Explore the mission history of the MiG Fulcrum, a fighter aircraft renowned for its versatility and exceptional performance. Since its introduction in the s, the MiG Fulcrum has been at the heart of numerous military operations around the world. Designed to deliver impressive Cold War performance, this fighter quickly demonstrated its effectiveness in a variety of roles, from air superiority to more tactical missions. In this article, we explore the main missions accomplished by the MiG, highlighting its operational use and the strategic contexts in which it evolved.
Its maiden flight in marked the start of a new era in Soviet military aviation. Entering service with the Soviet Air Force in , this aircraft was initially intended to complement the larger Su in an air defense role. However, its design has enabled it to take on a wide range of tasks, thanks to its maneuverability, Mach 2. Delivered to operational units from onwards, the aircraft first stood out for its ability to carry out rapid interception, particularly on strategic routes where rapid detection and reaction were essential.
The first MiGequipped units were deployed in key areas such as Eastern Europe and the Soviet border regions, where air patrols were regularly carried out. These patrols often involved maintaining a visible presence in contested airspace, providing a deterrent to possible intrusions by NATO forces.
When a foreign aircraft entered or came dangerously close to Soviet airspace, MiGs were quickly dispatched to identify the threat, escort the aircraft out of the area or, if necessary, intercept it. Thanks to their N Rubin radar, MiGs could detect and track targets up to 70 kilometers away, enabling them to prepare an effective interception before the intruder could cross sensitive points. For example, during air maneuvers over East Germany, MiG formations practiced scenarios simulating attacks against NATO bombers or reconnaissance aircraft.
Pilots also trained for close engagements, where radar could be supplemented by short-range missiles such as the R or R, renowned for their precision and effectiveness in circling combat. The aircraft thus played a crucial role in Soviet defensive strategy, acting as a first line of defence against potential incursions and reinforcing the security of strategic points in Eastern Europe and sensitive border areas.
