Скачать или смотреть "MiG-31: Best Russian Interceptor Challenges Ukrainian Air Force in Altitude Conflict"

The three regiments operating the twin-engine Mikoyan MiG-31BM two-seater - considered the best interceptor in the VKS - are excelling as much of the Russian air force suffers losses. MiG-31 crews, flying high-altitude defensive patrols along the ever-changing front lines, have been responsible for shooting down several Ukrainian jets in recent weeks, thanks to the use of powerful Vympel R-37M air-to-air missiles. According to a new study by the Royal United Services Institute in London, defensive patrols by the VKS with the MiG-31 have been highly effective against Ukrainian attack aircraft and fighters, with the MiG-31BM long-range air-to-air missiles and R -37M being especially problematic.



The MiG-31, which first flew in 1975 and is an evolution of the classic Cold War Mikoyan MiG-25, is a rare beast. Designed specifically to intercept U.S. Air Force supersonic bombers in nuclear attacks, today some 90 modernized MiG-31BMs equip three regiments, at least one of which has been deployed to Belbek air base in Russian-occupied Crimea for sorties in Ukraine.



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