The Belaruski Hajun group reported that a Russian MiG-31K interceptor, which is capable of carrying hypersonic Kinzhal air-to-surface ballistic missiles, landed on the Machulishchy Airfield in Belarus, on October 9.
According to the group the MiG-31K is the first landing in over a year. Three Russian MiG-31Ks have left the country since April 2023.
Belarus, a Russian ally, has not directly participated in the conflict, but it has allowed the Kremlin use its territory to stage its operations against Ukraine.
After the start of the full-scale conflict against Ukraine in 2022 in Russia, several MiG-31K planes were stationed in Belarus. These aircraft launched missiles towards Kyiv and many other Ukrainian cities.
Russia regularly lifts MiG-31K planes from airfields located on its territory in order to attack Ukraine.
The advanced air-launched Kinzhal is difficult to shoot down and intercept. The missiles have a range of about 2,000 kilometers. This means that the entire country of Ukraine could be at risk if they are launched from Russian airspace.
In January, the Ukrainian Air Force reported that 25 out of 63 Kinzhal rockets had been intercepted since the beginning of the full-scale invasion.
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