The Irkutsk Aviation Plant, part of the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) under the Rostec State Corporation, has delivered a new batch of Yak-130 combat training aircraft to the Russian Ministry of Defense. These aircraft, having successfully completed rigorous ground and flight tests, have been dispatched to their designated operational bases. The Yak-130 stands out for its superior maneuverability and cutting-edge avionics, rivaling the systems found in the latest combat aircraft. This dual-role aircraft is not only a training asset but also capable of performing light attack missions, making it a versatile addition to the Russian military’s aviation capabilities.
“In August of this year, the Irkutsk Aviation Plant will celebrate its 90th anniversary, and throughout all these years, fulfilling the state defense order has remained one of the key priorities of the enterprise. At the current stage, significant resources of the plant are also focused on fulfilling the tasks of supplying Su-30SM fighters and Yak-130 combat trainers for the needs of the army and navy. The Yak-130, produced in Irkutsk, today plays an important role in the practical training of pilots of the Aerospace Forces,” said Yuri Slyusar, General Director of the United Aircraft Corporation.
The Yak-130 facilitates the training of pilots for both generation 4+ and 5 combat aircraft. Its design allows for realistic training scenarios, including the use of air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons, providing an invaluable resource for preparing pilots for modern aerial combat situations. As the Irkutsk Aviation Plant approaches its milestone anniversary, its continued dedication to advancing Russia’s military aviation capabilities underscores its pivotal role in maintaining the operational readiness and effectiveness of the Russian Aerospace Forces. The latest delivery of Yak-130 aircraft represents a key step in ensuring that Russian pilots are well-prepared to meet contemporary and future aerial threats.
The Yakovlev Yak-130 (NATO reporting name: Mitten) is a subsonic two-seat advanced jet trainer and light combat aircraft originally developed by Yakovlev and Aermacchi as the “Yak/AEM-130”. It has also been marketed as a potential light attack aircraft. Development of the aircraft began in 1991 and the maiden flight was conducted on 25 April 1996. In 2002, it won a Russian government tender for training aircraft and in 2010 the aircraft entered service with the Russian Air Force. As an advanced training aircraft, the Yak-130 is able to replicate the characteristics of several 4+ generation fighters as well as the fifth-generation Sukhoi Su-57. It can also perform light-attack and reconnaissance duties, carrying a combat load of 3,000 kg (6,600 lb).
