The Russian Navy is launching MiG-31 (NATO Code: Foxhound) interceptor aircraft with a Kh-47 Kinzhal hypersonic missile.

The 98th mixed regiment, part of the Northern Fleet on the Kola Peninsula; and the 317th Pacific Regiment in Kamchatkawil, will receive the new version of long-range MiG-31s with K index that will be armed with Kinzhal missiles, Izvestia reported.

The Kh-47 Kinzhal is said to be able to fly at a range of up to 2,000km, 10-12 times faster than sound. Russia is thought to have completed the first test in 2018 when it comes to equipping the MIG-31s.

On March 1, 2018, Russian President Vladimir Putin introduced the Kh-47M2 as one of six new Russian strategic weapons; It was later announced that Kinzhal’s first successful test shot was completed using the MiG-31B. In the same year, the Kremlin announced that 10 MiG-31s had gained the ability to launch Kinzhal missiles and were ready for use.