15 photos of the MiG-31, the Russian fighter jet that can chase away SR-71 Blackbirds

Russian Ministry of Defense

Two MiG-31s.

The CEO of the Russia's Mikoyan aircraft company recently made some wild claims about the MiG-41 - the successor to the MiG-31 - saying it would fly in space, reach speeds of 2,800 mph, carry lasers, and more.

Despite such outlandish predictions, the MiG-41, if it's actually made, will not be ready for deployment until around 2035 to 2040, which means the MiG-31 will be Russia's main interceptor well into the 2030s.

And while these predictions are rather fanciful, they're not completely impossible, given the MiG-31s impressive capabilities.

Take a look at what the MiG-31 can do.