Yakovlev has unveiled a modernised variant of its Yak-130 advanced jet trainer, with the enhanced platform to be capable of performing light-attack missions.
Displayed as a mock-up at the Army-2024 show at Kubinka air base near Moscow, the Yak-130M will be equipped with a Radar MMS-developed BRLS-130R active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, and carry an expanded range of air-to-air and air-to-surface weapons.
“The main goal of the modernisation is to expand the combat capabilities of the aircraft to increase its competitiveness in the foreign market,” Yakovlev says. It notes that the new platform will offer customers an alternative to buying “heavier and more expensive” types.
“In essence, the aircraft will become a full-fledged light fighter, while retaining training functions,” says Vladimir Artyakov, deputy director general of Yakovlev and United Aircraft parent company Rostec.
Additional systems to be integrated with the platform include the SOLT-130K electro-optical/infrared sensor, with laser designation, a KSS-130 communications suite, and President-S130 self-protection equipment, Yakovlev says.
“We have already started assembling [the] experimental Yak-130M at the Irkutsk Aviation Plant. In total, we plan to build three experimental aircraft for testing,” says Yakovlev chief executive Andrey Boginsky.
In addition to using the future prototypes, “individual technical solutions in the interests of the Yak-130M programme are being tested on existing experimental aircraft”, he adds, including the asset displayed at the Army-2024 event.
Cirium fleets data shows that there are 123 of the current Yak-130 trainer model in service with the Russian air force, with the type also operated by export customers Algeria (16), Bangladesh (13), Belarus (11), Iran (2), Laos (4), Myanmar (18) and Vietnam (12).
