There are several notable key differences between the MiG-31 and MiG-35. Some are obvious and relate to the number produced. More than 500 MiG-31s have been produced, while half a dozen MiG-35s currently fly for Russia. Outside of numbers, speed is an obvious difference between the two aircraft. The MiG-31 is considerably faster than its successor, which is still an admittedly fast aircraft.
Altitude is another metric that sets the two aircraft apart, as the MiG-31 can fly at nearly twice the altitude of the MiG-35. Granted, this capability isn’t part of the MiG-31’s standard flight operations, but the ability to cruise at incredibly high altitudes remains via its service ceiling of 67,000 feet. You begin to see the differences favor the MiG-35 when you look at aspects of its avionics and electronics. Specifically, the MiG-35 has an improved radar system.
The MiG-35 features an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, making it the first Russian fighter equipped with an AESA radar. Conversely, the MiG-31’s radar, which has been upgraded since its introduction, isn’t as capable as its successor’s system. Other aspects like armament and defense capabilities are comparable, so when you add it all up, the MiG-31 is arguably the better fighter for its speed, ceiling, and operational history, which the MiG-35 lacks due to its minimal performance history and low production numbers.
