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 photo is copyright © Adrian Romang, and may not be used or published in any way without permission.

It was added on 21 April 2025, and has since been viewed 277 times.