The Foxhound is an evolved version of the MiG-25 Foxbat, incorporating a vastly improved radar system and a second crewman to operate it. It also carries the latest missiles, most notably the long-range active-homing AA-9. It is thought that much of the technology used in building the MiG-31 was gleaned from an F-14 provided most graciously by the Iranians after the fall of the Shah. Like its predecessor, the MiG-31 is not designed to dogfight. Its mission is to intercept intruding bombers and cruise missiles. It became operational in 1981.
