MiG-31 Foxhound

The MiG-31 has a maximum speed of approximately Mach 2.83 (around 3,000 km/h), making it one of the fastest operational combat aircraft in the world. This speed is enabled by its two Soloviev D-30F6 afterburning turbofan engines, which are optimized for high-speed, high-altitude interception.

The MiG-31 is equipped with the Zaslon phased-array radar, which was the first operational PESA radar fitted to a fighter aircraft. It can track up to 10 targets simultaneously and engage up to 4 with R-33 long-range missiles, with a detection range reportedly exceeding 200 km for fighter-sized targets.

Yes, the MiG-31 was specifically designed to intercept low-flying cruise missiles and strategic bombers at long range, a role it inherited and expanded upon from the MiG-25. Its look-down/shoot-down radar capability allows it to detect and engage targets flying low against ground clutter, which earlier interceptors struggled with.

The MiG-31 remains in active service with the Russian Air Force, with upgraded MiG-31BM variants featuring modernized avionics, a new radar, and compatibility with newer missiles like the R-37M very-long-range air-to-air missile. Russia has been progressively upgrading its existing fleet rather than replacing the platform with a new design.