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Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-25

The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-25 is a Soviet supersonic interceptor and reconnaissance aircraft, known by the NATO reporting name Foxbat.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-25 is a Soviet supersonic interceptor and reconnaissance aircraft, known by the NATO reporting name Foxbat. It was designed by the Mikoyan-Gurevich bureau and entered service in 1970. Built largely of stainless steel, it became one of the fastest military aircraft to enter service.

Design and development

The MiG-25 was developed in the Soviet Union by the Mikoyan-Gurevich design bureau. It first flew in 1964 and was designed for high-speed, high-altitude interception and reconnaissance. It was the last aircraft designed by Mikhail Gurevich before his retirement.

Service history

The aircraft entered service in 1970 and became known for its speed and performance. It was widely associated with Cold War air defence and reconnaissance missions.

Construction and performance

The MiG-25 was built primarily of stainless steel, a notable feature of its design. Sources describe it as capable of very high speed, making it one of the fastest military aircraft to enter service.

Variants and roles

The MiG-25 served mainly as an interceptor and reconnaissance aircraft. Its design reflected the need to counter high-speed threats and support long-range surveillance.

Key facts

  • The MiG-25 was developed as a high-speed interceptor and reconnaissance aircraft.
  • It is one of the fastest military aircraft to enter service.
  • The aircraft was designed by the Soviet Mikoyan-Gurevich bureau.
  • It was built primarily from stainless steel.
  • The MiG-25 used the NATO reporting name Foxbat.

Frequently asked questions

What is the MiG-25?
The MiG-25 is a Soviet supersonic interceptor and reconnaissance aircraft known by the NATO reporting name Foxbat.
When did the MiG-25 enter service?
It entered service in 1970.
Who designed the MiG-25?
It was designed by the Soviet Mikoyan-Gurevich bureau.
What material was the MiG-25 mainly made of?
It was built primarily using stainless steel.
Why is the MiG-25 notable?
It is notable for its very high speed and for being among the fastest military aircraft to enter service.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mikoyan-Gurevich_MiG-25
    Supports: Aircraft type, NATO reporting name, designer, stainless steel construction, and note that it was the last aircraft designed by Mikhail Gurevich.
  2. National Museum of the United States Air Force — https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/Museum-Exhibits/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/196331/mikoyan-gurevich-mig-25/
    Supports: Aircraft type, service entry in 1970, maximum speed, radar, missile load, and export history.