Fighter Aircraft
MiG-25 Foxbat
The MiG-25 Foxbat is a Soviet high-speed, high-altitude interceptor and reconnaissance aircraft built by Mikoyan-Gurevich, in service since 1970. It reached about Mach 2.83 and was built to counter the US B-70 and SR-71, and Algeria is its best-known remaining operator.
Russia|Mikoyan-GurevichWhat Is the MiG-25 Foxbat? Overview, History and Development
The MiG-25 was designed to counter the American B-70 Valkyrie and SR-71 programmes. It first flew on 6 March 1964 as the Ye-155 and entered service in 1970. Its stainless steel airframe and two Tumansky R-15B-300 turbojets gave a maximum speed of about Mach 2.83, with a limit of Mach 2.35 when armed. It carried four R-40 missiles and had no gun. In 1976 pilot Viktor Belenko flew one to Japan, and analysis showed vacuum-tube electronics and steel construction.
Production ended in 1984 after 1,186 aircraft in interceptor, reconnaissance and trainer versions. The MiG-31 replaced it in Soviet and Russian service, and Russia retired its last MiG-25 in 2013. Algeria is the best-known remaining operator, with about 30 variants cited in open sources as an estimate. Syria and Libya also used it, but their current status is uncertain. Combat use includes reconnaissance over Israel in 1971 and Iraqi claims in the Iran-Iraq War. An Iraqi MiG-25 reportedly shot down an F/A-18C in 1991, though sources dispute this.
MiG-25 Foxbat Specifications: Speed, Range, Engines and Armament
MiG-25 Foxbat Variants and Versions Compared
The MiG-25P was the standard interceptor, carrying four R-40 missiles and a large radar.
The MiG-25R was the reconnaissance version, which replaced the radar and weapons with cameras and electronic sensors.
The MiG-25PD and PDS were upgraded interceptors with look-down capability and improved engines.
Which Countries Use the MiG-25 Foxbat? Operators and Users
AlgeriaMiG-25 Foxbat FAQ: Price, Range, Operators and Most Asked Questions
How fast is the MiG-25?
The MiG-25 Foxbat can reach about Mach 2.83, roughly 3,000 km/h. When armed, it is limited to about Mach 2.35 to protect the airframe and engines.
How many MiG-25s were built?
A total of 1,186 MiG-25s were built in interceptor, reconnaissance and trainer versions. Production ended in 1984, and the MiG-31 later replaced it in Russian service.
Which countries still use the MiG-25?
Algeria is the best-known remaining MiG-25 operator, with about 30 variants cited in open sources as an estimate. Syria and Libya used it, but their current status is uncertain.
MiG-25 vs SR-71: which is faster?
The SR-71 Blackbird is faster, cruising above Mach 3, while the MiG-25 reaches about Mach 2.83 in short bursts. The MiG-25 was built to counter the SR-71 and B-70 programmes but could not catch the Blackbird.
Is the MiG-25 a stealth aircraft?
No, the MiG-25 Foxbat is not a stealth aircraft. It is a 1960s design built for speed and altitude rather than agility, with a steel airframe and vacuum-tube electronics.
Which Arab countries used the MiG-25?
Iraq, Syria, Libya, Egypt and Algeria all used the MiG-25. Algeria is the best-known remaining user, while the others have retired it or have uncertain status.