Cuban MiG-21s found onboard North Korean vessel Chong Chon Gang in 2013
Hi,
Some (new) info about the two MiG-21s found onboard North Korean vessel Chong Chon Gang in 2013.
The route of the Chong Chon Gang was from Cuba to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. The voyage plan and other ship’s documents show that the vessel departed from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea on 11 April 2013, refueled at the Russian port of Vostochny between 11 and 17 April before sailing to Havana via the Panama Canal.
The Chong Chon Gang sailed around the western side of Cuba and from 4 to 9 June it docked in Havana, where it discharged inbound cargo (rolled steel plates and locomotive wheels). After departing Havana, the ship spent considerable time drifting north of Cuba. On 20 June, the ship docked in the port of Mariel, where it took onboard the arms and related materiel. On 22 June, the Chong Chon Gang sailed to Puerto Padre, docking on 24 June to load sugar. On 5 July, it began its return voyage to Nampo.
No records show the ship stopping at any countries other than Cuba between exiting the Panama Canal on 1 June and its return passage on 11 July 2013
Of interest for us, the vessel was loaded with two MiG-21 aircraft. Both had been disassembled and the various parts had been packed into several containers. The tandem seating configuration of both MiG-21 aircraft indicate that these are probably MiG-21US or MiG-21UM aircraft. These two jets were shipped along with 15 MiG-21 engines.
All identification markings and insignia of the Cuban Air Force had been removed from both MiG-21 aircraft.
Regards,
Jeroen Nijmeijer
Holland