This work describes the Foxbat’s operational history and analyzes its technological and political impact in unprecedented detail.

The MiG-25 “Foxbat” entered service more than 50 years ago and remains one of the fastest, highest-flying aircraft in history. The only faster jet, the SR-71 Blackbird, was unarmed and utilized exclusively for reconnaissance; fewer than 40 were built. The Soviets built more than a thousand MiG-25s, and unlike the SR-71, Foxbats have engaged in direct air-to-air combat.

This is a detailed narrative history of the MiG-25 program. Author Abraham Abrams examines the Soviet motivations for producing such a plane, describes the developmental and operational history of the type, both in the USSR and abroad, and analyzes the aircraft’s place in the greater Cold War balance of power.[AuthorName]By Abraham Abrams[/AuthorName][AuthorBio]Abraham Abrams draws on his extensive experience as a defense analyst with a focus on tactical combat aviation to reveal new details of this particularly significant aircraft. He holds master’s degrees in war studies from King’s College London and in East Asian International Relations. He lives in Taiwan.[/AuthorBio][NumIllustration]110 color and b/w photos[/NumIllustration][CoAuthor][/CoAuthor][SubTitle]An Operational and Strategic History of the Worlds Fastest Combat Jet[/SubTitle][ColorPattern]110 color and b/w photos[/ColorPattern]