The MiG-25 Foxbat never really panned out as a game changing fighter, but it did lead to the successful MiG-31 Foxhound and the development of the F-15 Eagle. So what was this high-flying, barrel-engined beast doing cruising down low in the video below?
Probably just having a good romp over the Russian countryside and chalking up a little low-level time in preparation for the unlikely case that the big fighter would have had to chase an enemy plane or helicopter down low.
Although this video was probably shot in the 1990s, a handful of Foxbats are still in limited service today and are mainly used in the reconnaissance role. Sadly, due to the aircraft's extraordinary operating costs and low availability, the type's days are numbered as they will probably disappear from global service entirely by the end of the decade.
Thanks to our good friend David Cenciotti over at The Aviationist for finding this little gem!
Rogoway is a defense journalist and photographer who maintains the website Foxtrot Alpha for Jalopnik.com You can reach Tyler with story ideas or direct comments regarding this or any other defense topic via the email address Tyler@Jalopnik.com