Analysis Why IAF Not Upgraded to MiG-31 After Mig-25 Retirement

The Russian MiG-31BM interceptor, armed with the R-37M missile, has proven its mettle in the skies over Ukraine. This formidable pairing has raised questions about the Indian Air Force's (IAF) decision to retire its MiG-25 fleet without adopting the MiG-31.

Historically, the IAF's MiG-25 was unmatched in South Asia, particularly during the Kargil War, where it excelled in high-altitude reconnaissance.

However, with the advent of advanced satellite technology, the MiG-25's primary role became less critical. By 2006, the IAF decommissioned its fleet, opening the door for a potential upgrade to the MiG-31.

Russia, eager to showcase its advanced weaponry, offered India the MiG-31, a vastly superior interceptor to the MiG-25. The MiG-31, with its powerful Zaslon radar and R-33 missiles, can engage targets at up to 300 kilometers, offering a significant defence advantage.

However, the IAF surprised many by declining the offer, instead bolstering its fleet of Su-30MKI multi-role fighters. This decision sparked debate about whether India missed a strategic opportunity or made a prudent choice.

The Case for the MiG-31​

Proponents of the MiG-31 argue that its long-range interception capabilities would have provided a significant deterrent against high-altitude threats, such as bombers and reconnaissance drones.

Additionally, its potential to carry hypersonic missiles like the Kinzhal would have given India a unique offensive capability in the region.

The Case for the Su-30MKI​

However, the IAF's decision is grounded in a strategic assessment of India's specific needs. The Su-30MKI, while not as specialized as the MiG-31, offers greater versatility.

It can perform air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, making it a valuable asset in various conflict scenarios. Moreover, the Su-30MKI is easier to maintain and operate, reducing logistical burdens on the IAF.

Furthermore, the MiG-31's reliance on speed and altitude to evade enemy missiles might be less effective against adversaries with advanced high-speed missiles. Modern warfare increasingly favors electronic warfare and situational awareness over sheer speed.

India's Strategic Calculus​

India's decision reflects a pragmatic approach that prioritizes multi-role capabilities and operational flexibility over niche specialization. While the MiG-31 remains a valuable asset for Russia, facing threats like large fleets of NATO aircraft, India's unique challenges necessitate a more versatile approach.

The IAF's choice to invest in the Su-30MKI is not a rejection of the MiG-31's capabilities but a strategic alignment with India's evolving defence needs. As the global security landscape continues to shift, India's decision serves as a reminder that even the most advanced weapons must fit into a broader strategic framework to be truly effective.

 

[NSR]

All Migs, Be gone forever.
No mention of those old work horses anymore as they became widowmakers, coffinmakers, falling birds, etc over many decades of flying.

Just task the IAF BRD unit to maintain Mig-29s very well and produce more new RD33MK engines to install on them until they are retired in 2035.

By 2035, India will surely get TEDBF and everything will be fine.

 

[Scronkfinkle]

a couple of squadrons of MIG 31 would have been a trump up your sleeve , where nothing can touch it nor contest it , top of the hunter pyramid albeit in v ery small numbers ; The blokes missed a traick and missed a chance , These lot of planners are hoarders like PLAAF mindset , numbers game , not strategic thinkers utilizing startegic tools to inflict exponential devastating damage to enemy in any enagement .

 

[Taus Melek]

Another pointless and ill informed article talking about upgrading a aircraft that was designed fifty years ago. Also, please note, Kargil war happened almost quarter of a century ago when India had no spy satellites. The americans had the SR71 spy plan which was even faster than the mig 25 or 31 and flew higher than both as well - guess what, it is retired.

Indians such as the ones that write/ promote such articles have a love affair with upgrades!

 

[Kira]

This was a superb platform,but that was increasingly becoming moot due to advancing satelite tech and their deployment for India,in addition the Paks did not posses advanced SAMs at that time in 90s to intercept these high and fast flying birds over its territory(F-16 had a lower service ceiling),so it was virtual free run for the IAF.I recall several sorties flown deep inside Pak,and PAF being unable to do anything about it,even General Musharraf has claimed that IAF pilots sometimes deliberately created sonic boom to tease Pak as they knew they won't be intercepted 😎
Finally,IAF made a good decision retiring this plane due to a myriad of valid reasons in favour of inducting more Flankers.

 

[Singh]

Another pointless and ill informed article talking about upgrading a aircraft that was designed fifty years ago. Also, please note, Kargil war happened almost quarter of a century ago when India had no spy satellites. The americans had the SR71 spy plan which was even faster than the mig 25 or 31 and flew higher than both as well - guess what, it is retired.

Indians such as the ones that write/ promote such articles have a love affair with upgrades!

Mig 31 is obvious reason for retirement of sr71

 

[Sandeep]

I think India should develop or buy a squadron that travels faster than what normal jets or missiles can do by making it very hard to intercept. These jets can be used to launch a nuclear missile strike deep into an enemy country by avoiding any detection or by outflying any of their jets or missiles and if it’s possible then take images. The reason is that it gives India a more diverse capability and options if we ever needed to launch a strike.

We should also buy or develop our own bomber in small numbers. This will allow us to increase the amount of missile or bombs that we can launch in one flight as a normal jet can’t do that. This increases the amount of damage that we can do across other cities, villages or military bases along with key military weapons production and manufacturing facilities or industrial bases in one flight.

 

[Anant]

Mig 31 is obvious reason for retirement of sr71

Uh, nope. The SR-71 was retired because of three reasons:

1. Reconnaissance satellites and UAVs had reached a point where the aircraft was no longer needed.

2. The SR-71 airframes were near the end of their lives. Because of their predominantly titanium construction and because they had been used very extensively, most of the airframes were faily worn out by the early 1990s. Add to that the fact that 11 out of 32 SR-71s, 6 out of 15 A-12s, and 1 out of 3 YF-12s were lost in service, and the remaining airframes were worked up even more.

3. The 1990s also saw the introduction of high-altitude SAMs and tracking systems that could pose a very real threat to aircraft such as the SR-71.

The MiG-31 played, at best, a very miniscule role, in the retirement of the SR-71.

 

[Anant]

a couple of squadrons of MIG 31 would have been a trump up your sleeve , where nothing can touch it nor contest it , top of the hunter pyramid albeit in v ery small numbers ; The blokes missed a traick and missed a chance , These lot of planners are hoarders like PLAAF mindset , numbers game , not strategic thinkers utilizing startegic tools to inflict exponential devastating damage to enemy in any enagement .

Not quite. The MiG-31 isn't necessarily a good reconnaissance aircraft today. The simple reason for that is because we now have high-altitude tracking systems and high-altitude SAMs that can track and engage a MiG-31.

This isn't the 1980s, when the MiG-25 was practically uncatchable and untraceable by most nations.

 

[Hita Techi]

If the Su-35 can carry the R-37M I'm sure they can be added to the Su-30 after they are both flanker based platforms . The R-37M has proven to hit even agile targets like MiG-29s and Su-27s. The MiG-29 was hit while flying very low proving it can hit in look down shoot down mode. If India can get it and paired with our better Phalcon based AWACS to data link and guide the fighters it would be a potent combo

 

[SK]

IAF should consider to invest in TEDBF (ORCA) Program in a Joint-Venture with IN.