MiG-21R
Reconnaissance Version

Eduard, 1/72 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

The MiG-21R (NATO reporting name: “Fishbed-H”) marked a significant evolution of the prolific MiG-21 family, adapting the lightweight supersonic fighter into a capable tactical reconnaissance platform during the Cold War.

By the early 1960s, the Soviet Air Forces required a fast, survivable reconnaissance aircraft to replace increasingly vulnerable subsonic types. Rather than develop a new design, the bureau led by Artem Mikoyan modified the MiG-21PFM interceptor to carry specialised reconnaissance equipment. The result was the MiG-21R (Razvedchik, or reconnaissance), which combined proven performance with new mission flexibility.

The aircraft’s defining feature was its use of interchangeable under-fuselage pods. The “D” pod provided daytime photographic capability, while the “R” pod was configured for electronic intelligence (ELINT) missions. This modular system allowed rapid adaptation to different operational roles without major structural changes. Although optimised for reconnaissance, the MiG-21R retained limited combat capability, typically carrying K-13 (AA-2 Atoll) air-to-air missiles for self-defence.

Entering service in the mid-1960s, the MiG-21R was widely deployed with Soviet and Warsaw Pact units, and exported to allied nations in the Middle East, Asia and Eastern Europe. Its speed and climb rate offered a degree of survivability, particularly in contested airspace.

Operationally, the type saw use in several Cold War flashpoints, including conflicts in the Middle East such as the War of Attrition and the Yom Kippur War. It conducted photographic and electronic reconnaissance over hostile territory, providing valuable intelligence on enemy dispositions. In Europe, it formed an integral part of Warsaw Pact frontline reconnaissance planning.

However, the MiG-21R was not without limitations. Its range and endurance were modest, restricting time over target. External pods increased drag and reduced overall performance, while the lack of real-time data transmission meant intelligence could only be analysed after recovery.

Despite these shortcomings, the MiG-21R proved a practical and flexible solution. It served as an important transitional platform, paving the way for more advanced reconnaissance aircraft such as the MiG-25R and Su-24MR, while exemplifying the adaptability of the MiG-21 design.

Eduard released the first of their 1/72 scale MiG-21 kits in 2018 followed by a MiG-21bis, MiG-21PFM and MiG-21PF.

This latest member of the 1/72 scale family, the MiG-21R, comprises 210 grey plastic parts; 20 parts in clear, a colour photo-etched fret, self adhesive die-cut masks and markings for five aircraft.

The kit shares three common sprues with the original MiG-21MF release - C, D and E, with new fuselage and wings on Sprue M plus ordnance and distinctive ELINT and reconnaissance pods.

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Thumbnail panels:

Surface textures are exquisite. Panel lines are crisp and finely recessed, accompanied by subtle rivet lines.es are restrained and world class.

Parts breakdown is straightforward and essentially the same as the erlier 1/72 &1/48 scale Eduard MiG-21 releases.

The full-length fuselage is split into left and right halves, the wing features a full-span lower half and separate upper sections, and the fin, rudder and spine are moulded as one-piece.

Detail is as good as you'd expect. The cockpit is treated to an instant upgrade thanks to the colour photo-etched fret, which includes an instrument panel, side consoles and harness straps.

The plastic pilot's seat looks great with its quilted backrest depicted convincingly.

Wheel well and undercarriage detail is excellent too.

The photo-etched fret is colourful and beautifully detailed.

Elevators and flaps are separate parts. The air brake may be posed open or closed. Options include two styles of wheel hub and Rocket Assisted Take-Off units.

The clear parts are thin and free from distortion. The windscreen is moulded separately so the canopy may be posed open or closed.

This is a long-run kit with all the luxuries you'd expect - locating pins, tabs and slots etc.

Self-adhesive canopy masks are provided for the canopy, the wheels and for the dielectric panels on the fin and the ventral strake.

The comprehensive ordnance sprue includes three different centreline pods, 800 litre external fuel tanks, 490 litre external fuel tanks, RS-2US, FAB 250, R-3S, UB-16 and R-3S rockets as well as a variety of pylons.

Instructions are supplied in a 28 page glossy booklet, which includes a full-colour marking guide, stencil placement and weapons placement.

Markings

Five varied and colourful marking options are provided.

The stencil data sheet has also been printed in the Czech Republic. Once again, the quality of these looks good - readable under strong magnification for even the smallest markings.

Marking options are:

• Air Test Department, Czech Air Force, ?islav Air Base, Czech Republic, 1994

• 353 izvi?a?ka eskadrila (353rd Reconnaissance Air Squadron), Ratno vazduhoplovstvo i protivvazdusna odbrana, Zelyava Air Base, Yugoslavia, 1971

• 263 Independent Reconnaissance Air Squadron, Soviet Air Force, Kabul Airfield, Afghanistan, 1981

• 32 Tactical Reconnaissance Air Regiment, Wojska Lotnicze i Obrony Powietrznej, Sochaczew-Bielice Air Base, Poland, early 1980s

• Defensa Anti-Aerea y Fuerza Aerea Revolucionaria, Cuba, 1980s-1990sThe main decal sheet is printed by Eduard. The decals are glossy, colour saturation looks excellent and carrier film is thin.

Eduard's 1/72 scale MiG-21 family adds the MiG-21R to its ranks.

Another small-scale gem from Eduard!

Thanks to Eduard for the sample

Review Text and Images Copyright © 2026 by Brett Green
Page Created 5 May, 2026
Last updated 5 May, 2026

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