Russia's MiG-31I is Now Carrying Hypersonic Missiles
The Russian Defense Ministry has stated that the MiG-31 would remain in service until 2030 or beyond, and given that it is now able to carry hypersonic weapons, it is almost certain the speedy warbird will be flying for many more years to come.
Described as the "fastest operational combat aircraft in the world," the Mikoyan MiG-31 (NATO reporting name Foxhound) has been in service for more than four decades, and the latest variant – the MiG-31I – has been upgraded and received an air refueling system to increase the combat radius. It will also be armed with the Kinzhal hypersonic missile.
On Tuesday, the Russian Navy and Russian Aerospace Forces announced that the MiG-31I, armed with the missiles, will be taking part in joint drills in the eastern Mediterranean.
"The exercise involves over 1,000 personnel, 10 ships and support vessels, 24 aircraft, including MiG-31I fighter jets of the Russian Aerospace Forces carrying Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, and a Bastion coastal defense missile system crew," the Russian Ministry of Defense announced, according to state media outlet Tass.
As previously reported by Alex Hollings for The National Interest, Russian President Vladimir Putin publicly unveiled the Kh-47M2 Kinzhal (Dagger), to the world on March 1, 2018, calling it the world's first maneuvering hypersonic weapon. The Russian leader has suggested it would be unstoppable, yet questions have been raised about its effectiveness.
Russia's Warm Water Drills
The drills, which began on Sunday and were overseen by Admiral Alexander Moiseyev, were conducted "with the observance of international law and agreements with foreign states on the prevention of incidents at sea beyond the territorial waters and airspace above them," the report added.
The Moscow Times also reported that Russian Navy vessels conducted test firings of the Tsirkon (Zirkon) hypersonic missile and Kalibr cruise missile, while an Onyx cruise missile was launched from "a designated area on the Mediterranean coast." Though the Kremlin hasn't stated where the launch was conducted, or from where the aircraft were based – it was likely from Russia's naval facilities in Tartus, Syria.
The MiG-31I – A Hypersonic Warbird
Though the MiG-31 took its maiden flight nearly 50 years ago, and first entered service in 1982, it has been steadily upgraded. However, a total of just 519 were produced – with most remaining in operation with the Russian Aerospace Forces.
During the Soviet era, none were ever exported, but around 30 are reported to have been inherited by the Kazakhstan Air Force following the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
More recently, in 2007, Russian ally Syria had sought to purchase an export model – the MiG-31E. However, a lack of Syrian funds and pressure from Israel derailed the sale. Though Turkish news media had reported that six aircraft were transferred, Russia has denied any MiG-31s were sold to Syria. It is more likely that Russia operates an undisclosed number of the interceptors from its base in the Middle Eastern nation.
The Russian Defense Ministry has stated that the MiG-31 would remain in service until 2030 or beyond, and given that it is now able to carry hypersonic weapons, it is almost certain the speedy warbird will be flying for many more years to come.
Author Experience and Expertise: Peter Suciu
Peter Suciu is a Michigan-based writer. He has contributed to more than four dozen magazines, newspapers, and websites with over 3,200 published pieces over a twenty-year career in journalism. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, politics, and international affairs. Peter is also a Contributing Writer for Forbes and Clearance Jobs. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu. You can email the author: [email protected].
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