✈️ Aircraft Specifications
| Designation | MiG-25P |
| Manufacturer | Mikoyan-Gurevich |
| Country of Origin | Russia/Soviet Union |
| First Flight | 1964 |
| Length | 23.82 m (78.2 ft) |
| Max Speed (Mach) | 3.2 |
| Max Speed (km/h) | 3,490 km/h |
| Service Ceiling | 24,400 m (80,056 ft) |
| Range | 1,730 km (1,074 mi) |
| Engine | 2× Tumansky R-15B-300 turbojets |
| Crew | 1 |
| Status | Retired |
Overview
The MiG-25 Foxbat terrified the West when it first appeared—its enormous twin tails and Mach 3.2 capability suggested a super-maneuverable fighter far beyond anything NATO possessed. The reality was different but no less impressive: a high-speed, high-altitude interceptor built of nickel steel rather than titanium, designed to intercept the SR-71 and XB-70.
Design & Development
Unlike its Western counterparts, the MiG-25 was built primarily of steel (80%) rather than titanium, making it heavier but far cheaper to produce. Its massive R-15 engines were essentially modified cruise missile powerplants. The aircraft could reach Mach 3.2 in emergencies (at the cost of engine life) and routinely operated at Mach 2.83.
Operational History
The Foxbat saw combat in several conflicts. In 1971, Soviet-piloted MiG-25s flew reconnaissance over Israel at Mach 3.2—Israeli F-4s and missiles could not intercept them. In 1976, Soviet pilot Viktor Belenko defected to Japan with his MiG-25P, allowing Western intelligence to fully analyze the aircraft for the first time.
Armament
- 4× R-40 (AA-6 Acrid) missiles — massive long-range weapons
- R-40R radar-guided + R-40T infrared variants
- Later: R-60 (AA-8 Aphid) short-range
- MiG-25RB reconnaissance-bomber: 8× 500 kg bombs
No internal gun — pure missile interceptor optimized for speed and altitude.
Video
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast is the MiG-25 Foxbat?
The MiG-25 had a top speed of Mach 2.83 (1,865 mph), reaching Mach 3.2 in emergencies at the cost of engine damage.
What happened when a MiG-25 defected to Japan?
In 1976, Soviet pilot Viktor Belenko defected to Japan. Western analysis revealed vacuum tubes (for EMP resistance) and nickel-steel rather than titanium construction.
How many MiG-25s were built?
Over 1,100 MiG-25 Foxbats were built.
Is the MiG-25 still in service?
A few nations still operate it, including Algeria and Syria. It was designed to counter the XB-70 and SR-71.