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BULGARIAN MILITARY
The Russian Air Force [VVS], a branch of the Russian Aerospace Forces [VKS], has officially welcomed the first batch of upgraded Mikoyan MiG-31BM supersonic interceptor aircraft. This announcement came on July 15 from the United Aircraft Corporation [UAC], marking the maiden delivery of this interceptor model for 2024.
“The aviation equipment was delivered in fulfillment of the obligations under the state defense order. After a series of ground and flight tests, which confirmed the set requirements, the aircraft were sent to their permanent bases. The modernized MiG-31 aircraft have high combat characteristics and are capable of successfully solving tasks in modern conditions,” UAC said in its press release.
Russian aviation has been actively deploying its interceptors in the conflict with Ukraine. Toward the end of last year, Moscow made a strategic move to station its MiG-31s in Crimea for the first time. According to Ukrainian analysts, this deployment aims to support President Putin’s vision of maintaining near-constant patrols over the Black Sea, posing a significant threat to Ukraine with Dagger missiles.
MiG-31 + Kinzhal
These aircraft are equipped to carry Kinzhal [Dagger] hypersonic missiles, and according to Russian sources, patrolling the Black Sea enables them to “neutralize Ukrainian HIMARS.” However, is this their sole purpose?
Interestingly, the MiG-31 comes in two configurations: the MiG-31K, serving as the Russian Dagger carrier, and the MiG-31BM, an interceptor model armed with R-37M air-to-air missiles. The MiG-31BM is capable of targeting aerial threats up to 300 kilometers away. In other words, Russia utilizes the MiG-31 not only for offensive operations against Ukraine but also to shield its military assets from Ukrainian missiles like Neptune, Storm Shadow/SCALP, and ATACMS.
According to Telegram channels monitoring the situation in Ukraine, each time a MiG-31 takes to the sky, it triggers an air alert across Ukraine. This tactic serves to escalate tensions, keeping Ukrainians in a perpetual state of alert over the threat posed by the Kinzhal missile.
About MiG-31
The MiG-31BM is an advanced variant of the MiG-31, a supersonic interceptor aircraft developed by the Mikoyan design bureau. This aircraft is designed to intercept and destroy aerial targets at high speeds and altitudes, making it a crucial component of Russia’s air defense capabilities.
The dimensions of the MiG-31BM include a length of approximately 22.69 meters [74.5 feet], a wingspan of 13.46 meters [44.1 feet], and a height of 6.15 meters [20.2 feet]. These dimensions contribute to its imposing presence and aerodynamic efficiency. The MiG-31BM is powered by two Soloviev D-30F6 afterburning turbofan engines. These engines provide the aircraft with the necessary thrust to achieve its high-speed performance and operational capabilities.
In terms of avionics, the MiG-31BM is equipped with advanced radar systems, including the Zaslon-M phased array radar, which allows it to detect and track multiple targets simultaneously. It also features modernized navigation and communication systems, enhancing its operational effectiveness.
Speed and armament
The maximum flight altitude of the MiG-31BM is around 20,600 meters [67,600 feet], enabling it to operate above most commercial and military aircraft. This high-altitude capability is essential for its role as an interceptor.
The MiG-31BM boasts a maximum cruise speed of approximately Mach 2.83 [around 3,000 kilometers per hour or 1,864 miles per hour]. This exceptional speed allows it to rapidly respond to potential threats and cover vast distances in a short amount of time.
The MiG-31BM is armed with a variety of weapons, including long-range air-to-air missiles such as the R-33, R-37, and R-77. The operational range of the MiG-31BM’s weapons varies, with the R-37 missile having an impressive range of up to 400 kilometers [approximately 248 miles]. This extended range allows the MiG-31BM to neutralize threats before they can pose a danger to protected airspace.