The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-31 (NATO codename Foxhound) is an interceptor developed from the Soviet Union's MiG-25 interceptor. While lacking the extreme speed of the MiG-25 (rendered redundant anyway by the cancellation of the MiG-25's intended target, the XB-70 Valkyrie), it has better maneuverability (though still inferior to most true fighter aircraft), and lower fuel consumption. A second crew member was added to operate the new advanced Pulse-Doppler radar.
The aircraft is armed with long-range AA-9 Air-to-air missiles.