When the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-25 Foxbat appeared, its sheer size and presumed speed (potentially Mach 3.2) terrified Western analysts, sparking fears of a new Soviet technological leap. Primarily built from stainless steel to withstand extreme heat, it officially reached Mach 2.83 (1,880 mph or 3,030 km/h) as an interceptor, though pilots could push it faster at great risk to its engines. Its existence spurred significant advancements in American fighter development.
