Russian state company Rostec has announced the completion of the second prototype of the Yak-130M trainer and light attack aircraft, developed by Yakovlev. While ground and flight tests of the second prototype are being planned, assembly of the third aircraft continues; the programme aims to deliver a dual-role platform that combines flight training with combat capabilities.
According to a statement published by Rostec, the modernisation work under the Yak-130M programme is intended to increase the aircraft’s combat potential. The first prototype, produced at the Irkutsk Aviation Plant, had already been completed and prepared at the same facility for testing. The company says that with the new prototypes the programme is progressing from the experimental design stage towards operational capability.
Technical and operational objectives
U.A.C. officials emphasised that the Yak-130M has been developed to retain the original Yak-130’s training capabilities while gaining advanced combat functions. The main goals of the modernisation include:
- Integration of precision air-to-air missiles guided by satellite and laser, and precision air-to-ground munitions;
- Preservation of comprehensive training functions for combat pilot instruction;
- Acquisition of mission capabilities able to respond to contemporary conflict needs such as countering unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs);
- Versatility to support the training requirements of pilots of fourth- and fifth-generation combat aircraft.
Statement from an official
Dmitry Popov, Deputy Chief Designer of the Yak-130 programme, summarised the rationale for the modernisation as follows: “The Yak-130M was developed based on analysis and consolidation of aviation experience from local and regional conflicts. Developing light combat aircraft based on combat trainer platforms is consistent with global trends in military aviation development.”
Programme schedule and progress
According to the timetable reported by Rostec, the second prototype will undergo ground and flight tests; simultaneously, assembly of the third aircraft is continuing. The company states that, if the modernisation programme is successfully completed, the Yak-130 platform could be used in a dual-role capacity for advanced training and light attack missions.
The Yak-130M project is regarded as a concrete example of the trend to increase the combat capabilities of existing trainer aircraft. The modernisation efforts carried out by Rostec and its subsidiaries aim to allow the platform to serve with increasing flexibility in both training and operational roles.
About (Boilerplate)
Rostec is a Russia-based state industrial holding operating in defence and civil aviation projects. The Yakovlev design bureau, under U.A.C. (United Aircraft Corporation), is responsible for the development of various training and combat platforms.
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