The Polish MiG-21s we have written about a few days ago seem to have already reached Florida to provide threat simulation services from Eglin Air Force Base.
A photo shows one of the 25 MiGs bought back in September, that looks nothing like any other aggressor jet: the paint scheme is surely not based on the ex-Soviet Su-27s nor Iranian F-14s.
The MiGs have served with the Polish Air Force for nearly half the century; they are now going to be flown against U.S. top fighter jocks during simulated Top Gun-like air-to-air engagements.
Jacek Siminski for TheAviationist
Image Credit: Draken International
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Why they choose an obsolete aircraft like mig 21?
Check out Draken’s website. They use them in multiple ways. They can simulate a cruise missile, or since they have over 20 of them, can try to cause havoc with EW and mass formations on a smaller group of advanced planes (F-35). And plenty of other nations still use the 21, so it’s good to still train against them.
It’s still difficult to intercept low flying aircraft moving at Mach 2.
Looks a lot like the Black Diamond Jet Team scheme, they’re also based at Lakeland. Is there a relationship between Draken and the Black Diamond Team?
They are one in the same, look on the Draken Website, the left wing, Jared, is the CEO
The MIg21 with R73 at low speeds is a handful even for 4th or 4.5 generation fighters.
low cost, small 4 radar. with tumansky 25-300 >2M. with r73 and r 27 unpleasent opponent