Russia Debates Restart of MiG-31 Production
AIN DEFENSE PERSPECTIVE » MAY 10, 2013
The Russian Parliament has called for production of the MiG-31 to be resumed. This is an upgraded MiG-31BM version. (Photo: Chris Pocock)
May 10, 2013, 10:40 AM
A debate has unfolded in Russia over whether to invest further in the MiG-31 series or to concentrate funding on the Sukhoi Su-35. United Aircraft’s Sokol factory in Nizhny Novgorod continues to deliver MiG-31BMmultirole aircraft modified from MiG-31 interceptors built earlier. The plant’s general director, Alexander Karezin, reported that the company handed over 15 last year, and the plant “holds a firm order for about sixty MiG-31BMs due for delivery in 2011-2018.” He added, “This is a considerable contribution to the national defense of the country.”
But Russian air force commander Gen. Victor Bondarev said the MiG-31 development potential is “almost exhausted” and the basic platform is “already outdated,” making it better to focus the funds available to national defense projects on development of newer Sukhoi jets.
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