The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-25 Foxbat, is one of the most fearsome aircraft that Soviet aviation has gifted the world. When Western intelligence realized the speed that this aircraft could reach at high altitudes, they were shocked. In the years when the MiG-25 appeared, American air power was beginning to gain superiority over the Soviets. Soviet politicians were also aware of this. As a result, they focused on speed and began to try to prevent a possible American attack early.
Genesis of a Legend: Countering a High-Altitude Threat
The never-ending story of the MiG-25 Foxbat began in the late 1950s. The Soviet Union was aware of American advances in high-altitude, high-speed aircraft, particularly the planned B-70 Valkyrie supersonic bomber and the SR-71 Blackbird reconnaissance aircraft. This American advancement caused concern among Soviet commanders. This concern forced them to take action. They realized that they would have to reach extremely high speeds and altitudes to compete with this advanced technology.
Mikoyan-Gurevich engineers worked long nights to fulfill the demands of the Soviet leaders. The result was a twin-engine fighter aircraft of unprecedented size. The power of the turbojet engines could propel the aircraft to a speed of Mach 3.2. However, it should be noted that reaching this speed would seriously damage the engines. Some variants produced in the future even exceeded this speed.
Operational History: A Foxbat in the Fray
The MiG-25 saw extensive service and participated in numerous conflicts:
- Soviet Service & Egypt (Early 1970s): MiG-25R reconnaissance variants were deployed to Egypt and flew missions over Israeli-held Sinai, providing valuable intelligence and proving nearly impossible to intercept.
- Syrian Air Force: Syria operated both interceptor and reconnaissance versions. They saw action against Israeli aircraft during the 1982 Lebanon War, with mixed results against more advanced F-15s.
- Indian Air Force: India operated the MiG-25R reconnaissance variant, which provided strategic intelligence for many years, often flying unchallenged on high-altitude missions. They were retired in 2006.
- Iraqi Air Force: Iraq used its MiG-25s extensively during the Iran-Iraq War. They caused unforgettable trouble for the Iranian air force. During the 1991 Gulf War, an Iraqi MiG-25 shot down a US Navy F-18. This was shocking. However, they suffered losses in the following periods.
- Libyan Air Force: Libya used MiG-25s and engaged the United States Navy in the Gulf of Sidra.
MiG-25 Foxbat: Current Active Operators
While most nations have retired this Cold War behemoth, the MiG-25’s story isn’t entirely over. As of early 2025, the primary active operator is:
- Algerian Air Force: Algeria continues to operate a fleet of modernized MiG-25PDS interceptors and MiG-25RBSH reconnaissance aircraft. They have undergone upgrades to extend their service life and enhance their capabilities.
According to inventory records, Syria still has MiG-25s. But they have become a myth. No one has seen them for years. We have to take into account the attrition and logistical difficulties of the years of the Syrian Civil War. So we can say that the aircraft is not operational at the moment.
The MiG-25 Foxbat’s Enduring Legacy
The MiG-25 Foxbat was a groundbreaking aircraft that pushed the limits of speed and altitude. The MiG-25 was not agile. However, its incredible speed made it a unique interceptor and reconnaissance aircraft. Western engineers took inspiration from its design and developed the F-15. The MiG-25 currently serves a small number of air forces, but it is still powerful. It continues to burn as a torch of Soviet engineering success.
After our MiG-23 article, we continued by telling the history of the MiG-25. In our upcoming articles, we will continue to wander the dusty shelves of Soviet aviation. Stay tuned.
