The last Hungarian Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) with MiG-21F-13 fighter type at the Kecskemét airport

In the second half of the seventies, the Hungarian Air Defence force’s MiG-21MF ‘Fishbed-J’ fighter aircrafts became second line type. Between 1976 and 1979 the remaining 47 MiG-21MF aircraft relocated from western 31st (Taszár) and 47th regiments (Pápa) to eastern 59th Fighter Air Regiment (Kecskemét).

In the spring of 1976, the first 18 pilot of the 59th regiment participated in MiG-21MF conversion training at the Kecskemét airport. They were taught by three pilots of the 47th regiment.

The last training flight with MiG-21F-13 type was on December 20, 1977. Until February 1978, the older MiG-21F-13 ‘Fishbed-C’ and the newer MiG-21MF ‘Fishbed-J’ fighter types together carried out Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) from the Kecskemét airport and protected the eastern Hungary airspace.

The participants on the last mixed MiG-21 QRA in early 1978 at Kecskemét airport:

• January 6-13, 1978:          MiG-21F-13: 813 and 820     MiG-21MF: 4406 and 8204
• January 13-20, 1978:         MiG-21F-13: 819 and 2311  MiG-21MF: 8203 and 4603
• January 20-27, 1978:         MiG-21F-13: 819 and 2313  MiG-21MF: 4409 and 8109
• January 27, 1978 - Feb. 3: MiG-21F-13: 820 and 825     MiG-21MF: 4406 and 8108

The 14 MiG-21F-13 aircraft were put preserved in 1977 summer, then the last nine Hungarian MiG-21F-13 ‘Fishbed-C’ were withdrawn from service in February 1978. The one squadron MiG-21F-13 aircraft were in reserve status until 1979.

Photos: Nagy András collection