Kinzhal Carrying Aircraft Conducts First Flight Over Sea of Japan

On March 17, 2026, the Russian Ministry of Defense published footage on its Telegram channel showing a MiG-31i fighter jet conducting training flights over the Sea of Japan. The MiG-31i is an upgraded version of the MiG-31BM interceptor and can carry the Kh-47 Kinzhal air-launched ballistic missile (ALBM). The Kinzhal is an air-launched variant of the 9M723 short-range ballistic missile (SRBM), originally part of the Iskander-M operational-tactical missile system (OTRK), and has been employed in airstrikes in Ukraine.
The footage shows at least two MiG-31i aircraft carrying Kinzhal missiles in flight, as well as refueling from an Il-78M aerial tanker. At least one Su-30 fighter can also be seen providing escort. This is reportedly the first time Kinzhal-equipped aircraft have flown near Japan.

Signs observed in satellite imagery

Prior to this exercise, satellite imagery confirms the presence of four MiG-31 aircraft and one A-50U airborne early warning and control (AWACS) aircraft deployed at Vladivostok Airport (Knevichi Airfield). The deployment is estimated to fall between March 10 and 13.
Although Vladivostok Airport serves both civilian and military purposes, it is primarily used for transport aircraft, and fighter deployments like MiG-31 are relatively rare. The MiG-31K/i, which functions as the launch platform for the Kinzhal ALBM, is thought to be operated under the Aerospace Forces’ Long-Range Aviation (DA). As a result, these aircraft are unlikely to be permanently stationed at major fighter bases in the Russian Far East, including Tsentral'naya Uglovaya, Dzhomgi, and Elizovo.
Taking all of the above into account, the MiG-31i carrying the Kinzhal that flew over the Sea of Japan seems to have been deployed from another base specifically for this exercise.

Russia’s Likely Objectives

As discussed above, the flight of the Kinzhal-equipped MiG-31i over the Sea of Japan is an unprecedented development, although its objectives remain unclear.
Since February, the Eastern Military District (VVO) of the Russian Armed Forces has experienced its routine increase in training activity: the recent MiG-31i/Kinzhal exercise can be interpreted as part of that routine.
From a political standpoint, the exercise could be seen as a form of warning or retaliation against Japan’s consideration of joining PURL (Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List), NATO's framework for supporting Ukraine, under Prime Minister Takaichi’s administration. Given that the training occurred only two days prior to Prime Minister Takaichi’s visit to the United States, it may also have been intended as a signal related to Japan–U.S. relations.
Regardless, Russia’s specific objectives are unknown; however, taking the above into account, similar developments are likely to occur going forward. A key point to monitor will be whether Kinzhal-equipped aircraft become permanently stationed in the Russian Far East.

DEEP DIVE News for Members 019 MiG-31 Carrying Kinzhal Air-Launched Ballistic Missile Flies Over Sea of Japan

DEEP DIVE News for Members 019　MiG-31 Carrying Kinzhal Air-Launched Ballistic Missile Flies Over Sea of Japan