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Originally Posted by sparten
The project which resulted in the MiG-25; E-666 was initially started to counter the SR-71. When the B-70 programme came, then modifications were made to the original design, mainly concerned with extra range, the E-666 basically could take off fly at Mach 3 to 100,000 feet and come down. These changes and moification persisted despite the cancellation of the B-70. It was a better plane as it is.
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The XB-70 project predates the SR-71. In fact, the Valkyrie prototype flew a few months earlier than the first Blackbird. Furthermore, the Soviets always relied on SAM's to counter strategic reconaissance, while there is a big incentive in intercepting strategic bombers as far out as possible.
Because of the XB-70 demise the MiG-25 was never fully developed as an interceptor, but it made a heck of a recon plane.
When USSR put their hands on the AN/AWG-9/AIM-54 technology, they derived the MiG-31, as a long range interceptor for the PVO, to be employed in the protection of vast spaces over the Motherland.