The Soviet Union developed the MiG-15 following World War II and the fighter entered service in 1949. By 1952 the Soviets provided the MiG-15 (NATO code name "Fagot") to a number of communist satellite nations, including North Korea. In 1950 the Soviets began production of a more capable version, the MiG-15bis. The MiG-15bis used a more powerful engine and hydraulically boosted ailerons. During the Korean War, both versions of the MiG-15 operated extensively against United Nations forces.

It had a ceiling of 51,000 feet and an airspeed of 670mph.

A defecting North Korean pilot flew the airplane on display to Kimpo Air Base in South Korea on Sept. 21, 1953. The airplane provided important intelligence data, especially since it was the advanced version of the MiG-15. After considerable flight-testing, the U.S. offered to return the airplane to its "rightful owners." The offer was ignored, and in November 1957 it was transferred to the museum for public exhibition.