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Mikoyan MiG-31

The Mikoyan MiG-31 is a Soviet-designed, now Russian, supersonic interceptor aircraft known by the NATO reporting name Foxhound.

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

The Mikoyan MiG-31 is a Soviet-designed, now Russian, supersonic interceptor aircraft known by the NATO reporting name Foxhound. Developed by the Mikoyan design bureau as a replacement for the MiG-25, it remains associated with long-range air defence and high-speed interception missions.

Development

The MiG-31 was created by Mikoyan in the Soviet Union as an outgrowth of the MiG-25 and was intended to improve long-range interception performance. It retained design continuity with the MiG-25 while adding more advanced air-defence capabilities.

Design and role

The MiG-31 is a two-seat interceptor designed for high-speed, long-range air defence. It was built to counter targets such as bombers, cruise missiles, and other airborne threats.

Service history

The aircraft first flew in 1975 and entered operational service in the early 1980s. It continued in Russian service after the dissolution of the Soviet Union and also remained in use by Kazakhstan.

Capabilities

The MiG-31 is widely described as one of the fastest combat aircraft in the world. Sources also note that it was the first Soviet fighter with true look-down, shoot-down capability and that it is intended for multiple-target engagement.

Key facts

  • The MiG-31 is a supersonic interceptor aircraft developed by Mikoyan as a replacement for the MiG-25.
  • It is a two-seat, long-range aircraft with a NATO reporting name of Foxhound.
  • The MiG-31 entered service in the early 1980s and remains in use with Russia and Kazakhstan.
  • It is known for its high speed, look-down, shoot-down capability, and multiple-target engagement.
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Canadian context

No major direct Canadian connection is established in the provided sources; for Canadian readers, the MiG-31 is mainly relevant as a notable Russian long-range interceptor in global military aviation.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Mikoyan MiG-31?
It is a Soviet-designed supersonic interceptor aircraft, known by NATO as the Foxhound.
What was the MiG-31 designed to replace?
It was developed as a replacement for the Mikoyan MiG-25 Foxbat.
When did the MiG-31 enter service?
Sources place its introduction in the early 1980s, with dates given as 1981 or 1983.
Which countries operate the MiG-31?
Available sources identify Russia and Kazakhstan as current operators.
What is the MiG-31 used for?
It is primarily used for long-range air defence interception against targets such as bombers and cruise missiles.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mikoyan_MiG-31
    Supports: NATO name Foxhound; Soviet-origin supersonic interceptor; developed as replacement for MiG-25
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/technology/MiG-31
    Supports: Two-seat interceptor; introduced in 1983; based on MiG-25
  3. Airforce Technology — https://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/mig-31/
    Supports: Long-range supersonic interceptor; first Soviet fighter with true look-down, shoot-down capability; first flight and service entry
  4. Federation of American Scientists — https://nuke.fas.org/guide/russia/airdef/mig-31.htm
    Supports: Air-defence interceptor role; multiple-target engagement; look-down, shoot-down capability
  5. Skybrary — https://skybrary.aero/aircraft/mg31
    Supports: Two-seat interceptor based on MiG-25; in service since 1979; production and variants
  6. Military Factory — https://www.militaryfactory.com/aircraft/detail.php?aircraft_id=65
    Supports: Current operators Russia and Kazakhstan; approximate fleet numbers