Major General Popov: the modernized MiG-31 interceptor will protect the northern borders of Russia … The task of the modernized aircraft will be to protect the northern borders of Russia. This is reported by TASS with reference to Honored Pilot of Russia Major General Vladimir Popov.
“We plan to use high-altitude interceptors MiG-31 to protect the sovereign airspace of Russia in northern directions, and there we are limited at airports and airfields “There are very few of them,” Popov called the interceptor mission.
According to Popov, the MiG-31 is distinguished by its maintainability and modernization potential. This allows the aircraft to be operated by improving its equipment. He noted that the MiG-31 received a new radar station with automated target tracking systems.
The military pilot also noted that Russia is working on short-range hypersonic missiles. According to him, this will allow the MiG-31 to be armed with several ammunition.
Earlier, representatives of the Sokol aircraft plant in Nizhny Novgorod reported that the modernization of the MiG-31 would triple the combat effectiveness of the aircraft. The company noted that the aircraft will receive modern electronic equipment and will be able to use new aircraft weapons.
In March, Izvestia reported on the development of missile interceptions using MiG-31 aircraft. Sources of the publication noted that exercises on intercepting ballistic missile simulators were included in the combat training program.