Mikoyan MiG-31

The Mikoyan MiG‑31, developed by the Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG, entered service in 1981 as the high‑speed successor to the legendary MiG‑25 interceptor. Conceived during the Cold War to counter high‑altitude, supersonic threats such as American SR‑71 reconnaissance aircraft and strategic bombers, the MiG‑31 combined the powerful NK‑30A afterburning turbojet engines with a sophisticated avionics suite that included the Zaslon phased‑array radar, one of the world’s first airborne phased‑array systems. This radar could track up to 24 targets simultaneously at ranges exceeding 200 km and guide two missiles to each, giving the aircraft unrivaled “multi‑target” capability. Capable of sustaining speeds above Mach 2.8 and operating at altitudes above 20 km, the MiG‑31 also featured a robust air‑frame, improved fuel capacity, and the ability to carry long‑range R‑33 and R‑37 missiles, as well as air‑to‑ground munitions. Its longevity is remarkable: upgraded variants such as the MiG‑31BS and MiG‑31K continue to serve the Russian Air Force, providing fleet‑defence and anti‑ship strike roles. The MiG‑31’s blend of speed, radar technology, and multirole flexibility marks it as a pivotal milestone in interceptor design and a lasting symbol of Soviet‑era aerospace engineering.

Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG

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