Upgraded MiG-31 to be formidable rival for fifth gen fighters:Commander Mikhailov

mig-31 is in process of upgrade to deal with the F-22 threat

“Modernization of the fleet of MiG-31 interceptors will significantly increase the combat capability of air defenses, especially over remote areas of Northern Russia, Siberia and the Far East, where air defense contingents have been sharply reduced since the 1990s,” Mikhailov said.

The MiG-31 modernization and overhaul program will be implemented at the Sokol aircraft plant in Nizhny Novgorod, in Central Russia.

Mikhailov said the modernized supersonic interceptor will become a formidable rival to all fifth-generation fighters, due to enhanced radar detection and tracking capabilities, and a wide array of advanced weaponry.

According to various sources, about 500 MiG-31s have been produced since serial production began in 1978, approximately 370 of which remain in service with the Russian Air Force.
http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/library/news/russia/2006/russia-061108-rianovosti01.htm

Mig-31 will become a formidable rival to all fifth-generation fighters, due to enhanced radar detection and tracking capabilities
P.s the current fifth gen aircraft is F-22 and F-35

MiG-31 to Get Fifth-Generation Upgrades
Modernized MiG-31 interceptors will be fit to take on fifth-generation aircraft, according to chief commander of the Russian Air Force Alexander Zelin. He said that fifth-generation technology would be used when modernizing the planes, which will increase their military value 1.5-4 times, depending on the nature of their task.
Modernized MiG-31 models will be able to strike a target at a distance of 200 km. Thanks to new radar and missiles, it will be able to detect and defeat stealth planes and low-altitude cruise missiles at greater distances. The MiG-31 will remain in use as a long-distance radar plane to manage the flights of other types of fighter jets, Zelin added
http://www.kommersant.com/p-11072/military_hardware/

so whats your opinion , will the mig-31 be better option than F-22 in dealing with airborne threats or even stealth fighters