The Russian long-range air-to-air missile R-37M may have set a new world record for the range of successful engagement of an aerial target. The target was hit at a distance of about 190 km — this could be the longest confirmed combat interception in aviation history.

Previously, record distances for the use of air-to-air missiles were estimated at approximately 150–180 km. If the published data is confirmed, the R-37M will raise this bar even higher.

The R-37M was developed for the supersonic interceptor MiG-31, and later integrated into Su-35 fighters. Its maximum calculated range reaches 400 km when launched from a MiG-31 and about 350 kilometers when used with a Su-35.

Its flight speed approaches Mach 6, making the R-37M one of the fastest production missiles in its class.

The R-77M missile eliminates the lag in the strike power of the Russian Aerospace Forces compared to American munitions of a similar class, the AIM-120D, whose range when launched at an altitude of 13500 m can reach 180 - 190 km.