Первые в этом году модернизированные МиГ-31 передали в Минобороны

The Sokol Nizhny Novgorod Aircraft Construction Plant of the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) has delivered the first batches of MiG-31 interceptor fighters that have undergone repair and modernization to the Russian Ministry of Defense this year.

MiG-31K armed with a hypersonic "Kinzhal" missile
Image source Evgeny Biyatov/RIAN

The aircraft equipment was supplied as part of the fulfillment of obligations under the state defense order.

Before being sent to their permanent bases, the aircraft underwent a set of ground and flight tests, which confirmed their compliance with the specified requirements.

The MiG-31 is a Soviet, now Russian, two-seat supersonic all-weather long-range interceptor fighter. It is the first Soviet fourth-generation combat aircraft. The first flight of the MiG-31 took place on September 16, 1975, and the prototype was flown by the chief pilot of the A.I. Mikoyan plant, Alexander Fedotov. The aircraft was put into service on May 6, 1981 and was produced until 1994 at the Sokol aircraft plant in Gorky (now Nizhny Novgorod). In total, more than 500 units were built. Currently, machines of this type are operated by the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation and in Kazakhstan.

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Modern Modifications and Tasks of the MiG-31

The MiG-31 (NATO codification: Foxhound) is a two-seat supersonic long-range interceptor fighter designed for long-term patrolling and combating high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft, strategic bombers and low-flying targets. The aircraft is capable of simultaneously engaging six and tracking up to ten air targets.

High-precision missiles of the "Kinzhal" complex on board a fighter
Image source Alexey Kudenko/RIAN

Currently, the Russian Armed Forces are receiving modernized MiG-31BMs. This fighter in the MiG-31K modification became the first aircraft carrier of hypersonic weapons - the "Kinzhal" missile.