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MiG-31BM Fighter Jet

MiG-31BM Fighter Jet

Manufacturer: Mikoyan
Category: Fighter Jets
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Generation 4+
Maximum Speed Mach 2.83
No. of Engines 2
Radar Range Up to 320 km

Full Specifications

General Information

Name	MiG-31BM
Manufacturer	Mikoyan (UAC)
Country of Origin	Russia
Type / Role	Long Range Interceptor
Generation	4+
Status	Active
First Flight	MiG-31: 1975, BM Upgrade: 2008
Introduction / In Service Since	2011 (BM)
Number Built	About 500 MiG-31 variants
Operators	Russian Aerospace Forces, Kazakhstan

Dimensions & Structure

Length	22.69 m
Wingspan	13.46 m
Height	6.15 m
Wing Area	61.6 m²
Empty Weight	21,820 kg
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)	46,200 kg
Internal Weapons Bay	None
External Hardpoints	8

Performance

Maximum Speed	Mach 2.83
Range	3,300 km
Combat Radius	Approximately 720 km
Service Ceiling	20,600 m
Rate of Climb	208 m/s
Thrust-to-Weight Ratio	Approximately 0.85
G Limits	+5G

Powerplant

Engine Type	Soloviev D-30F6 Afterburning Turbofan
No. of Engines	2
Thrust (each)	152 kN with Afterburner
Thrust Vectoring	No
Fuel Capacity	Approximately 17,330 kg

Armament

Gun	1 × 23 mm GSh-6-23
Missiles (Air-to-Air)	R-33, R-37M, R-77, R-73
Missiles (Air-to-Ground)	Kh-31, Kh-58 (limited capability)
Bombs	Guided and unguided bombs
Hardpoints	8
Payload Capacity	Up to 9,000 kg

Avionics & Systems

Radar	Zaslon M Passive Electronically Scanned Array (PESA)
Radar Range	Up to 320 km
Electronic Warfare (EW) System	Advanced Digital EW Suite
Targeting System	Infrared Search and Track (IRST)
Helmet Display	Limited Helmet Mounted Sight
Navigation	INS, GLONASS, GPS
Autopilot / AI Assistance	Digital Flight Control and Autopilot
Communication	Secure Military Data Link

Stealth & Technology

Radar Cross Section (RCS)	Large, not publicly disclosed
Stealth Features	None
Infrared Signature Reduction	Limited
Sensor Fusion	Partial
Networking Capabilities	Tactical Data Link

Variants

Special Export Versions

MiG-31, MiG-31B, MiG-31BS, MiG-31BM, MiG-31K, MiG-31DZ

Operational History

Major Conflicts / Deployments	Syria patrols, Russia Ukraine conflict, Arctic operations
Notable Operators	Russia, Kazakhstan
Combat Proven?	Yes
Mission Types	Air Defense, Long Range Interception, Missile Carrier, Strategic Patrol

Cost & Program

Unit Cost	Modernization estimated at $15 million to $25 million
Development Cost	Not publicly disclosed
Program Name	MiG-31BM Modernization Program
Funding Countries	Russia

Additional Information

Upgrades Planned	Continued avionics and missile integration upgrades
Future Replacement	Expected to be replaced by the PAK DP (MiG-41)
Export Restrictions	Not available for export
Notable Achievements	World's fastest operational interceptor in active service
Competitors	F-15EX Eagle II, Eurofighter Typhoon, Su-35S, J-16

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

7.8

Technology 7 / 10
Performance 8 / 10
Firepower 8 / 10
Reliability & Maintenance 8 / 10

PROS

Exceptional Mach 2.83 maximum speed
Very long range interception capability
Powerful Zaslon M phased array radar
Can carry R-37M ultra long range missiles
Excellent high altitude performance

CONS

Large radar signature with no stealth features
Limited air to ground capability compared to multirole fighters
High operating and maintenance costs
Aging airframe despite modernization
Not available for export

MiG-31BM Fighter Jet Interceptor

The MiG-31BM is an extensively modernized version of Russia’s MiG-31 Foxhound long range interceptor. Designed to defend vast airspace, the aircraft combines exceptional speed, high altitude performance, and powerful radar capabilities to engage multiple airborne threats simultaneously. Unlike multirole fighters, the MiG-31BM specializes in long range interception of strategic bombers, cruise missiles, reconnaissance aircraft, and high speed aerial targets. The modernization program significantly improved the aircraft’s avionics, weapons integration, and digital cockpit, allowing it to remain one of the world’s fastest operational combat aircraft.

Manufacturer

The MiG-31BM is manufactured by the Mikoyan Design Bureau (MiG), now part of the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), Russia. Originally introduced during the Soviet era, the MiG-31 platform has undergone continuous modernization to maintain relevance against evolving aerial threats. The BM upgrade introduced a modern mission computer, improved Zaslon M phased array radar, upgraded electronic warfare systems, and compatibility with advanced Russian air to air missiles.

Speed and Range

One of the MiG-31BM’s defining strengths is its speed. Powered by two Soloviev D-30F6 afterburning turbofan engines, the aircraft reaches a maximum speed of approximately Mach 2.83 (around 3,000 km/h) at altitude. It has a ferry range of approximately 3,300 km, which can be extended through aerial refueling. The aircraft operates at altitudes exceeding 20 km, enabling rapid interception of high altitude threats. Its Zaslon M radar can reportedly detect large aerial targets at ranges of up to 320 km while simultaneously tracking numerous targets and engaging several at once using long range R-37M missiles.

Variant

Variant	Description
MiG-31	Original interceptor
MiG-31B	Improved avionics and refueling capability
MiG-31BS	Upgraded early production aircraft
MiG-31BM	Multi role modernization with enhanced radar and weapons
MiG-31K	Carrier for Kh-47M2 Kinzhal hypersonic missile
MiG-31DZ	Air to air refueling capable version

Cost/Price

The MiG-31BM is an upgraded aircraft rather than a new production fighter. Estimates place the modernization cost at approximately $15 million to $25 million per aircraft, depending on the upgrade package. Since the aircraft is not offered for export, an official market price is unavailable.

Reviews

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