Ca Mau authorities are moving forward with plans to restore and display a MiG-21 fighter jet that has been largely neglected for over 40 years. On 26/3, Ngo Vu Thang, Vice Chairman of the Ca Mau Provincial People's Committee, announced that officials are clearing the area to relocate the aircraft from a grassy roadside plot on Nguyen Trai street to the Provincial Military Command, located over 4 km away, for better preservation. The relocation is expected to be completed by sunday. The province intends to collaborate with specialized units to determine the aircraft's origin and, in the long term, restore it for public exhibition. While the airframe remains relatively intact, the Ca Mau Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism reported that parts of the wings, nose, and tail show significant corrosion and deformation. The fuselage paint is peeling, and many components are degraded, damaged, or missing.

The MiG-21 amidst overgrown grass. *Photo: Chuc Ly*

This particular MiG-21 fighter jet was one of three aircraft brought to Minh Hai province (now Ca Mau) by Military Region 9 for display. They were exhibited in front of the Provincial Post Office, now Hung Vuong Park, in 1985, commemorating the 10th anniversary of national reunification on 30/4/1975. After the exhibition, Military Region 9 moved two of the aircraft, leaving the MiG-21 under local management. Due to incomplete records over the years, the responsible agency for its current management has not been identified. To clarify the aircraft's provenance, the Political Department of Military Region 9 has instructed its units to contact and gather information from former officers of the Air Defense - Air Force Service.

The aircraft's nose shows numerous cracks and widespread rust. *Photo: Chuc Ly*

According to Colonel Kieu Van Dung, former Deputy Chief of Staff of Air Force Division 370, during the 1980s, while performing international duties in Cambodia, the Air Force Service established a representative office in the Southern region to support operational command. At that time, Nguyen Van Bay, a Hero of the People's Armed Forces and Deputy Chief of Staff of the Service, was appointed as the Air Force Commander's representative for the area. Under his direction, he donated several decommissioned aircraft to Southern provinces, including Minh Hai province, for display purposes.

The MiG-21 is severely degraded due to years of neglect. *Video: Chuc Ly*

Following their reception, the aircraft were managed by local authorities for exhibition. However, the Air Force Service's representative office was later disbanded, and Minh Hai province underwent several administrative divisions. Consequently, the MiG-21 in Ca Mau is no longer under the management of Military Region 9 but falls under local jurisdiction. Colonel Dung suggested that the Ca Mau Provincial Military Command should coordinate with relevant sectors to advise the Provincial People's Committee on a resolution plan, or propose that the Air Defense - Air Force Service consider the matter.

The MiG-21 is a supersonic jet fighter designed by the Soviet Union. It entered service in 1959 and was used by the air forces of many countries, including Vietnam.