The maiden flight of the Yak-130M prototype took place at the Irkutsk Aviation Plant in the Russian city of Irkutsk on 25/6. The aircraft reached an altitude of 2,000 meters, a speed of 600 kilometers per hour, and landed after approximately 50 minutes.

The two-person crew, consisting of test pilots Alexander Guskov and Andrei Voropayev, reported that the test flight successfully completed all assigned tasks. "The aircraft demonstrated excellent performance," Russian defense television quoted the two crew members as saying.

The Yak-130M combat aircraft undergoing test flight on 25/6. Video: Zvezda

Russian defense corporation Rostec affirmed that while the Yak-130M shares a similar appearance with the original Yak-130 aircraft, its operational capabilities have been completely redesigned.

The original Yak-130 is a jet aircraft primarily designed for training missions. Its electronics and operational features are similar to modern fighter jets such as the Su-30SM, Su-35S, and Su-57, which simplifies the training process and reduces costs.

Weighing 4,600 kilograms empty, the Yak-130 can carry up to 3,000 kilograms of various weapons on six hardpoints and 1,700 kilograms of fuel. Its most potent weapons include the R-73E short-range air-to-air missile with a 30-kilometer range and KAB-500Kr television-guided bombs.

This capability allows the Yak-130 to perform multiple missions, including air strikes and ground target engagement, comparable to Russia's multirole fighter jets.

As of early this year, the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) has produced over 200 Yak-130 aircraft. Most have been delivered to the Russian Air Force and Naval Aviation, with others exported to seven countries.

In Russia, the Yak-130 continues to serve primarily for pilot training. However, many other countries have utilized them as light attack aircraft. This likely prompted UAC to launch the Yak-130M project, aiming to maximize the combat potential of this trainer aircraft series.

The Yak-130M prototype during its test flight on 25/6. Photo: UAC

The Yak-130M prototype during its test flight on 25/6. Photo: UAC

The Yak-130M prototype during its test flight on 25/6. Photo: UAC

The Yak-130M prototype during its test flight on 25/6. Photo: UAC

The Yak-130M variant retains the original airframe and engines, which simplifies production and does not require specialized pilot training beyond current standards. The most significant differences lie in its electronic systems and weaponry.

The Yak-130M is equipped with a BRLS-130R active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar. This radar offers all-weather reconnaissance capabilities and can detect small unmanned aerial vehicles at a range of nearly 30 kilometers. It also operates in ground-scanning mode, integrating with the SOLT-130K electro-optical/thermal imaging targeting system to designate targets for guided weapons.

The number of weapon hardpoints has increased from six to nine, enabling the use of R-73 short-range air-to-air missiles, Kh-38MLE laser-guided air-to-surface missiles, and KAB-500 precision-guided bombs.

Its President-S130 defense system includes radiation warning and missile approach warning sensors, an active jamming suite, and decoy dispensers. These features enhance the Yak-130M's survivability on the battlefield. The KSS-130 communication suite also adds connectivity and data sharing capabilities, improving coordination with heavy fighter jets during combat.

These upgrades transform the Yak-130M into a versatile light combat aircraft, suitable for border patrol, close air support, and intercepting unmanned aerial vehicles.

A ground prototype of the Yak-130M with weapons on display in 2024. Photo: UAC

Converting trainer jets into combat aircraft is a strategy adopted by several nations. Notable examples include the FA-50 light fighter, developed by South Korea based on the KAI T-50 trainer series, and Brazil's EMB 314 Super Tucano attack aircraft.

By Pham Giang (According to Zvezda, Army Recognition)