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MiG-21 revived in Africa

30


Mozambique has recently revived its Air Force, having returned to service eight of its MiG-21 fighters, which were repaired and upgraded in Romania. Some of these aircraft (six single and two double) did not take off from the 1990-s. Insufficient maintenance, especially the lack of periodic repairs, caused these planes to stop flying and were baked under the tropical sun and rotted under torrential rains for two decades. Mozambique counted the money and realized that it is cheaper to restore the aircraft in Romania than to buy new ones. Romania, on the other hand, has modernized about a hundred of its own MiG-21 and successfully offers inexpensive, refurbished and modernized MiG-21 to foreign customers.

Without these MiG-21 in Mozambique, there simply were no combat aircraft (except for one or two Mi-24 helicopters, sometimes capable of taking off). The tiny air force of Mozambique includes about a thousand people and fewer than twenty aircraft, most of which are in non-flying condition due to the lack of proper maintenance. This is a common situation in Africa, where corruption and the lack of local air attack means neglecting the air force (with the exception of aircraft used to transport key government figures).

Possessing air support for the army and the police would not hurt, but it requires large investments, for example, in training competent pilots (air support from ground forces requires some skills) and maintenance personnel. The rare need for air support of ground forces turns the Air Force into an unaffordable luxury - especially since many African dictators are well aware that successful uprisings, as a rule, begin with the fact that Air Force pilots who have gone over to the rebel side are bombing the presidential palace and the barracks of loyal troops. .

There are other reasons why Mozambique decided to improve its air force. Mozambique's public finances improved as the fight against corruption in the army. Former colonial powers offered low-cost training for pilots and attendants. Thus, by the end of the year, Mozambique will again have operational Air Force.
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http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htatrit/articles/20140726.aspx
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  1. Dazdranagon
    Dazdranagon 30 July 2014 09: 19
    +10
    That's really a veteran plane! soldier
    1. Giant thought
      Giant thought 30 July 2014 10: 31
      +8
      The quality of Soviet-built military aircraft still allows them to be used. Wat you and the Soviet quality, which was sometimes laughed at, but it turned out that the quality is very good.
      1. Horst78
        Horst78 30 July 2014 12: 13
        +6
        Once used a drill for repair. When I saw the release date of 1956. how much was not surprised that working smile
        1. velikoros-xnumx
          velikoros-xnumx 31 July 2014 00: 28
          +1
          Quote: Horst78
          Once used a drill for repair. When I saw the release date of 1956. how much was not surprised that working smile

          In our laboratory, there are still two efficient units for manufacturing the end of the 50s:
          - indestructible jaw crusher
          - the same indestructible Armavir hydraulic press
          rude, but Soviet unpretentious reliable equipment good
    2. kodxnumx
      kodxnumx 30 July 2014 13: 21
      +3
      I think the plane is a veteran and the pilots are also veterans! laughing
      1. yushch
        yushch 30 July 2014 15: 38
        +3
        Mig 21 in the world is deservedly called the flying AK-47.
        1. zeleznijdorojnik
          zeleznijdorojnik 30 July 2014 22: 06
          0
          It’s a pity we handed over our scrap, but didn’t put it in storage - in the early 2000s I personally saw an abandoned runway set to limits of visibility in 23 and 27 moments - already naturally plundered and stolen ... In the Urals, it was.
        2. velikoros-xnumx
          velikoros-xnumx 31 July 2014 00: 58
          0
          Quote: yushch
          Mig 21 in the world is deservedly called the flying AK-47.

          Another competitor claims for this title - Mi-8
  2. KUOLEMA
    KUOLEMA 30 July 2014 09: 19
    +1
    Lumumba needed airplanes to track the migration of fur animals and pilots are interesting also from 90 did not fly
    1. K-50
      K-50 30 July 2014 14: 44
      +2
      In Brazil, they produce a turboprop attack aircraft, such as our IL-2, but not armored. What is not a plane for Africa. laughing
  3. father nikon
    father nikon 30 July 2014 09: 20
    +9
    Mozambique takes an example from the militia of New Russia resuscitating T-34 and IS-3 wink
    1. inkass_98
      inkass_98 30 July 2014 09: 47
      +4
      Quote: father Nikon
      Mozambique takes an example from the militia of New Russia resuscitating T-34 and IS-3 wink

      If only they didn’t take an example from the Croats, who repaired their planes in Ruin, so much so that their ass hair is still torn.
  4. baluru72
    baluru72 30 July 2014 09: 22
    +2
    Here is another political player enters the world stage)))))
  5. roman72-452
    roman72-452 30 July 2014 09: 22
    +2
    None of the African countries has normal statehood, they are simply not ready for this, and they have nonsense in general. I am talking about black Africa, and not about the Arabian north of the continent.
  6. Magic archer
    Magic archer 30 July 2014 09: 29
    +2
    It’s a pity that they didn’t let ours modernize it! For India, they did an excellent modernization. The lance of the Spear was set to allow the use of medium-range missiles. And if you paid, then you could deliver an 33 RD! And you would get an excellent fighter in terms of price and quality
  7. Professor
    Professor 30 July 2014 09: 30
    +4
    The MiG-21 is a great classic airplane. Not expensive, simple, able to act with a primer. As you can see, there is a demand for them.
    1. svp67
      svp67 30 July 2014 10: 50
      0
      Quote: professor
      Not expensive, simple, able to act with a primer. As you can see, there is a demand for them.

      Professor hi
      Honestly, I don’t know, but is Mozambique now at the borders everything is calm?
      1. Professor
        Professor 30 July 2014 10: 57
        0
        Quote: svp67
        Honestly, I don’t know, but is Mozambique now at the borders everything is calm?

        Not very, but the main problem is the renewed civil war.
        Mozambique on the edge: violence threatened to reverse progress
        1. svp67
          svp67 30 July 2014 11: 17
          0
          Quote: professor
          Not very, but the main problem is the renewed civil war.
          Thanks for the answer. Well, if the rebels do not have specialists of the level of "riflemen", then these "21" will of course still fight, but how much have they been "sharpened" for work but for ground targets?
          1. Professor
            Professor 30 July 2014 11: 40
            -1
            Quote: svp67
            that's just how much they were "sharpened" for work but ground targets?

            It depends on what Romanians they upgraded.
  8. Barakuda
    Barakuda 30 July 2014 09: 32
    +2
    So, are technicians in demand again? Or they fly before the scheduled "technical inspection". It's cool, however, I have Mozambican stamps, maybe in 20 years the money will cost (although they are already 30), I will sell them. smile
  9. navara399
    navara399 30 July 2014 09: 36
    +1
    Rational decision. The very fact of the availability of combat-ready Air Force will significantly strengthen the power in the country, and Mig 21 will serve them faithfully. It’s not for them to fight with mattresses, but enough to intimidate neighbors and the opposition.
  10. Barakuda
    Barakuda 30 July 2014 09: 43
    +1
    "Balalaika" is still alive, it will give heat, although it is already hot in Africa. We have riveted more than one thousand 21st.
  11. rune
    rune 30 July 2014 09: 54
    0
    Soon Poroshenko will sell this stuff!
  12. leglun
    leglun 30 July 2014 10: 00
    0
    Urgently they need to recognize New Russia and put the planes in the militia !!!! Give MIGs !!!
    1. father nikon
      father nikon 30 July 2014 10: 06
      0
      They urgently need to recognize Novorossia and deliver planes to the militia

      Recognize New Russia-a must! But MiG then whom to give there? For starters, it’s better to simply introduce a peacekeeping contingent with MiGs, Iskanders, Carapace and other advanced things, and then - as the situation goes!
  13. Vik.Tor
    Vik.Tor 30 July 2014 10: 02
    0
    Well done Romanians, here they are doing business, they have found their niche.
    1. Professor
      Professor 30 July 2014 10: 30
      +1
      Quote: Vik.Tor
      Well done Romanians, here they are doing business, they have found their niche.

      They are certainly well done, organized with Elbit joint venture Elbit-Aerostar which has upgraded 102 Mig-21. And now, alien Migs are modernizing.

      1. svp67
        svp67 30 July 2014 10: 51
        0
        Something I did not understand, and why on the wings of the star of David? Exhibition sample, or what?
        1. Professor
          Professor 30 July 2014 16: 19
          0
          Quote: svp67
          Something I did not understand, and why on the wings of the star of David? Exhibition sample, or what?

          Israeli MiG-21 however. wink
          1. velikoros-xnumx
            velikoros-xnumx 31 July 2014 00: 42
            0
            Quote: professor
            Quote: svp67
            Something I did not understand, and why on the wings of the star of David? Exhibition sample, or what?

            Israeli MiG-21 however. wink

            Hello professor. What freshness of the photo does the balalaika still serve in the combat units of the Israeli Air Force? what
            1. Professor
              Professor 31 July 2014 08: 28
              +1
              Quote: velikoros-xnumx
              Hello professor. What freshness of the photo does the balalaika still serve in the combat units of the Israeli Air Force?

              They were never in service, were used as a technology demonstrator. In my opinion they are still used.
      2. STALGRAD76
        STALGRAD76 30 July 2014 10: 56
        +2
        Oh you, this is the dashboard !!
        In general, this is the idea that a lot of old technology is being modernized by both "poor" and fairly solvent countries, it is clear that this is a consequence of economic expediency, but, in my opinion, progress (on a global scale) has stood up and is marking time on the technical achievements of the 50-70s ., the realities of our worldview financially limit scientists and engineers, no one is interested in either space or the depths of the world's oceans, everything is limited to information technology, sadly ...
  14. Roman 1977
    Roman 1977 30 July 2014 10: 31
    +1
    Well, the MiG-21 in Africa have a great history:
    Algeria: The first MiG-21 arrived in the country in the 1965 year - this is the 70 MiG-21F-13. A year later, the MiG-21PF and MiG-21У entered service. Until the end of the 60's, Algeria received the 48 MiG-21PFM and 6 MiG-21US. In the 70-ies F-13 were withdrawn from service and replaced by the MF (about 50 vehicles). In addition, Algerians received 6 MiG-21R scouts. In the summer of 1976, two squadrons were rearmament on the 40 MiG-21bis. In total, about 250 MiG-21 was delivered to the country.

    Angola: The appearance of this type of fighter was associated with the civil war. Deliveries began in 1975, with 24 MiG-21PF received first. By the beginning of the 80s, 103 MiG-21 M \ MF \ bis and 10 MiG-21MF were delivered. At first, most of the aircraft were piloted by Cuban pilots. Losses during the war with UNITA amounted to 40 aircraft, of which at least 26 Cuban MiG-21s. South African pilots claim to shoot down 3 MiG-21s. On November 6, 1981, Major of the South African Air Force Johan Rankin on a Mirage F-1CZ shot down a MiG-21MF (identified by him as a MiG-21bis) piloted by Major Leonel Ponke with cannon fire. It was the first air victory for a South African since the Korean War. A year later (October 5, 1982), the successful South African announced his second victory and presumably the third. However, according to Cuban data, Lieutenants Raziel Marrero Rodriguez and Gilberto Ortiz Poares, despite the damage they received in battle, were able to land successfully. The only victory in the air was won by the Cuban MiG-21 pilots in Angola on April 3, 1986, when a patrol couple intercepted a pair of C-130 Hercules, presumably loaded with weapons for the rebels. The Cubans shot down one and damaged the second "transport". According to South African data (later confirmed by the International Air Transport Association), their victim was an L-100 (civilian version of Hercules), registered with the Angolan government airline. In addition, on March 13, 1976, during the attack on the UNITA airfield in Gago Coutinho, the Cuban MiG-21 missiles C-24 destroyed the transport Fokker F-27 while unloading contraband weapons. To date, the Angolan Air Force (at least formally) remains 50 MiG-21MF, 20 MiG-21bis and 6 MiG-21UM. As of 2011, the Air Force included 18 MiG-21MF and 4 MiG-21UM


    Burkina Faso: In the 1984 year, the 8 MiG-21MF was delivered from the USSR. Support for fighters in combat readiness was carried out by Soviet and Libyan specialists. The last serviceable aircraft was decommissioned in 2000.

    Zambia: 12 MiG-21MF, as of 2011 year
    1. Roman 1977
      Roman 1977 30 July 2014 10: 43
      0
      Yemen: In the 60s of the North Yemen Air Force had a MiG-21F-13 regiment. In subsequent years, the MiG-21MF entered service. As a result, by the time the country was unified in 1990, there were about 50 MiG-21 in Yemen. After from the countries of the former USSR, 30 MiG-21MF \ bis were delivered. During the next civil war, these aircraft were widely used in hostilities. Due to lack of information, the current state of fighter aircraft is unknown. As of 2011, there were 16 MiG-21.

      Ethiopia: The first MiG-21 delivered to the country in the second half of the 70's. These were MiG-21PF \ PFM and MF. In 1982, a small batch of MiG-21bis was delivered. Aircraft were widely used during the war with Eritrea. At 1990, the Air Force was armed with about 80 MiG-21MF \ bis and 5 MiG-21UM. In the 1998 year, Ethiopia launched the 24 MiG-21 modernization program under the program of the Israeli company Elbit. Three MiG-21 were shot down by Eritrean MiG-29 in air battles during the war with Eritrea in 1998-2000. At 2011, the Ethiopian Air Force included the 21 MiG-21.


      Congo: In the 1986 year of Congo (Brazzaville), the 14 MiG-21bis and the 2 MiG-21U were delivered. At first, the aircraft were serviced and flown by Soviet instructors. During the service in this African country, 3 bis and 1 UM were defeated, and in one case a Soviet instructor was killed. In the first half of the 90's, the 5 MiG-21bis was withdrawn from combat. The latest information dates back to the 1997 year when the 5 MiG-21bis and 1 MiG-21UM served in the Congo Air Force.

      Madagascar: After gaining independence in 1975, the country received assistance from the USSR. In 1978, the DPRK received 8 MiG-21FL and two MiG-21Us, then three or four more MiG-21bis fighters from the USSR. The planes were based in Antanarivo. In the 1996 year, the Madagascar Air Force received a small consignment of MiG-21MF / UM fighters from Russia, these aircraft were not used for long and at the end of the 1990 were left in storage at the Iwato airfield. By 1999, at least two aircraft were lost in accidents.
      1. Roman 1977
        Roman 1977 30 July 2014 10: 47
        +2
        Libya. In the 70-ies, the Libyan Jamacheria received the 94 MiG-21 in versions of the MF and encore. Aircraft were actively used during the military conflict between Egypt and Libya. 22 July, on the second day of the war, the Libyan Mirage 5 shot down an Egyptian MiG-21. The next day, the success of the Egyptian MiG-21, in aerial combat shot down 3-4 Mirage 5 and 1 MiG-23, without suffering losses. In 1979, after the war ended, there was an air battle between two Egyptian MiG-21 and two Libyan MiG-23. The Egyptians shot down one MiG-23 without incurring losses In the 1990 year, there were about 60 MiG-21 in service. In 1999, these aircraft were modernized by Russian MAPO specialists. Before the fall of Gaddafi in the ranks there were about 50 fighters of this type. Currently, the Air Force lists the 16 MiG-21bis.

        Mali: The Air Force of this country received the 1986 MiG-14MF and 21 MiG-2UM in the 21 year. They flew from the Bamako airfield. By 2000, these aircraft were withdrawn from combat. In 2005, three more MiG-21MF were acquired in the Czech Republic. At 2007 year in the Mali Air Force, there were 14 MiG-21bis / MF / UM.

        Mozambique: The first MiG-21 arrived in Mozambique in the 60-s - they were several dozen F13 and PFM. In 1982, about 50 MiG-21bis was delivered. In total, by the 1990 year, the 100 MiG-21 was in service with the regiments in Nakala, Beira and Nampula. Currently in service are about 20 MiG-21bis.

        Nigeria. In 1975 - 1982, 22 MiG-21MF, 26 MiG-21bis and 6 MiG-21UM were delivered to Nigeria. At the beginning of the 90, fighter flights were discontinued due to the lack of material and technical assistance provided by the Soviet Union. Currently discontinued and replaced with Chinese copies of the MiG-21- Chengdu J-7 (12 F-7NI and 3 FT-7NI delivered in 2010 year).
        1. Roman 1977
          Roman 1977 30 July 2014 11: 22
          +1
          Uganda: 6 MiG-21 as of 2011 year

          The MiG-21 was also in service with the Guinean Air Force
          Guinea-Bissau
          Tanzania, Chengdu J-7 replaced by Chinese 12 F-7TN and 2 UBS FT-7TN, as of 2013 th
          Somalia: Delivered by 12 MiG-21MF. During the War of Ogaden (1977 — 1978), the MiG-21 was in service with the Somali Air Force, partly according to reports from Iraqi and Syrian pilots, as well as Cuban pilots who fought on the side of Ethiopia. Somali pilots shot down on it 4 Ethiopian MiG-21, 3 F-5, 3 DC-3 and 1 Canberra. At the same time, Somalis lost at least 7 MiG-21 in battles with the Ethiopian F-5 Freedom Fighter.

          In addition, in some countries the Chinese clone MiG-21-Chengdu J-7 is in service.
          Namibia: According to Chinese sources, the air forces of the country began to receive FT-2006NG in November 7. Even earlier (in August 2005 of the year), a contract was announced for the 12 Chengdu F-7NM. Aircraft are a modification of the F-PG (created specifically for Pakistan). Total delivered 12 F-7NM and FT-7NM.

          Zimbabwe: During the Congo war, six or seven F-7 Zimbabwean air forces were deployed to the Lubumbashi airfield. From here, the pilots performed several dozen sorties, including intercepting enemy transport aircraft. At the end of October 1998, the entire 5 squadron was brought in to support the offensive in eastern Congo. Among other things, observers noted a series of attacks on the airfields of Gbadolite, Dongo and Gmen, as well as the communications of the Rwandans in the Kisangani area.
  15. oleggun
    oleggun 30 July 2014 10: 36
    +1
    Great plane! I think after modernization it can ruin the mood of many enemies!
    1. svp67
      svp67 30 July 2014 10: 54
      0
      Quote: oleggun
      Great plane!
      But some irresponsible Indian pilots say that it is scary to fly on it ... Although, apparently because of this, they have already lost a third of the "21" in accidents and disasters ...
      1. Dazdranagon
        Dazdranagon 30 July 2014 16: 43
        0
        Quote: svp67
        they have already lost a third of "21" in accidents and disasters ...
        - and where did they undergo repair and modernization? Ours told them clearly - "guys, we are not responsible for handicraft!" hi
  16. UPStoyan
    UPStoyan 30 July 2014 10: 54
    0
    Interesting. How long do Negroes take to their flight again to a non-flying state?
  17. kelevra
    kelevra 30 July 2014 12: 48
    0
    I read somewhere that on the contrary, airplanes from some country were sent to Romania after repair and it was just MIG-21. Apparently they were flying and decided to resell!
  18. gregor6549
    gregor6549 30 July 2014 13: 02
    +2
    Please note that both the Chinese and Romanians handle the inheritance that they inherited from the USSR very economically. For the Chinese, this is MIG19 for the Romanians MIG 21. Both types underwent a deep modernization after which they acquired a new quality and are quite capable of fulfilling the tasks that their owners set for them. Analogous examples can be given with MIG31 and TU95С and TU22М3 and many others. Those. in conditions when you need it very quickly, but not very fast, we can use a completely reasonable approach,