The Yakovlev Yak-130 (NATO reporting name: Mitten) is a subsonic, twin-seat advanced jet trainer and light combat aircraft initially developed through a collaboration between Yakovlev and Aermacchi, originally designated as the "Yak/AEM-130". It has also been promoted for use as a light attack platform. The project commenced in 1991, with the prototype's maiden flight occurring on 25 April 1996. After securing a Russian government contract in 2002 for training aircraft, the Yak-130 officially entered service with the Russian Air Force in 2010. Designed as a sophisticated training solution, the aircraft can emulate flight characteristics of various fourth-plus generation fighters and even the fifth-generation Sukhoi Su-57. Additionally, it is capable of executing light attack and reconnaissance missions, supporting a combat payload capacity of 3,000 kg (6,600 lb).
Development
File:Yak-130.jpgAEM/YAK-130D displayed at Zhukovsky Airfield, 1999
In the early 1990s, the Soviet authorities initiated a program to replace the Czech-built jet trainers, specifically the Aero L-29 Delfín and Aero L-39 Albatros. Five design bureaus submitted proposals, including the Sukhoi S-54, Myasishchev M-200, Mikoyan MiG-AT, and the Yakovlev Yak-UTS. By 1991, only two contenders remained: the MiG-AT and Yak-UTS. The newly independent Russian air forces projected a requirement for approximately 1,000 units.
The Yak-UTS design process began in 1991 and was finalized by September 1993. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Yakovlev sought international partnership to continue development. After discussions starting in 1992, an agreement was reached in 1993 with Italian firm Aermacchi, resulting in the joint development of the AEM/YAK-130D. Under this arrangement, Aermacchi provided financial and technical support. The initial prototype was constructed by Sokol at Nizhny Novgorod and publicly revealed in June 1995. The aircraft's first flight took place on 25 April 1996 at Zhukovsky Airport, piloted by Yakovlev's lead test pilot Andrey Sinitsyn.
By 2000, diverging priorities led to the dissolution of the partnership; both companies proceeded independently on their respective versions. The Italian variant became known as the Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Master. As part of the separation agreement, Yakovlev received US$77 million as partial debt relief from Russia to Italy and rights to use certain technical documentation. Yakovlev retained marketing rights primarily within Commonwealth of Independent States countries, India, Slovakia, and Algeria, while Aermacchi targeted NATO member states and other markets.
In March 2002, Russian Air Force Commander-in-Chief Vladimir Mikhailov announced that both Yak-130 and MiG-AT had been selected as new training aircraft for Russia’s air force. However, the Yak-130 was favored due to its dual capability as both a trainer and light combat aircraft. On 10 April 2002, it was officially declared the winner of Russia’s basic and advanced pilot training program tender over the MiG-AT. At that stage, an initial order for ten Yak-130s had been placed by the Russian Air Force. The total research and development expenditure—including construction and testing of four pre-production units—was approximately $200 million, with Yakovlev financing roughly 84% and the Russian government covering the remainder. Earlier reports suggested expenditures may have reached $500 million as early as 1996.
Efforts to create a light attack derivative named Yak-131 were discontinued by late 2011 after failing to meet critical pilot safety standards mandated by the Russian Air Force. Subsequently, focus shifted toward developing a replacement based on the existing Sukhoi Su-25 platform.
The Yak-130 serves as a sophisticated trainer aircraft, capable of emulating the flight dynamics of Russian 4th and 5th generation fighter jets. This capability is enabled by its open architecture digital avionics system compatible with a 1553 Databus, featuring a fully digitalglass cockpit, a four-channel digital Fly-By-Wire System (FBWS), and instructor-controlled, adjustable FBWS flight characteristics alongside embedded simulation functions. Additionally, it is equipped with a Head-up display (HUD) and a Helmet-Mounted-Sighting-System (HMSS). Navigation and targeting accuracy are enhanced by dual GPS/GLONASS receivers updating an Inertial Reference System (IRS). The manufacturer estimates that the Yak-130 can fulfill up to 80% of the pilot training syllabus.[1]
Beyond its primary role in pilot instruction, the aircraft is also designed for light attack and reconnaissance missions. It can carry a maximum combat payload of 3,000 kilograms (6,600 pounds), which includes various guided and unguided munitions, auxiliary fuel tanks, and electronic warfare pods. According to chief designer Konstantin Popovich, during testing completed in December 2009, the Yak-130 was trialed with all airborne weapons up to 500 kg currently used by the Russian Air Force. The airframe features nine hardpoints: two on the wingtips, six beneath the wings, and one under the fuselage.[1]
The twin engines are positioned beneath extended wing roots that stretch forward nearly to the cockpit canopy. Powered by two Ivchenko Progress AI-222-25 engines, each controlled by Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC), the combined thrust output reaches 49 kilonewtons (11,000 pounds-force). An upgraded "-28" variant is available, providing increased thrust of approximately 53 kN (12,000 lbf). At a typical Take-off Weight of 7,250 kg (15,980 lb), the thrust-to-weight ratio stands at 0.70 with the "-25" engines or 0.77 with the "-28" version. This compares favorably to ratios of 0.65 for the BAE Systems Hawk 128 and 0.49 for the Aero Vodochody L-159B.[1]
The aircraft's internal fuel capacity reaches 1,700 kg (3,700 lb), which can be extended to 2,600 kg (5,700 lb) when fitted with two external combat fuel tanks. It achieves a maximum true airspeed of Mach 0.93 (572 knots), operates up to an altitude ceiling of 12,500 m (41,000 ft), and endures load factors ranging from −3 to +9 g. Typical takeoff speed and distance in a clean configuration are approximately 209 km/h (113 kn) and 550 m (1,800 ft), respectively; landing speed and distance are around 191 km/h (103 kn) and 750 m (2,460 ft). The maximum crosswind limit is 56 km/h (30 kn).[1]
To safeguard the engines from damage caused by foreign objects during operations on unprepared surfaces such as dirt or grass strips, the Yak-130 incorporates engine intake blanking doors managed by the FBWS.[2]
The aircraft features large canopies that open sideways.
Its combat training system integrates both simulated and actual firing capabilities, including air-to-air and air-to-surface missile launches, bomb deployment, gun firing exercises, as well as onboard self-defense systems.
Russia
The Russian Air Force placed its initial order for 12 Yak-130 aircraft in 2005. The Russian Aerospace Forces plan to acquire a minimum of 72 Yak-130s, sufficient to outfit four training regiments. On 8 November 2011, the Commander-in-Chief, Colonel GeneralAleksandr Zelin, announced that the Russian Defence Ministry was set to finalize a contract with Irkut Corporation within two weeks for an additional 65 aircraft—comprising 55 firm orders and 10 options. Zelin projected that the delivery schedule would be completed by 2017.
The first production Yak-130 was delivered to a training facility in Lipetsk on 19 February 2010. After fulfilling the original 2005 contract for 12 Yak-130s manufactured by the Sokol plant in June 2011, it was decided that all future Yak-130 orders, both domestic and international, would be managed by the Irkutsk Aviation Plant under Irkut Corporation. Nonetheless, the Russian Air Force received its first Yak-130 constructed at the Irkutsk facility only in October 2012.
In February 2014, Irkut Corporation disclosed a contract with the Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) to deliver further Yakovlev Yak-130 advanced jet trainers to the air force. Irkut’s president, Oleg Demchenko, stated that in December the company had signed an agreement with the Defense Ministry for 12 Yak-130s intended to establish a new aerobatic team. Concurrently, a separate contract was signed for an additional 10 aircraft designated for the Russian Naval Aviation.
Algeria
As the initial international purchaser of the Yak-130, Algeria placed an order for 16 units in March 2006. Deliveries commenced shortly after the Russian Air Force received its first Yak-130s in 2011, with the full order finalized by the following year.[3]
In January 2014, Bangladesh procured 24 Yak-130 jets, financed through a long-term loan extended by Russia.[4] This initial order was later scaled down to 16 aircraft.[5] The first delivery batch, consisting of six jets, arrived on 20 September 2015.[6] Subsequently, five additional aircraft were delivered on 29 December 2015, followed by another five before the end of the first quarter of 2016.[7]
Belarus
In December 2012, the Government of Belarus entered into a contract with Russia for the supply of four Yak-130 aircraft, scheduled for delivery by April 2015. A subsequent order for an additional four jets was placed in August 2015 and fulfilled by November 2016.[3] A further delivery of four aircraft took place in 2019, bringing the fleet to a total of twelve Yak-130s. These were all assigned to the 206th Flight Training Centre.[8]
Iran
A total of 36 units have been commissioned. The initial pair was delivered in early September 2023 and are currently undergoing evaluation under Iranian operational conditions at the 8th Tactical Air Force Base near Isfahan.
Laos
In August 2017, Laos placed an order for 10 Yak-130 aircraft, with deliveries commencing in 2018.
Myanmar
Myanmar procured six Yak-130 jets in June 2015, all of which were delivered by December 2017. Subsequently, an additional six aircraft were ordered. After the 2021 military coup, Myanmar received another six Yak-130s, which were publicly displayed during the Myanmar Air Force’s 74th anniversary celebration.
Prospective Orders
In April 2012, Alexey Fedorov, president of Irkut Corporation, indicated that there were over ten countries showing interest in acquiring the Yak-130.
Argentina
In 2021, Russia proposed supplying the Argentine Air Force with a batch comprising 15 MiG-29 fighters and another consisting of 12 Su-30 fighters. Additionally, Russia is pursuing sales of Yak-130 trainer jets and Mil Mi-17 helicopters to Argentina.
Bolivia
Bolivia is evaluating the Yak-130 as a potential replacement for its decommissioned Lockheed T-33 aircraft.
Kazakhstan
Negotiations with Russia concerning a possible Yak-130 procurement were held twice, in 2010 and again in 2012. Although no definitive contracts resulted from these discussions, the Yak-130 remains a potential candidate to succeed Kazakhstan's current fleet of Aero L-39C trainers once they reach the end of their operational lifespan.[3]
Malaysia
In November 2012, Sergey Kornev, representing Rosoboronexport—Russia’s official agency for defense product exports and imports—indicated that Malaysia along with several other nations had shown interest in acquiring the Yak-130. His remarks were made during the China Airshow held in Zhuhai.[9]
Uruguay
The Uruguayan Air Force is evaluating the Yak-130 as a potential replacement for its current A-37 aircraft,Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name considering also the option of procuring pre-owned F-5 Freedom Fighter jets as an alternative.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name</ref>
Libya
An order for six Yak-130 aircraft was placed by Libya, with deliveries planned for 2011–2012,[10] but this contract was annulled by the Libyan National Transitional Council in September 2011 amid a comprehensive reassessment of existing arms agreements.[11]
Syria
Syria had committed to purchasing 36 Yak-130 planes,[12] though their delivery was deferred by Russia due to ongoing conflict within Syria.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name</ref> In May 2014, Russia reaffirmed its intention to supply Syria with these aircraft, projecting deliveries of nine units by the end of that year, followed by twelve in 2015 and fifteen in 2016, completing the total order of 36.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad nameCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name Nevertheless, as of 2019, no actual shipments had been made.[3]
The initial prototype, known as AEM/YAK-130D and registered under RA-43130, conducted its inaugural flight on 25 April 1996 at Zhukovsky.
On 30 April 2004, the first pre-production Yak-130, constructed at the Sokol facility in Nizhny Novgorod, took to the skies for the first time. The aircraft was publicly unveiled at the Paris Air Show in June 2005. Subsequently, three additional pre-production units were developed.
By December 2009, after completing state acceptance trials, the Yak-130 was officially inducted into service with the Russian Air Force.
Since at least 2020, the Yak-130 has been operationally deployed in the internal conflict in Myanmar. Its involvement has attracted criticism following documented evidence of air strikes targeting civilian populations.
Accidents and incidents
26 June 2006: A Yak-130 prototype crashed within the Ryazan region; both pilots successfully ejected without sustaining injuries.
29 May 2010: During a test flight at Lipetsk Air Base, a pre-series Yak-130 crashed. Both crew members ejected safely and were in stable condition. No casualties or damage occurred on the ground.
11 July 2017: A Yakovlev Yak-130 operated by the Bangladesh Air Force crashed in Lohagara, located in southeastern Chittagong District, Bangladesh. Both pilots escaped unharmed.
27 December 2017: Two Bangladesh Air Force Yak-130s collided mid-air over Maheshkhali Island near Cox's Bazar during a training exercise when breaking formation. All four pilots survived and were rescued.
19 May 2021: A Belarusian Air Force Yakovlev Yak-130 crashed in Baranavichy, causing minor damage to a residential structure. Both pilots ejected but succumbed to their injuries.
18 February 2022: The Anti-Junta People's Defence Forces (PDFs) in Myanmar reported damaging two Yak-130 aircraft stationed at an air force base in Hmawbi.
29 June 2022: A Myanmar Air Force Yak-130 reportedly sustained damage after a bird strike incident.
9 May 2024: A Bangladesh Air Force Yak-130 crashed near Chattogram. Officials suggested mechanical failure as a possible cause; however, CCTV footage indicates that risky aerobatic maneuvers involving three rapid aileron rolls preceding a high-speed descent may have contributed. The aircraft impacted the runway upright without landing gear, ignited, then briefly became airborne again. Both crew members ejected; the pilot later died in hospital while the co-pilot suffered serious injuries.
10 October 2024: A Russian Air Force Yak-130 crashed within Volgograd Oblast. The pilot successfully ejected from the aircraft.
06 November 2024: A Vietnam People's Air Force Yak-130 from the 940th Air Training Regiment crashed during a training mission over Bình Định province. Both pilots ejected and were rescued alive.
Designed as a light attack aircraft intended to succeed the Sukhoi Su-25.[13] This variant incorporates cockpit and engine armor, a GSh-30-1 automatic cannon, and is equipped with either the Phazotron Kopyo radar featuring mechanical or electronic beam scanning, or the Tikhomirov NIIP Osa passive phased array radar.[14]
Updated model unveiled in August 2024, featuring enhanced armament and systems. This version includes the BRLS-130R Airborne AESA radar, SOLT-130K electro-optical/laser targeting system, President-S130 self-defense suite, and the new KSS-130 communication link. These upgrades extend detection ranges, refine weapons accuracy, and bolster defenses against electronic interference. The external defensive aids package is designed to protect against missile threats launched from air or surface platforms.
The modernization effort also focuses on propulsion improvements. At the Army-2023 exhibition, United Engine Corporation (UEC) introduced the SM-100 engine, an evolution of the AI-222-25 model. This engine offers a 20% increase in thrust without additional weight or size penalties and doubles operational lifespan. These enhancements stem from redesigned compressor, combustion chamber, and turbine components.[15]
Bangladesh Air Force – Maintains a fleet of 12 aircraft.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name Four aircraft were lost in training-related incidents.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad nameCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
Belarusian Air Force – Operates 11 Yak-130s.[16] One aircraft was lost during training exercises.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force – Possesses over 8 Yak-130s with an additional 36 on order.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad nameCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad nameCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
Russian Aerospace Forces – Operates a fleet of 123 Yak-130s.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad nameCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad nameCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad nameCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad nameCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name Training accidents have resulted in the loss of five aircraft.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
Vietnam People's Air Force – Utilizes 11 Yak-130s, with one lost during training.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad nameCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad nameCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
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