Originally Posted by Captain Drunk

Thats only because the SR-71s were skirting Russian borders and not in the heart of Russia, far from the SAMs. Without mid-air refuelling, a 2900 odd mile ranged Blackbird won't make it across the Atlantic. Unlike the Concord, it'll plunge into the sea and at any given point from a Russian coast / border to the middle of Russia the distance is more than 5000 km. Hence no SR-71 overflew the heart of Russia only the outskirts. Recee Foxbats are strictly made for Mach 3, the Mach 2.83 speed was for longer service life of the engines since during maintainence overhauls fan blades, bearing, etc. had to be replaced regularly. Also, no F-15 flies at Mach 2.5+ above 30,000 ft. it is 15% faster only at sea level from where it cannot intercept a Foxbat flying 90,000 ft. up. A Foxbat has gone upto 118,898 ft., which is still a record no SR-71 has ever beat

From here it is clearly evident that everyone is just jealous that Russia and a few of its combatant ally cronies have an unrivalled Mach 3 interceptor. But regardless of every other novice’s 2 cent opinion, like it or not IAF Foxbats have always “crossed the fence” beyond hostile borders at Mach 3, like it or not.