In 1970 when the Soviet Union put the MiG-25 into service, it was in response to the Americans’ reconnaissance jets U-2 and SR-71. These two planes were capable of speeds and altitudes that exceeded anything the Soviets had. Even the B-58 Hustler was a supersonic bomber capable of matching the Soviets’ MiG-21 interceptor. Now, that was no longer the case. The MiG-25 was capable of supersonic speeds, reaching Mach 2.83. It could reach those once unattainable altitudes, and it was armed with radar and four air-to-air missiles. The Americans’ response was fear.
A Soviet MiG-25. Public Domain
