
The Russian Air Force will soon complete a programme to upgrade its MiG-31 interceptor aircraft to the MiG-31BM standard.
The air force is currently carrying out deep modification of the MiG-31 aircraft to MiG-31BM standard, according to Russian air force commander Colonel General Alexander Zelin.
Russia will fit the MiG-31 with upgraded avionics and digital datalinks, a new multimode radar, colour multifunction cockpit displays and a new, more powerful computer.
The upgraded MiG-31 will be able to carry new air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles such as the AS-17 Krypton anti-radar missile, according to RIA Novosti.
It will carry air-to-air missiles including the Vympel R-73 (AA-11 Archer), R-77 (AA-12 Adder), and R-33S (upgraded AA-9 Amos) and the K-37M (AA-X-13 Arrow).