Designed by Semyon Lavochkin with V. Gorbunov and M. Gudkov, the LaGG-3 fighter was one of the three modern types available to the Soviet Union when the war began (the others being the Yak-1 and MiG-3). Behind the all-wood structure which included a plywood skin there lay a robust and rugged fighter whose main virtue was its resistance to battle damage and ease of maintenance and repair even if it was underpowered and not particularly maneuverable. Though inferior to German aircraft like the Bf 109 and Fw 190, LaGG-3s were used extensively during the early years (especially as Il-2 escorts) where they bore the brunt of the initial onslaught until more advanced designs became available such as its successor, the La-5, which switched to radial engines. A number also served against Finland with a few captured examples used against the USSR.

The prototype I-22 was first flown on 30 March 30 1939 and entered production as the LaGG-1. Pilot complaints over poor performance led a new prototype known as the I-301 to enter trials, it flew on 14 June 1940 and was to become the basis of the LaGG-3. This new aircraft was equipped with improved M-105PF engines as well as a retractable tailwheel and featured a variety of armament combinations throughout its existance. No mayor variants of either aircraft were produced although the fitting of M-82 radial enignes on the basic airframe would serve as the basis for the La-5.