[Development] Winter Concert: MiG-25PD - News

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Winter Concert: MiG-25PD

19 December 2025 Development

Today, we’re taking a look at the main aircraft reward in the Winter Concert event that started today: the record-breaking MiG-25PD jet fighter!

MiG-25PD: An Event Vehicle Jet Fighter for the USSR at Rank VII

At a glance:

The fastest aircraft in the game!
Air-to-air missiles for long-range and short-range dogfights
Most effective at very high altitudes
No guns
Mediocre maneuverability

The MiG-25 was developed by the Mikoyan Design Bureau in the late 1950s and early 1960s in response to the emergence of new high-speed and high-altitude aircraft in the United States. The specifications called for an interceptor capable of reaching speeds three times the speed of sound and engaging targets at altitudes of up to 25,000 meters. Testing of the first prototypes began in 1964. During development and operation, aircraft of this type set numerous world aviation records and in total, the MiG-25 set 29 world records. Serial production of the aircraft began in 1969, and they formed the backbone of the USSR’s high-altitude air defense for many years.

After a MiG-25P interceptor was hijacked to Japan in the fall of 1976, where American engineers were able to examine its design, Soviet leadership launched an urgent modernization program to restore its air defense superiority. Work began in November 1976 and involved the mobilization of numerous scientific institutes and enterprises. The major improvement was the installation of a new Sapfir-25 (RP-25) radar with an AVM-25 computer, which offered increased jamming immunity, the ability to track up to six targets simultaneously, and the ability to detect targets against the ground. Along with the new radar, the aircraft received an IRST mounted under the nose of the fuselage, which provided passive target detection. The missile armament was also enhanced, in addition to the upgraded R-40RD and R-40TD medium-range missiles, the armament was supplemented by four R-60 (later R-60M) short-range missiles, which were suspended on twin hardpoints. The plane was upgraded with R15BD-300 engines with an extended service life, and the ability to carry an additional 5,300 liter fuel tank significantly increased the flight range.

Flight tests of the modernized interceptor were completed in 1979, after which serial production began at the Gorky Aircraft Plant under the designation MiG-25PD, where “PD” stood for “improved interceptor”.

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Introducing the MiG-25PD

Perhaps the most exciting event reward of the Winter Concert event is the high-altitude MiG-25PD interceptor, which becomes the fastest aircraft in the game and brings new and exciting weapons. Let’s get to know this insanely fast fighter jet!

Designed to combat the latest US reconnaissance aircraft, the MiG-25PD features truly astonishing speed in the game, reaching its maximum speed of Mach 3 (over 3,000 km/h) at an altitude of 18,000 meters! The MiG-25PD is also quite capable at low and medium altitudes, but its true strength is altitude, often beyond the reach of its opponents. The MiG-25PD is a very large and heavy aircraft, so don’t expect miracles in terms of maneuverability, evading a nearby missile won’t always be possible. You have access to an RWR and voice warning system, as well as a decent supply of countermeasures, with 64 in total.

Interesting: In addition to being the fastest production fighter in history, the MiG-25 is also the holder of the absolute altitude record for a jet aircraft of 37,650 meters!

The MiG-25PD is a pure interceptor. It lacks forward-firing weapons, meaning you’ll only be able to use guided air-to-air missiles. For long-range combat, you can can carry up to four R-40RD inertial-guided missiles with a SARH seeker, which are new to War Thunder! These missiles were developed specifically to engage targets closer to the ground, but their maneuverability is limited. Another new addition is the R-40TD all-aspect IR seeker missile, which allows for target acquisition from significant distances to the rear hemisphere and from any angle at close range. Finally, for those close encounters, the MiG-25PD can carry up to four R-60M all-aspect missiles, familiar to all experienced pilots who’ve tried top-tier Soviet aircraft.

You can get the record-breaking MiG-25PD, along with other unique vehicles and a large number of other rewards in our Christmas vehicle event called Winter Concert, which started today. Go and get it!

Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.