August 21 to 23, two Russian fighter jets will conduct demo flights outside Moscow to showcase their capabilities.
Russian MIG-31K interceptor armed with a Kh-47M2 invincible missile also known as ‘Dagger’) air-launched ballistic missile (ALBM) and a Su-57 stealth fighter jet will conduct airshow jointly at Kubinka airfield located some kilometers away from Moscow.
This will be the first public joint airshow demonstration of a MiG-31K, a modified version of MIG-31BM, and the Su-57. The airshows will be conducted on days of limited attendance and on days open for the public.
A Look at MIG-31K Interceptor
The fighter jet also known as Foxhound in the West is a veteran of Russia’s Aerospace Force, unique characterized by its speed and altitude capabilities.
- Can easily climb an altitude of 25 kilometers and accelerate to a speed of 3,000 km/h, can comfortably discharge nuclear and munitions to the target at a distance of up-to 2,000 kilometers.
- Its discharged missile can deal a serious blow on the enemy without necessarily entering its heavily protected air and anti-ballistic missile defense system.
- MIG-31K Interceptor is capable of carrying nuclear-tipped missiles.
- The warcraft is a two-seater with the rear seat occupant controlling the radar.
The MIG-31K was designed to fulfill the following missions (special capabilities)
- To intercept cruise missiles and their launch aircraft by reaching missile launch range in the lowest possible time after departing the drift area.
- To detect and destroy low flying cruise missiles, helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
- To offer long range escort of strategic bombers
- And offer strategic air defense in areas not covered by ground-based, air defense systems.
Its last test fired a Kh-47M2 Kinzhal ALBM in July and the previous Kh-47M2 test launch was on March 12.
The jets’ high-performance characteristics, the hypersonic missile with low radar signature and highly maneuverable capabilities of the Kinzhal system (the Kh-47M2 missile as some open sources reports) has no rivals in the world.
A Look at Su-57
The Su-57 will be the first aircraft in Russian military service to use stealth technology.
- It is a multirole, developed under the PAK-FA fifth-generation fighter program
- Has single seat.
- Has twin-engine air superiority/deep air support.
- Capable of carrying nuclear-tipped missiles.
- Designed to have super cruise, super-maneuverability with advanced avionics
- Su-57 is intended to succeed the MiG-29 and Su-27 in the Russian Air Force.
- For air-to-air combat, the Su-57 fighter is expected to carry four beyond-visual-range missiles in its two main weapons bays
- And two short-range missiles in the wing root weapons bays
- It has a glass cockpit with two 38 cm (15 in) main multi-functional LCD displays
- It uses a two-piece canopy, with the aft section sliding forward and locking into place.
- Top speed: 2,440 km/h
The Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) has placed an order for a pre-production batch of 12 Su-57 fighter jets.
