could carry nuclear weapons, it was used in roles ranging from close support to ground attack.
There were also export versions, such as the Sukhoi Su-22 and the less popular Su-20.
There were 2,867 units constructed from 1967 to 1990 and they were used by the Soviet Union, Warsaw Pact countries, Arab states, Angola, and Peru.
The Su-24 Fencer is a supersonic, all-weather tactical bomber. It features a variable wing, twin engines, and a side-by-side seating arrangement for two crew members.
It was the first Soviet aircraft with an integrated digital navigation/attack system. First flight in 1967.
It entered service in 1974 and production stopped in 1993. Over 1,400 units were constructed.
It remains in service with Russia, Iran, Ukraine, Algeria, and others.
It has been used in battles from the Soviet-Afghan War, 1988, to more recently in the conflicts in Ukraine and Iran.
The Su-25 Frogfoot is a subsonic, single-seat, twin-engine jet designed exclusively for close air support, with missions similar to the American A-10 Warthog.
It went into production in 1978. Some aircraft were upgraded to the Su-25SM standard in 2012.
The Su-25 and the Su-34 were the only armored, fixed-wing aircraft in production in 2007.
The Su-25 serve in Russia, in CIS countries, and with export customers.
Production stopped in 2010.
It has been used in multiple conflicts, including the Soviet-Afghan War and the Russo-Ukrainian War by both sides. Over 1,000 units were constructed.
The Su-27 Flanker is a twin-engine, supersonic, highly maneuverable fighter, designed as a direct competitor to American 4th generation fighters such as the F-14 Tomcat and the F-15 Eagle.
There were 809 units constructed. With a range of 3,530 kilometers, heavy armament, advanced electronics, and high agility, it was designed for air superiority missions, while later versions can execute almost all aerial missions.
It was designed as a complement to the Mikoyan MiG-29. It entered service in 1985. Its main role was long-range defense against American bombers such as the Rockwell B-1B Lancer, as well as the escort of Soviet heavy Tupolev bombers.
The Su-27 evolved into a family of aircraft that includes the Su-30, Su-33, naval use, Su-34, and Su-35.
The Shenyang J-11, 440 units, is a Chinese licensed version of the Su-27.
The Su-33 Flanker-D is a naval-based multirole fighter derived from the Su-27, originally Su-27K. Only 35 aircraft were constructed. Attempts to sell to China and India failed. In 2009 the Russian Navy selected the MiG-29K as a replacement.
The Su-30 Flanker-C/G/H is a multirole fighter evolved from the two-seat Su-27UB. It was originally developed as the Su-27PU heavy interceptor and was later renamed Su-30 in 1996, around the period when India signed the relevant contract.
The Su-30MKK and Su-30MK2 were designed for China and subsequently sold to Indonesia, Uganda, Venezuela, and Vietnam. China selected an older but lighter radar so that the canards could be removed and the payload increased.
India further developed the multirole Su-30MKI. Along with ground strike capabilities, air superiority features such as canards, thrust vectoring, and long-range phased array radar were added. There are also the Su-30MKM, MKA, and SM for Malaysia, Algeria, and Russia respectively.
Almost 1,050 variants of the Su-30 have been constructed.
The Su-57 Felon, T-50, is a twin-engine stealth multirole fighter and a product of the PAK FA program, which started in 1999. It is the first stealth aircraft in Russian military service. It integrates stealth features, super-maneuverability, supercruise, integrated electronics, and a large payload.
It will be capable of nuclear use with a future missile similar to the Kinzhal.
It is expected to replace the MiG-29 and Su-27 and has export potential.
The first prototype flew in 2010, but the program faced delays due to structural and technical problems, including the destruction of the first production aircraft prior to delivery. The aircraft was used operationally for the first time in Syria.
It officially entered the Russian Aerospace Forces, VKS, in December 2020. Limited use has been reported in the war in Ukraine since 2022. Approximately 45 units have been constructed. Russia has proposed production in India with full technology transfer.
The Su-75 Checkmate, also known as the Light Tactical Aircraft, LTA, is a single-engine stealth fighter under development. The first flight of this smaller and lower-cost aircraft is planned for the end of 2026.
The Sukhoi Design Bureau is recognized globally as a leader in aerospace engineering. It has constructed over 10,000 aircraft, with thousands of exports to countries such as India, China, and Vietnam.
In September 2007, its civil division presented the first modern commercial regional aircraft, the Superjet 100, SSJ 100, with 78 to 98 seats. The Superjet 130 would have a capacity of 130 to 145 seats.
Sukhoi vs Mikoyan
Sukhoi compared to Mikoyan
MiG manufactured some truly exceptional aircraft, the MiG-15, MiG-17, MiG-19, MiG-21, MiG-25, MiG-29, and MiG-31.
Also the MiG-23 was a good aircraft with excellent supersonic performance, better than those of the F-15A/16A.
Its only drawback was its complexity, but its performance reflects the exceptional engineering capability of Mikoyan.
For a long time, MiG's designs were at the forefront. The MiG-29 with conventional controls outperformed in many areas the fly-by-wire F-16 and Mirage-2000.
Even though the different design bureaus competed with each other, MiG usually developed frontline fighters, while Sukhoi respectively undertook mainly attack aircraft.
Forced to drastically reduce its defense budget, Russia decided to retire all single-engine aircraft and, more generally, to abandon the concept of the frontline fighter, meaning small, simple fighters with limited autonomy and the capability of production in large numbers.
The effort to transition, around 1998, from the MiG-29 and its versions to the Mikoyan-1.44 failed.
The Project 1.44 was an experimental fifth-generation Russian air superiority fighter.
Designed as the Soviet response to the American F-22 Raptor, the program suffered severe funding shortages after the Cold War and was eventually canceled shortly after its 18 minute maiden flight on February 29, 2000.
However, the technological data contributed to subsequent fifth-generation Russian programs.
It had a characteristic delta wing configuration with canards and twin vertical stabilizers canted slightly outward, and was powered by two Lyulka AL-41F afterburning turbofan engines.
From the Su-27 onwards, Sukhoi gained a clear advantage. The MiG-31, perhaps also the MiG-31M, was the last truly large aircraft of Mikoyan. The end of the Cold War had its own dynamics. The Russian economy was in a prolonged recession.
The internal demand of Russia had decreased significantly.
The versions of the Su-27 were particularly reinforced by the needs of Chinese and Indian air power.
The MiG-35 was essentially a repackaged version of the MiG-29. Mikoyan was left without funding. No major new design emerged after 2000.
Sukhoi stood lucky in international markets.
The US was not willing to sell the F-15 Eagle, and the Flanker was the only other option.
These international contracts allowed Sukhoi to remain viable and maintain know-how and key personnel.
The merger into UAC led to the dominance of Sukhoi, with clear orders.
In contrast, when the Russian military budget was reduced after 1990, instead of laying off workers, MiG continued to construct MiG-29 airframes to maintain personnel, hoping for future buyers. Some MiG-29 airframes still exist.
The Mikoyan and Sukhoi platforms represent two different Soviet aviation philosophies.
The designs of Mikoyan, MiG, prioritize light, low-cost frontline fighters, designed for rapid interception, high speed, and ease of maintenance. In contrast, Sukhoi's platforms are larger, durable air superiority fighters, designed for a large weapon payload, exceptional maneuverability, and a large combat radius.
The leading designers Artem Ivanovich Mikoyan, 1905–1970, and later Rostislav Belyakov, 1919–2014, were personalities of very high prestige and could not be easily replaced.
Pavel Sukhoi, 1895–1975, was the legendary aerospace engineer and founder of the Sukhoi bureau.
After his period, important successors who led the bureau were Mikhail Simonov, creator of the Su-27, and Mikhail Strelets, who guided the Su-57 program.
Their prestige is considered lower than that of their counterparts at MiG. If one saw it as a race of 5,000 kilometers, MiG led for the first 3,500 kilometers, until Sukhoi overtook it and took the lead.
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