This is a single-seat supersonic reconnaissance bomber designed to ensure a break through the enemy defense line with electronic and fire suppression of the enemy air defences.
Development of this recon-bomber was sanctioned by the Government's decision of 13 July, 1973. The design of the aircraft started in 1974. This recon-bomber has the Jaguar antiradar system, target designation system for the Sych antiradiation homing missile, defensive electronic ECM system consisting of the Beryoza-L radio surveillance system and Syren-1D-OZh and Lyutik active jamming systems. The aircraft weapons suite includes four Kh-58 (Kh-58U) antiradiation missiles. During 1974-1976, all components of the MiG-25BM equipment complex underwent testing aboard the MiG-25RBs (tail numbers #303 and #401). The maiden flight of the MiG25BM prototype (#2047, tail number 47) was made on 27 January, 1977 by pilot Shchelkunov. During 1977-1980, the aircraft participated in the official testing programme. During the official testing in 1981, the aircraft carried four Kh-58U missiles. MiG-25BM recon/bombers had remained in series production during 1982-1985. The total production is 40.

---