The MiG-31 is a supersonic interceptor aircraft developed by the Mikoyan design bureau as a replacement for the MiG-25. It is one of the fastest known operational combat aircraft in the world, with a top speed of around 3,000 km/h. The MiG-31 is still operated by the Russian Aerospace Forces, and its service life is expected to be extended until at least 2030.

The MiG-31 was developed to address the shortcomings of the MiG-25, such as its lack of maneuverability and difficulty flying at low altitudes. It features an advanced radar system capable of both look-up and look-down/shoot-down engagement, as well as multiple target tracking. This gives it the capability to engage low-flying cruise missiles and bombers at long range.

The MiG-31's development was surrounded by speculation and misinformation in the West, due in part to the defection of a Soviet pilot in 1976. However, the interceptor's actual capabilities and design have since been revealed.