Upgraded Hypersonic Missile -carrying MiG-31 Aircraft Handed over to Russian MoD

A batch of modernized and repaired MiG-31 fighter-interceptors  were delivered to the Russian Ministry of Defense last week.

The long-range and high-altitude aircraft are capable of launching the Kinzhal hypersonic missile which has been used with devastating effect in Ukraine.

The Nizhny Novgorod Aviation Plant "Sokol" handed over to the Russian Ministry of Defense a batch of MiG-31 fighter-interceptors, which were repaired and modernized. The work was carried out within the framework of the state defense order. Aircraft were sent to permanent airfields, its manufacturer, UAC, announced today.

The updated fighters are returning to service with the same flight performance as when they were designed, but at the same time they receive wider functions and capabilities.

While details of the modernization have not been revealed, earlier reports said it involves replacing the earlier mechanical controls with fly-by-wire controls, replacing imported components with locally-made ones besides new communication systems and sensors.

“Modernization of MiG-31 aircraft is one of the main competencies and the most important activity of the Nizhny Novgorod Sokol Aircraft Building Plant in the UAC circuit,” said Yury Slyusar, General Director of UAC.