Russian MiG-31I fighters with Kinzhal hypersonic aeroballistic missiles performed a planned flight over the neutral waters of the Sea of Japan. This was reported by the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation. During the flight, the crews practiced aerial refueling, ensuring the range of the mission. The flights were carried out in strict accordance with international rules. A video of the flight was published by the press service. The mission is aimed at training crews to interact with high-speed weapons and maintain long-range interception skills.
Capabilities of the MiG-31I
The MiG-31I modification is designed to launch Kinzhal hypersonic missiles and has an increased flight range due to aerial refueling. Source — Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation. The fighter has two seats for the pilot and navigator-operator, 13 fuel tanks and up to 7 hours of autonomous flight. Armament includes a six-barreled GSh-23-6 cannon and up to ten air-to-air guided missiles. The SBI-16 Zaslon radar allows detecting targets at a distance of up to 200 km, and a group of four aircraft controls a space of up to 1000 km.
The Role of the MiG-31I in Air Defense
MiG-31I perform key tasks in air defense: intercepting strategic bombers, cruise missiles and aerial targets at high altitudes.
Flights over the neutral waters of the Sea of Japan demonstrate the ability of the Russian Aerospace Forces to maintain strategic deterrence and control of airspace.
