Alongside the production of the new Su-35S and Su-57 fighters, as well as the development of the future Sukhoi Su-75, the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) has been making significant efforts to upgrade the training and education capabilities of future pilots of the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS). These efforts have been reflected in the progress achieved by Yakovlev toward the introduction of the modernized version of the advanced Yak-130 trainer, as the second prototype of the program recently rolled off the production line, following the presentation of the first aircraft earlier in October.
Officially unveiled during the 2024 edition of the ARMY exhibition held in Moscow and designated as the Yak-130M, this is the latest updated version of the VKS’s advanced trainer — a key component in the training system for future pilots who will operate combat aircraft such as the Su-34, Su-35, and the stealthy Su-57.
As reported by UAC, the Yak-130M introduces several improvements over the original aircraft currently in service with Russia and other countries including Algeria, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Iran, Belarus, and Myanmar.
Among these upgrades are new systems such as “… the onboard BRLS-130R radar, the SOLT-130K optical-laser and thermal TV system, the President-S130 onboard defense suite, and the KSS-130 communications package,” according to the corporation. It is also speculated — though not officially confirmed in UAC’s statements — that the aircraft may be equipped with the new “CM-100” engine, first presented at the ARMY 2023 exhibition, which would replace the current AI-222-25 engines, providing 20% more power and extended service life.
As part of the ongoing development of this version, Yakovlev has been advancing the manufacture of three prototypes since February of this year. Two of these have already been officially presented and will be the focus of the upcoming ground and flight testing campaign, along with the corresponding studies and evaluations.
Recently, UAC unveiled the second prototype at the Irkutsk Aviation Plant. Unlike the first aircraft revealed earlier in the month, this one features a distinctive digital camouflage paint scheme. Regarding the third prototype, the company indicated that its assembly is currently underway.
“The Yak-130M has been developed based on the analysis and systematization of operational experience gained by aviation in local and regional conflicts. The creation of light combat aircraft derived from advanced trainers aligns with global trends in military aviation development,” stated Dmitry Popov, deputy head of the Yak-130 design program.
Lastly, although no additional details have been disclosed, it is presumed that the first prototype is already undergoing ground tests and evaluations, with the second one — freshly rolled out of the production line — expected to join soon. However, while the testing campaign gains momentum, it remains uncertain whether the Russian Ministry of Defense will soon place an order for new aircraft or instead initiate a modernization program to upgrade the current Yak-130 fleet of the Russian Aerospace Forces to the new Yak-130M standard.
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