The MiG-31 remains a unique aviation platform, whose capabilities are not limited to the tasks of conventional operational-tactical aviation. Nikolay Chikunov, a Category I design engineer at the A.I. Mikoyan Design Bureau, stated this to "Pervy Tekhnichesky".
According to him, the aircraft retains potential for further development due to a combination of high speed, high flight altitude, and the ability to use advanced weaponry.
The aircraft is unique, the platform is unique.
Chikunov believes that the specific features of the MiG-31 allow it to be used in tasks related to hypersonic weapons. He also noted that the aircraft is capable of performing functions that are unavailable to other Russian combat platforms.
The MiG-31 has prospects for development in this direction.
In total, the Russian Aerospace Forces have about 150 MiG-31 interceptor fighters in various modifications, according to foreign analysts. It should be noted that these combat aircraft are capable of deploying Kinzhal missiles.