How China Turned Russia's MiG-21 into the J-7 Fighter Jet: Story Resurfaces After Bangladesh Crash
Digital Desk
The recent crash of a Chinese-origin J-7 fighter jet in Bangladesh has reignited interest in how China reverse-engineered the Russian MiG-21 to develop its own version. The J-7 became a key component of China's air force and was later exported to several countries, including Bangladesh.
The F-7 fighter jet manufactured in China crashed in Dhaka, killing 27 people. The F-7, which is called the Grandpa Fighter Jet, was originally built in 1960 in collaboration with Russia. Currently, many countries including Bangladesh use it. It is an advanced version of the J-7 which was developed by China on the lines of the MiG-21.
The F-7 fighter jet manufactured in China crashed into a school in Dhaka yesterday. More than 27 people died in this accident. The F-7 fighter jet is also called the 'Grandpa Fighter Jet'. It was built by China in 1960 in collaboration with Russia (then Soviet Union).
Currently, apart from Bangladesh, many countries including Pakistan, Iran, Myanmar, Namibia, Nigeria, North Korea, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tanzania and Zimbabwe use F-7 aircraft.