An evolutionary development of the MiG-15 that had given the West such a shock in 1950. Though it became operational as a day interceptor in 1953, the MiG-17 is still in service with many air forces today, though usually relegated to the ground attack role in second-line and reserve forces. This long life-span is proof of the type's strength and soundness of design. Though essentially obsolete by the Vietnam War, the MiG-17 was used extensively and successfully by the North Vietnamese.
