The third generation of MiG-21s was developed based on experience gained from the Vietnam War and the Arab-Israeli wars, which demonstrated the need to increase the aircraft’s range and weapons payload. The first third-generation MiG was the MiG-21R reconnaissance aircraft, with an enlarged dorsal spine housing an additional 340-litre fuel tank and a second pair of underwing pylons adapted for carrying external tanks.
The MiG-21R was equipped with an underfuselage reconnaissance pod with photographic equipment, underwing pods with radar jamming equipment, and an upgraded avionics suite. The MiG-21R could also fly without the reconnaissance pod as an interceptor fighter armed with two air-to-air missiles. Production of the MiG-21R lasted from 1965 to 1971. In NATO code, the MiG-21R was designated Fishbed-N.
Poland purchased 36 MiG-21R aircraft between 1968 and 1972, operated by the 32nd Tactical Reconnaissance Aviation Regiment at Sochaczew. The aircraft with side number ‘1125’ served with the regiment from 13 January 1972.
| Wingspan | 7.15 m |
| Length | 14.10 m |
| Takeoff weight | 8100 kg |
| Maximum speed | 1700 km/h |
| Ceiling | 16 000 m |
| Range | 1600 km |
| Armament | two R-3S air-to-air missiles |
| Engine | turbojet R-11F2S-300 with 6175 kG thrust |
