Russia Deploys New Interceptors to Novosibirsk

A new group of Mikoyan MiG-31BM Foxhound interceptor aircraft has been deployed in Siberia’s Novosibirsk region to protect industrial installations there, the Defense Ministry said on Thursday.

The deployment is part of a program to reinforce the air unit responsible for the safety of Siberian airspace, the ministry said in a statement.

Previously, the airspace over Novosibirsk was guarded by a unit of fighters based in the city of Omsk, but that was disbanded in 1998.

The MiG-31BM interceptor is a recently introduced upgraded version of the MiG-31, equipped with a new fire-control system, extending the aircraft's target detection range up to 320 kilometers and engagement range up to 280 kilometers.


Source: RIA Novosti News – 4 April 2013

Photo: The Russian Air Force Mikoyan MiG-31BM Foxhound Interceptor Aircraft to Novosibirsk (Photo by © RIA Novosti. Vladislav Belogrud)


(4.04.2013)