VLADIVOSTOK, Russia, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- Two MiG-31BM supersonic interceptor aircraft have resumed service with the Russian Pacific Fleet's sea aviation, fleet spokesman Nikolai Voskresensky was quoted by local media as saying Wednesday.
The two jets covered a distance of more than 7,000 km while returning to the Pacific Fleet's sea aviation's airfield in Yelizovo, Kamchatka Krai, after undergoing extensive modernization and maintenance, said Voskresensky, according to TASS news agency.
Several other MiG-31BM aircraft will likely join the Pacific Fleet's aviation units by the end of the year, added the spokesman.
The upgraded MiG-31BM jets are designed to intercept air targets in distant areas inaccessible to ordinary fighter jets. The armaments comprise air-to-air missiles of the long-range R-33 family and R-73 short-range missiles. The maximum speed at high altitude is 3,000 km/h.
