MiG-25 Foxbat – PDF

The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-25 “Foxbat” was developed during the 1960s in response to the threat posed by increasingly fast and high-flying Western aircraft. Designed by the Mikoyan-Gurevich bureau, the MiG-25 emphasized exceptional speed, altitude, and interception performance. Its large engines, powerful radar, and heavy air-to-air missile armament were intended to allow it to rapidly intercept bombers and reconnaissance aircraft operating at extreme altitudes.

Entering Soviet service during the early 1970s, the MiG-25 became an important component of the Soviet air-defense system. Interceptor versions guarded Soviet airspace, while specialized reconnaissance variants used the aircraft’s extraordinary speed and altitude to conduct photographic and electronic intelligence missions. The Foxbat’s capabilities caused considerable concern in the West until closer examination of the aircraft revealed a design optimized for a specific high-speed interception mission rather than the highly maneuverable air-superiority fighter initially feared.

The MiG-25 was also exported to several Soviet-aligned nations and accumulated a significant operational record. Iraq and Syria employed Foxbats in the Middle East, including reconnaissance and interception missions where their speed often made them difficult to engage. Iraqi MiG-25s saw combat during the Iran-Iraq War and later confronted coalition aircraft during the 1991 Gulf War. MiG-25s also served with other nations, including Algeria, Libya, and India, particularly in reconnaissance and air-defense roles.

Although eventually superseded in Soviet service by the more capable MiG-31 Foxhound, the MiG-25 remained operational in several countries long after the Cold War. Its remarkable speed, distinctive appearance, reconnaissance capability, and reputation as one of the fastest combat aircraft ever placed in operational service made the NATO-designated “Foxbat” one of the most iconic Soviet aircraft of the Cold War.

Service Branch: Soviet Air Defense Forces; Soviet Air Forces
Soviet Service: 1970–1990s
Number Built: 1,186

What’s Included:

• 12 1.5” square counter images
• 24 1” square counter images
• 35 .75” square counter images
• 40 .625” square counter images
• Numbered Images to assist with game organization and tracking
• Printable PDF format for personal gaming use

Each image size is contained on a ½ sheet.

• Enables users to save paper and print 2 types of aircraft on the same page.
• Print one set of aircraft images then reverse the page in the printer and print a second type of your choice on the same page.