MiG-31 jets with Kinzhal missiles. IMAGE: RIA Novosti / Aleksandr Vilf
Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) will upgrade the Mikoyan MiG-31 supersonic interceptor jets with the Novator KS-172 long-range air-to-air missile, Army Recognition reported on May 19.
The development of the KS-172, which is said to be based on the design of 9M38-series anti-aircraft missiles used in Buk air defense systems, began in the early 1990s.
After a pause, the development resumed in the early 2000s under a deal with India, which wanted to produce the missile for their Su-30MKI air superiority fighter jets. Shortly after, it was reported that the development was paused and the project was closed.
The MiG-31 is one of the fastest known operational fighter jets in the world, with a top speed exceeding Mach 2,8 and a combat range of 1,450 kilometers.
The jet is equipped with the Zaslon-M, a powerful radar with a 1,4 meter diameter passive electronically scanned array antenna. The radar, which can detect targets up to 400 kilometers away, makes the jet the perfect carrier for long-range missiles like the KS-172.
Powered by a tandem rocket booster, the KS-172 is said to have a range reaching or exceeding 400 kilometers, with a speed of up to Mach 3,3.
The KS-172 utilizes a complex guidance system. An inertial navigation system guides the missile for most of the flight path to the target. If the target suddenly changes course, the missile trajectory can be corrected from the launching jet via a secured data link. The active homing radar seeker Agat 9B-1103M, which is responsible for terminal phase guidance, is activated some 40 kilometers away from the target.
Army Recognition said that the integration of the KS-172 on the MiG-31 represents “a major technological and strategic breakthrough” for Russia.
UAC has not yet confirmed the defense website report. However, it is important to note that such developments are not always announced officially.
It’s worth noting that the MiG-31 is already armed with the R-37M long-range air-to-air missile, which is comparable to the KS-172. The latest missile could have an advantage in range, however, as the R-37M is reported to have a range of up to just 300 kilometers when launched from MiG-31.
The R-37M has already proven to be highly effective during the special military operation in Ukraine, which explains why Russia may be exploring missiles with an even longer range.
One particular use for the KS-172 would be to hunt airborne early warning and control aircraft from a very long range. Earlier this year, it was reported that Ukraine received at least one such aircraft, an ASC 890, from Sweden.
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f-16s and amraams 😂
good luck, you fucking idiots.
what good is a ‘dogfighter’ when the standoff range is several dozen horizons out?
i can see a ukrainian mirage 2000 going down in flames in the near future.