VINCENNES, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) – One of the most notable fighter jets to ever cut through the sky has found a new home at the Indiana Military Museum.
The MIG-21 Russian fighter jet was originally scheduled to arrive at the museum in March but that date was pushed back due to COVID-19.
“Really pleased to make this addition to the display because it’s a really historic piece,” stated director of the Indiana Military Museum, Jim Osborne.
The MIG-21 was first introduced in the 1950s, and is best known for its use by the North Vietnamese during the Vietnam War. With almost 12,000 built, more MIG-21s were produced than nearly any other type of jet fighter, according to Osborne.
“All through the Vietnam war the MIG-21 was the main backbone of the North Vietnamese Air Force,” explained Osborne. “That’s actually what we (U.S.) were us against.”
With the help of one of the museum’s board of directors, Admiral Bill Sizemore, the museum was able to retrieve the jet from an aviation company in Lakeland, FL.
The jet is undergoing construction as the wings and tail are being put back on the jet as they were taken apart for the trip to Vincennes. Osborne says they plan to have the jet completely back together in one to two weeks.
The Indiana Military Museum is open daily from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and is free to visit outside exhibits with entry to the 22,000 square feet inside exhibit being $10.
