The Mikoyan MiG-31, NATO reporting name "Foxhound", is a powerful long-range supersonic interceptor, essentially a refined and more durable evolution of the MiG-25 Foxbat. Entering service in the early 1980s, the MiG-31 was specifically designed to protect the vast borders of the Soviet Union against cruise missiles and low-flying bombers. It achieved a world-first in 1981 by fielding the "Zaslon" phased-array radar, allowing it to track up to 10 targets and engage four simultaneously. Despite its large size and weight, its Soloviev D-30F6 turbofans enable speeds of Mach 2.83. The Foxhound remains a critical component of Russia's air defense, with modernized variants like the MiG-31BM acting as high-altitude airborne command posts.
