Pink MiG‑31 fighter jets spotted at Russian airbase in Belbek

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 aeroplanes 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.

Ukrainians most likely damaged the pink aeroplanes 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 MiG-31s mentioned were reportedly destroyed. The two visible units may have been damaged to the point that repainting was necessary or that they have already been used as part donors and will be utilised as decoys in the future.

The planes covered in 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 among 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 of the last century. 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's 9.8 metres), and its overall length exceeds 20.4 metres.

This post-Soviet aeroplane is powered by two Soloviev D-30F6 units, each generating 9,525 kg (over 15,300 kg with an afterburner). Because of this, the MiG-31 can achieve speeds exceeding 2.8 Ma, or over 3,400 km/h. Simultaneously, the altitude at which it can operate is almost 21 km, while the range with a full fuel tank reaches 5,000 km.

The MiG-31's primary 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 kg 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.