four R-33 (AA-9 'Amos') or four R-37 (AA-13 'Arrow') (MiG-31M/BM only). Four underwing pylons for a combination of (six places for charging (two spaces to add removable fuel tanks) Six R-37 (missile) long-range air-to-air missiles . Four R-33 long-range missiles 2012. (?)× Kh-31 long-range air-to-ground missiles () for high-speed target (maneuvering with an overload of 8 g). (?)× R-33 (AA-9 "Amos") (1981) , R-33S (1999) . Two or four (superior limit)× R-40TD1 (AA-6 'Acrid') medium-range missiles (R-40 – ), MiG-25P, 1970) launched at altitudes of (maneuvering with overload four g). Four R-60 (AA-8 'Aphid') Four R-73 (AA-11 'Archer') short-range IR missiles, Four R-77 (AA-12 'Adder') medium-range missiles () for high-speed target (maneuvering with overload of 12 g). Some aircraft are equipped to launch the Kh-31P (AS-17 'Krypton') and Kh-58 (AS-11 'Kilter') anti-radiation missiles in the Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) role. Anti-ship missiles Kh-31A (up to six) and air-to-surface missiles X-59 and X-29T (up to three) or X-59M (up to two units), up to six air bombs KAB-1500, or up to eight KAB-500 with a television or laser-guidance. Maximum weight of the combat load is . One Kh-47M2 Kinzhal high-precision ballistic missile with a range of about , Mach 10 speed. It can carry both conventional and nuclear warheads. This gave the MiG-31 long range strike capabilities for the first time, alongside its primary interceptor role. Operational history Serial production of the MiG-31 began in 1979. The MiG-31 entered operational service with the Soviet Air Defence Forces (PVO) in 1981. It was the world's first aircraft with a phased array radar. The MiG-31BM has a detection range of for a target with a radar cross-section of 5 square meters. During the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, MiG-31 aircraft have reportedly shot down several Ukrainian aircraft, mainly by utilising the long range R-37 air-to-air missile. By remaining at high speed and high altitude, MiG-31s have been able to operate virtually unopposed due to Ukraine's own fighters lacking range, speed, or altitude. Oryxspioenkop reports that Russia has lost at least 1 MiG-31BM as of 5 January 2023. The R-37M has, since October 2022, been the main threat against the Ukrainian Air Force. The Ukrainian Air Force has a significant lack of fire-and-forget missiles. They relied on the R-27 missiles, both the R-27ER and R-27ET; the R-27ET's range is 60 miles. A Ukrainian pilot must illuminate a Russian aircraft with radar to