Air raid alert issued across all of Ukraine as Russian MiG-31K takes to the sky

Air raid alerts have been sounded across the entirety of Ukraine on Wednesday warning the population of a “missile hazard”.

“Warning! All of Ukraine is a missile hazard,” the Ukrainian Air Force said.

“MiG-31K take off from Savaslieka airfield. Do not ignore the air alert.”

The Russian MiG-31K is a variant of the MiG-31, a supersonic interceptor aircraft that has been part of the Russian military's arsenal since the 1980s. The MiG-31K is notable for its adaptation to carry the Kh-47M2 Kinzhal, a nuclear-capable air-launched ballistic missile. This modification enhances the aircraft's strategic capabilities, allowing it to engage a variety of targets, including naval vessels, fortifications, and other ground targets, from considerable distances.

The Kinzhal missile reportedly has a range of up to 2,000 kilometers and can reach speeds of Mach 10. The integration of this missile system with the MiG-31K represents a significant development in Russia's military technology, providing them with a rapid-response capability and increasing their strategic reach. It also underscores Russia's ongoing efforts to modernize its military and develop new technologies to maintain its strategic posture on the global stage.

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