The Nizhny Novgorod aircraft-building plant "Sokol" (part of UAC) has handed over the first batches of MiG-31 interceptor fighters (NATO codification: Foxhound) that have undergone repair and modernization to the Russian Ministry of Defense in 2024. This was noted by journalists at The Military Watch Magazine. In the article, they also talked about the unique characteristics of the Russian aircraft.
Foxhound not only has a long range, but also the world's highest cruising speed, close to Mach 2.3, as well as the world's largest N007 Zaslon radar, which is three times larger than the radars installed on Western fighters.
The MiG-31BM entered service in 2009. The aircraft received a new radar and avionics, R-77-1, R-37M, and R-74 air-to-air missiles as its primary armament.
The powerful radar allows the MiG-31BM to engage enemy aircraft at extreme ranges, using R-37M missiles with a range of up to 400 km.
The value of the MiG-31BM has also increased amid claims by a number of countries to Arctic territories, the journalists concluded.
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