Pink MiG‑31 fighters spotted at Russian base after Ukrainian strike

Satellite images from the Russian airbase in Belbek have surfaced online. They show two pink MiG-31 fighter jets. Most likely, these are aircraft damaged during the May attack that the military is preparing for painting.

The Russians have been using various camouflage patterns since the start of the war. On social media, photos often depict paintings resembling airplanes on airport tarmacs. This usually aims to confuse the enemy and direct fire to areas lacking valuable machines.

At first glance, it may seem that the pink MiG-31s visible in the satellite images from Belbek are paintings on concrete. This time, however, they are not decoys created for Ukrainians but real planes prepared for painting. Depending on their condition, they may be used in combat or as lures.

The pink airplanes are most likely damaged by Ukrainians on May 15. Just under a month ago, the defenders' army attacked Belbek (near Sevastopol), and during the shelling, S-300/400 anti-aircraft systems and the mentioned MiG-31s were reportedly destroyed. It is possible that the two visible units were damaged to the point that repainting was necessary or have already been used as parts donors and will be utilized as decoys in the future.

The planes covered in a pink primer before the application of the final paint in Belbek are MiG-31s, which in the appropriate variant (marked with the letter "K") are one of the more formidable weapons the Russians can use against Ukraine. This is because the MiG-31K can carry the Kh-47M2 Kinzhal missiles.

The history of these planes dates back to the mid-70s. The first flight of the MiG-31 took place then, leading to the start of serial production in 1977, which continued until the mid-90s. The MiG-31 is a relatively large interceptor fighter, with a wingspan of almost 13.4 metres (compared to the F-16 with a wingspan of 9.8 metres), and its overall length exceeds 20.4 metres.

This post-Soviet airplane is powered by two Soloviev D-30F6 units, each generating 9,526 kgf (over 15,288 kgf with afterburner). Because of this, the MiG-31 can achieve speeds exceeding Mach 2.8, or over 3,380 km/h. Simultaneously, the altitude at which it can operate is almost 21 kilometres, while the range with a full fuel tank reaches 4,989 kilometres.

The MiG-31's basic armament is the standard six-barrel GS-6-23 air cannon with 260 rounds in stock. However, there is space under the aircraft for six missile launchers with a total mass of 9,072 kilograms and two fuel tanks. Among the weapons the MiG-31 can carry, the Kinzhal is the most noteworthy, for which the 31K variant is adapted. Furthermore, the arsenal includes R-73, Kh-58 missiles, and bombs from the KAB family.