Article Posted on : - Aug 15, 2010

The MiG-31 fighter.

MOSCOW (BNS): Russia is modifying its MiG-31 fighter aircraft to equip it with a number of missiles and other advanced equipment.

The new aircraft, called MiG-31BM, will feature upgraded avionics and digital datalinks, new multimode radar, color multi-function cockpit displays, a new, more powerful computer.

It will be able to carry new air-to-air and possibly air-to-surface missiles such as the AS-17 Krypton anti-radar missile, according to RIA Novosti.

“The air force is currently carrying out the vital task of deep modification of the MiG-31 aircraft to MiG-31BM standard. This task is being successfully carried out,” Russian Air Force commander Col.Gen. Alexander Zelin was quoted as saying by the news agency.

The MiG-31 fighter is a supersonic interceptor aircraft of Russia. The aircraft, designed to replace the MiG-25 fighters of Russian Air Force, has the capability to destroy high and low-altitude targets in day and night.