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2d ago

Russia Showcases Kinzhal-Armed MiG-31 Flights Over Sea of Japan

Analysts view the rare video release as calibrated signaling before Prime Minister Takaichi's meetings in Washington.

A launch vehicle for the long-range Type 12 Surface-to-Ship Guided Missile is unveiled at the Japan Ground Self-Defence Force’s Kengun Garrison in Kumamoto City on Tuesday. Photo: Jiji Press / AFP
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Screengrab of the Russian MoD video showing one of the MiG-31Is with the Kh-47M2 Kinzhal hypersonic missile under its belly taking off for the flight over the Sea of Japan. (Image credit: Russian MoD)
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Overview

  • Russia’s defence ministry released footage of MiG-31 aircraft carrying Kinzhal hypersonic missiles flying over neutral waters off Japan’s northern coast, including scenes of aerial refuelling.
  • The ministry said the mission complied with international rules, and Japan’s Joint Staff provided no report of interceptions linked to the formation.
  • New analysis notes this is the first time Moscow has publicly shown MiG-31s with Kinzhals operating in this region, with the formation also featuring an Il-78M tanker and Su-30 fighters.
  • Some missiles seen in the video may be inert training variants, according to experts, but the Kinzhal is assessed to reach around Mach 10, exceed 2,000 km in range, and carry conventional or nuclear warheads.
  • Regional observers interpret the timing as a message to Tokyo as it deepens defence ties with the United States and maintains sanctions on Russia following the invasion of Ukraine.