MiG-25PD

Mikoyan-Gurevich · Soviet Union · first flew 1978 · fighter

The MiG-25PD ('Foxbat-E') is the substantially upgraded interceptor variant, developed after the Belenko defection exposed the MiG-25P's limitations, featuring a new pulse-Doppler radar and look-down/shoot-down capability.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	High-mounted, swept
E — Engines	2 × turbojet, fuselage-mounted
F — Fuselage	19.75 m fuselage
T — Tail	Twin fin

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Spot it by:

Upgraded interceptor MiG-25 with Sapfir-25 pulse-Doppler radar replacing original Smerch
IRST sensor fairing below the nose — visible distinguishing feature
Uprated R-15BD-300 engines; otherwise same massive airframe

Small IRST ball beneath the nose tip differentiates PD from earlier MiG-25P. Otherwise the same enormous twin-fin, high-wing silhouette. Slightly longer nose than MiG-25R.

Specifications

The MiG-25PD has a length of 19.75 m (65 ft).
It has a wingspan of 14.02 m (46 ft).
Its maximum speed is 3000 km/h (1864 mph).
Typical crew: 1.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Following Belenko's defection in 1976, the Soviet Union undertook an emergency upgrade programme. The MiG-25PD introduced the Sapfir-25 radar, an infrared search and track (IRST) sensor, and improved engines. Most surviving MiG-25Ps were rebuilt to PD standard (as MiG-25PDS). The upgrade gave genuine look-down capability against low-flying targets for the first time.

Variants

MiG-25PD (new-build), MiG-25PDS (rebuilt from MiG-25P stock). The PD represented the definitive interceptor standard.

Where you'll see it

Soviet Air Defence Forces from 1979. Exported to Algeria, Syria, and Iraq. Iraqi MiG-25PDs achieved kills during the Gulf War. Algeria's examples are among the last flying.

Related aircraft

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