The Russian Yak-130M combat trainer aircraft, developed by the Yakovlev Design Bureau, will significantly expand the combat capabilities of the original Yak-130 through the integration of modern guidance systems. This is according to the Eurasian Times in the article "Like the Su-75, Russia is betting big on the Yak-130M light aircraft, specially designed for export."
The upgraded systems include the BRLS-130R airborne radar, the SOLT-130K optoelectronic laser thermal imaging system, the President-S130 onboard defense system, and the KSS-130 communications system. The Yak-130M is designed for a maximum takeoff weight of 10,290 kg and can carry a combat load of up to 2,500 kg, distributed over nine hardpoints.
The developers also modernized the engine. The updated Yak-130 is equipped with two AI-222-25 turbofan engines, each developing a maximum thrust of 2,500 kgf, which improves the aircraft's flight performance. In addition, engineers installed 4 more containers to carry up to 16 bombs weighing 100 kg.
This modification also allows for the placement of laser weapons. The Yak-130M now supports a wider range of weapons, including guided and unguided bombs, air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles, making it versatile for a wide range of combat missions.
It is known that the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation ordered the Yak-130 modernization project. Currently, design documentation has been developed for the production of the first aircraft. The Irkutsk Aviation Plant is assembling units and the first prototypes.
Like the Su-75 (Checkmate), the Yak-130 was conceived with export potential, but has achieved greater success. The Russian Aerospace Forces are its main operator, using it for pilot training and light strike missions. Russian Yak-130s are also flown by pilots from the Air Forces of Algeria, Belarus, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Laos and Syria.
According to the Eurasian Times, Rostec is positioning the Yak-130M as an aircraft for foreign markets. Potential buyers of the aircraft are considered to be countries in South America, East Asia and BRICS.
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