Russian MiG‑31Ks return to Belarus, heightening Ukraine threat
After a one-and-a-half-year break, MiG-31K fighter jets have flown to Belarus. These are among the most dangerous Russian aircraft, capable of carrying hypersonic Kh-47M2 Kinzhal missiles, threatening the entire territory of Ukraine.
7:26 AM EDT, October 13, 2024
Information about the MiG-31K's presence in Belarus was first provided by Belarusian Hajun, an opposition group monitoring the military situation in the country. The Russians sent two of these fighter jets to their ally, landing at the airport in Machulishchy.
MiG-31K in Belarus
Ukrainian media and Western observers emphasize that MiG-31K fighter jets have returned to Belarus after an extended break—they were last stationed there in April 2023. It remains unclear what the Russians' intentions are, but the main concern is the weapons these aircraft can carry—specifically, the hypersonic Kh-47M2 Kinzhal missiles.
Threat to the entire territory of Ukraine
The MiG-31K is a fighter jet measuring about 72 feet in length with a wingspan of over 20 feet. It can reach speeds of approximately 1,864 mph. It is standardly equipped with a six-barrel automatic cannon of 23 mm caliber, but it can also carry additional armaments.
From the Ukrainian perspective, the primary threat is the hypersonic Kh-47M2 Kinzhal missiles, which range up to 1,243 miles. A MiG-31K pilot launching a missile from Belarusian airspace places the entire territory of Ukraine within its strike range. The Kh-47M2 Kinzhal missiles are known for their high speed. The Russians claim they can reach up to 10 Mach (though it's more likely around 8 Mach), posing a significant challenge for air defense systems. In practice, American Patriot systems handle this Russian weaponry best.
Ukrainian aviation expert Konstantin Kryvolap believes, however, that the MiG-31K fighter jets sent to Belarus will not be used to attack Ukraine. He argues that their arrival in Belarus is a "demonstrative show intended to indicate that such capabilities exist." In his opinion, the Russians will not risk losing these fighter jets. A more likely scenario is the launch of Kh-47M2 Kinzhal missiles from Russia, which could then fly over Belarus and reach Ukraine. This would not be the first situation of this type, as a similar instance was observed during the recent shelling of Lviv.
