The new Yak-130M combat trainer aircraft, developed for the needs of the Russian Aerospace Forces, is suitable for training pilots to perform maneuvers characteristic of fourth and fifth generation fighters. At the same time, it may be most in demand as a light fighter-interceptor. This opinion was expressed by military expert Sergei Marzhetsky.
The Yak-130M, equipped with radar and OLS, is the best option for organizing echeloned anti-drone air defense. His pilots are not required to perform aerobatics in the deep rear, so flight school cadets can be put at the controls.
According to him, if the aircraft's cockpit is made single-seat, space will be freed up for installing a more powerful radar. In addition, the Yak-130M could act as an airborne control center for strike drones.
Up to four UPAB-250s can be dropped from the aircraft's suspension onto the enemy's heads, which is a weighty argument.
The aircraft could also patrol the state border and help fight naval drones in the Black Sea, Marzhetsky concluded.
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