On a dark and rainy day..

Photo by Tuomo T. Mäkinen

After the French armed forces were kicked out of Madagascar in the mid 1970's, the country turned to and came under the influence of communist states. Thus, Madagascar started to receive at least twelve Mig-21's from the USSR (to defend itself against an "apparent aggressive" South Africa, so the explanation goes). Of that batch, two were dual seater MiG-21UM, and 291 shown here is in relative good shape (but far from airworthy) when pictured at the "Base Aéronavale d'Ivato - BANI", the military section of TNR International. The 2nd MiG-21UM "339" is preserved at the Hatzerim Museum, Israel.

This Mig should represent a belgium fighter in a film.

This Mig should represent a belgium fighter in a film.

Painted in a fantasy camouflage colours for a film.

This Mig should represent a belgium fighter in a film.

The Mongol-B was in service with the Bulgarian AF from 1974 until 2012. This particular example first flew in January 1980 and made its last flight in November 2005. It arrived at the museum for display in 2013.