Article Posted on : - Jun 19, 2012

The MiG-31 fighter.

MOSCOW (BNS): The Russian Air Force's Central Military District will receive the first ten modernised MiG-31BM interceptors this year, according to a news report.

"The air forces of the Central Military District will take delivery of 10 MiG-31BM fighter-interceptors and two Mi-26 heavy transport helicopters this year," Ria Novosti quoting a Central Military District representative said.

According to the Russian Defence Ministry, the Air Force will receive 60 modernised MiG-31 Foxhound interceptor aircraft by 2020, under a contract signed with United Aircraft Corporation in 2011.

The MiG-31BM is a heavily modified variant of the MiG-31, featuring upgraded avionics and digital data links, a new multimode radar, colour multi-function cockpit displays, and a more powerful fire-control system.

It can detect airborne targets at the range of 320 kilometers (200 miles) and simultaneously track up to 10 targets.

The MiG-31BM can carry new air-to-air missiles including the K-37M long-range air-to-air missile, it added.