MiG-31 Foxhound vs Yak-38 Forger

The MiG-31 Foxhound and the Yak-38 Forger are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by Mikoyan-Gurevitch and Yakovlev respectively. The MiG-31 Foxhound reaches 3,000 km/h — 2.5x the Yak-38 Forger's 1,210 km/h. The MiG-31 Foxhound has an operational range of 3,000 km vs 1,300 km for the Yak-38 Forger. The MiG-31 Foxhound operates at altitudes up to 20,600 m compared to 11,300 m for the Yak-38 Forger. At 46,200 kg MTOW, the MiG-31 Foxhound is 4.1x the Yak-38 Forger's 11,200 kg. The MiG-31 Foxhound has been produced in 519 units vs 231 for the Yak-38 Forger. Unit cost is $55M for the MiG-31 Foxhound vs $12M for the Yak-38 Forger. The Yak-38 Forger first flew 5 years before the MiG-31 Foxhound (1970 vs 1975).

Soviet interceptor jet, famed for its Cold War period deployment, primarily used for high-speed, high-altitude defensive missions.
Mikoyan-Gurevitch MiG-31 Foxhound Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Mikoyan-Gurevitch
First flight 16 September 1975
Year introduced 1983
Number produced 519 units
Average unit price $55 million
Soviet vertical takeoff/landing fighter, developed during the Cold War, primarily utilized on Soviet naval aviation carriers.
Yakovlev Yak-38 Forger Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Yakovlev
First flight 27 September 1970
Year introduced 1976
Number produced 231 units
Average unit price $12 million
Wing area 61.6 m²
Wingspan 13.5 m
Height 6.2 m
Length 22.7 m
Maximum speed 3000 km/h
Operational range 3,000 km
Service ceiling 20,600 m
Max. takeoff weight 46,200 kg
Empty weight 21,830 kg
Total thrust 2 x 9,500 kgf
Wing area 18.5 m²
Wingspan 7.3 m
Height 4.4 m
Length 15.5 m
Maximum speed 1210 km/h
Operational range 1,300 km
Service ceiling 11,300 m
Max. takeoff weight 11,200 kg
Empty weight 7,020 kg
Total thrust 2 x 3,050 kgf

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the MiG-31 Foxhound or Yak-38 Forger?
The MiG-31 Foxhound is faster with a maximum speed of 3,000 km/h compared to the Yak-38 Forger's 1,210 km/h, a difference of 1,790 km/h.
Which has longer range, the MiG-31 Foxhound or Yak-38 Forger?
The MiG-31 Foxhound has a longer range at 3,000 km compared to the Yak-38 Forger's 1,300 km.
Which can fly higher, the MiG-31 Foxhound or Yak-38 Forger?
The MiG-31 Foxhound has a higher service ceiling at 20,600 meters (67,585 ft) compared to the Yak-38 Forger's 11,300 meters (37,073 ft).
Which is heavier, the MiG-31 Foxhound or Yak-38 Forger?
The MiG-31 Foxhound has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 46,200 kg compared to the Yak-38 Forger's 11,200 kg.
Which is larger, the MiG-31 Foxhound or Yak-38 Forger?
The MiG-31 Foxhound is longer at 22.7 meters compared to the Yak-38 Forger's 15.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the MiG-31 Foxhound or Yak-38 Forger?
The MiG-31 Foxhound is more expensive at approximately $55 million per unit compared to the Yak-38 Forger at $12 million.
Which entered service first, the MiG-31 Foxhound or Yak-38 Forger?
The Yak-38 Forger entered service first in 1976, 7 years before the MiG-31 Foxhound which entered service in 1983.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the MiG-31 Foxhound or Yak-38 Forger?
The MiG-31 Foxhound has been produced in greater numbers with 519 units compared to 231 units of the Yak-38 Forger.