Unpleasant surprise for Russians: experts suggest transforming old MiG-21s into something new.

European countries have largely retired old Soviet MiG-21 fighters. The last to do so was Croatia, which had eight aircraft of this type in service. These outdated fighters may either be sent for recycling or intercepted by Ukraine, finding a much more interesting application.

This is reported by Defence Express. Analysts note that the old fighter can be transformed into an ersatz missile, similar to how old Soviet drones like the Tu-141 "Strizh" were repurposed in the past.

"To begin with, let's detail that back in Soviet times, a process was established for converting old MiG-21s into remotely controlled targets under the designation M21M. As part of this conversion, all valuable equipment weighing approximately 1 ton, including radar systems, was removed from the aircraft, and antennas and control units were installed, thus turning the MiG-21 into the M21M, ready for its final flight, whose control system allows it to take off and maneuver without a pilot on board.", the publication highlighted.

Additionally, the publication reminded readers of the fighter's specifications: it can fly at speeds of up to 2230 km/h over distances of up to 1470 kilometers and carry a payload of up to 1300 kilograms. However, these are the characteristics of a full-fledged combat fighter. If it were to be converted into something akin to a cruise missile, it would be able to fly greater distances, and the weight of the warhead could be increased.

"It turns out that a MiG-21 can be converted into a strike weapon in the same manner as the conversion of the Tu-141 "Strizh" for strikes on Russian territory. One can only imagine the psychological effect that 'arrivals' of ersatz cruise missiles based on the MiG-21 could have on Russians, but this is precisely where all possible nuances begin," the publication notes.

Analysts point out that in addition to Croatian MiG-21s, they were also in service in Romania. The last MiG-21 Lancers were retired by Romania in 2023. Besides these two countries, there are other post-Soviet states that no longer need the MiG-21. However, the aircraft would need to be acquired and transported first. Moreover, the costs associated with converting an old fighter into a cruise missile, as well as the effectiveness of such a plan, remain unclear.

Soviet "Balalaika"

The MiG-21 is a Soviet fighter aircraft that was adopted by the USSR in 1959. In NATO classification, it is known as Fishbed, and among Soviet military personnel, it earned the unofficial nickname "balalaika." It was in service with 68 countries worldwide, and in some places (like India and North Korea), it is still operational. From 1959 to 1985, over 11,500 MiG-21s were produced, not counting Chinese copies.

The aircraft has numerous modifications and many upgrade options, depending on the type of tasks or the country it is serving in. In Ukraine, MiG-21s remain only in museums; however, the Lviv State Aircraft Repair Plant (LDSAP) once produced the M21M — flying targets that were developed from old fighters.

Let us remind you that the Ukrainian wheeled aircraft Yak-52, which became a nightmare for Russian reconnaissance drones over the skies of Odessa, may return to combat duty. This aircraft has destroyed numerous Russian scouts, operating in a style reminiscent of World War I.