Since at least mid-2023, the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) has been providing various updates on the development of the modernized version of the Yakovlev Yak-130 advanced trainer, which equips the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS). Officially designated as the Yak-130M, it was presented during the recent “ARMY 2024” exhibition held in Moscow. Recently, the UAC confirmed the start of production of the first three units of the aircraft, with the goal of initiating tests and evaluations for the future.
Although further details are not yet known, the UAC has highlighted that the development of this new version of the Yak-130 aims not only to equip the Russian Aerospace Forces, if required, but also to attract potential export customers.
For this reason, the Yak-130M incorporates “…additional weaponry, including air-to-air missiles and high-precision air-to-ground attack systems with satellite and laser guidance. Additionally, it will feature more advanced onboard systems that will expand its operational capabilities. The new equipment and weaponry will allow the Yak-130M to be used for both training and combat missions, operating 24 hours a day and in adverse weather conditions,” according to the official statement released on February 13.
To provide a brief description, the new version of the advanced trainer has been equipped with a new BRLS-130R airborne radar, the SOLT-130K optical laser thermal camera system, the President-S130 self-defense system, and KSS-130 communication equipment. Additionally, it features a new engine officially designated as the “CM-100,” which was presented during the ARMY 2023 exhibition, being a development of the AI-222-25 engine that originally powered the Yak-130.
With this background, the UAC confirmed that the Irkutsk aircraft production plant is “…carrying out the assembly of the first three Yak-130M training and combat aircraft.” Adding: “…The dates for the first flight will be determined once the manufacturing of the first prototype is completed and ground tests are conducted.”
Currently, in addition to the Russian Aerospace Forces, other air forces use the Yak-130 as their main training platform for new pilots, as well as for attack missions. These include the air forces of Algeria, Bangladesh, Belarus, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam, and, most recently, the Islamic Republic of Iran.
*Photographs used for illustration purposes.
