The Russian Aerospace Forces recently made a surprising announcement, revealing that they had launched Kh-47 Kinzhal hypersonic missiles from Mikoyan MiG-31 jet fighters, striking targets in Ukraine. The Ukrainian Air Force confirmed the missile launches in the vicinity of Starokostiantyniv in the Khmelnytskyi region, acknowledging the involvement of Russian forces.
These developments come after it was reported in October that MiG-31 fighters equipped with hypersonic weapons would begin patrols over the Black Sea, following orders from Russian Federation President Vladimir Putin. The MiG-31 aircraft were accompanied by Sukhoi Su-27 jets during these patrols.
The MiG-31, also known as the Foxhound in NATO reporting, has long captivated the imagination of the West due to its advanced capabilities and enigmatic nature. The supersonic jet was developed as a replacement for the MiG-25, taking its first flight in September 1975. Designed to operate in all weather conditions, the MiG-31 is renowned for its speed and is expected to remain in service until the mid-2030s.
Equipped with state-of-the-art digital avionics, the MiG-31 features a two-seat configuration, with a dedicated weapon systems officer occupying the rear seat. The aircraft’s robust airframe is composed of a combination of arc-welded nickel steel, light metal alloy, titanium, and composite materials. Its design allows for efficient flying at low altitudes and supersonic speeds.
One of the standout features of the MiG-31 is its look-down and shoot-down capability, making it the first Soviet fighter aircraft to possess this capability. The aircraft’s Zaslon radar, the world’s first phased-array unit, has a range of 200 kilometers and is capable of simultaneously tracking ten targets and engaging four of them. While the MiG-31’s phased-array radar was eventually surpassed by advanced Japanese technology in 2001, it remained the only serial fighter aircraft with this radar for a considerable period.
The upgraded MiG-31BM variant is reported to utilize R-33 long-range air-to-air missiles along with R-73 short-range air-launched weapons. It is powered by two D-30F6 engines, each providing a take-off thrust of 15,500 kgf, enabling the fighter-interceptor to reach a maximum speed of 3,000 km/h and a ceiling of 20,600 meters. The mid-air refueling system further enhances its capabilities. However, it is unclear how many of the original MiG-31s have been upgraded to the 31BM standard.
While there have been rumors of a MiG-31 engaging the U.S. military’s SR-71 Blackbird spy plane during the late Cold War, the veracity of these claims remains uncertain. Nonetheless, some former Soviet pilots believe that the MiG-31 would have possessed a significant advantage in such a situation.
In Ukraine, the MiG-31 has proven to be a formidable attack aircraft rather than an interceptor. Capable of carrying Kinzhal ballistic missiles, the supersonic fighter’s mere presence near Ukrainian airspace prompts nationwide air raid alerts, causing disruptions to businesses and the economy itself. Russia has effectively utilized this strategy to exert control and influence over Ukrainian affairs.
The MiG-31 continues to captivate aviation enthusiasts and military experts alike with its mystique and advanced capabilities. As tensions persist between Russia and Ukraine, the true potential of this powerful jet may continue to be unveiled, adding a new dynamic to an already complex geopolitical landscape.
