Russian MiG-25P ~ Asian Defence

Russian MiG-25P

The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-25 (Russian: Микоян и Гуревич МиГ-25) (NATO reporting name: Foxbat) is a supersonic interceptor and reconnaissance-bomber aircraft that was among the fastest military aircraft to enter service. Designed by the Soviet Union's Mikoyan-Gurevich bureau the first prototype flew in 1964 with entry into service in 1970. With a top speed of Mach 2.83+, a powerful radar and four air-to-air missiles, the aircraft concerned U.S. observers and prompted the development of the McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle in late 1960s. The capabilities of the MiG-25 were better understood in 1976 when Soviet pilot Viktor Belenko defected in a MiG-25 to the United States via Japan. D Production of the MiG-25 series ended in 1984 after completion of 1,190 aircraft. The MiG-25 was a symbol of the Cold War. It flew with a number of Soviet allies and former Soviet republics and it remains in limited service in Russia and several other nations. It remains the fastest combat aircraft ever produced.