KITS 07/2021

MiG-21bisD, Eskadrila borbenih aviona, HRZ i PZO, Zagreb – Pleso, Croatia, December 2016

The Croatian Air Force purchased forty MiG-21bis fighters and MiG-21UM trainers from Ukraine in 1995. In 2003, eight MiG-21bis

aircraft were modernized to bisD standard in Romania. The modernization program included upgrade of the navigation, communication and IFF equipment. In 2014, another modernization took place involving seven Croat MiG-21bisD/UMD aircraft, along

with a purchase of another five aircraft from repair facility in Odessa. The modernized aircraft received an all-grey camouflage

scheme. Aircraft coded 116 received a stylized “25” on the left side of the fin to commemorate 25th anniversary of the Croatian

Air Force.

MiG-21bis, 115th GIAP, Soviet VVS, Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, 1980

Fighter cover duties during the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan were conducted by the 115th Guards' Regiment at the end of 1979.

The unit was equipped with the MiG-21bis and was based at Kokaity in Uzbekistan, a Soviet Socialist State at the time. Three days

after the invasion beginning, the 1st Squadron moved to Bagram Air Base, followed by a second Squadron on January 23, 1980.

Due to the lack of any enemy fighters, the 115th GIAP became involved in ground support duties together with the 136th APIB.

MiG-21bis aircraft of the 115th GIAP used in Afghanistan were painted in green and brown on the upper surfaces at the beginning

of the war, with lower surfaces in a blue-grey tone.

INFO Eduard - July 2021

eduard

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