Several countries in Africa and the Asia-Pacific region are interested in purchasing the Russian Yak-130M training aircraft (developed by PJSC Yakovlev), which can perform combat missions. This is according to Bulgarian Military.
Yak-130 Operators May Become Yak-130M Buyers
Algeria previously purchased 16 Yak-130 training aircraft. It is likely that this country will want to purchase the new version.
Other Yak-130 operators include Belarus (4 units). The aircraft were acquired to replace outdated Soviet training aircraft.
Bangladesh will have 16 Yak-130s by 2030. Myanmar has at least 18 aircraft. The Lao Air Force also includes Yak-130s, but their exact number is unknown.
There were discussions about the purchase of training aircraft by Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Nicaragua, and Uruguay.
About the Yak-130M Aircraft
In mid-February 2025, it became known that the first 3 Yak-130M aircraft are in the assembly stage at the aircraft factory in Irkutsk. The new version differs from the Yak-130 with advanced avionics.
Key improvements include:
- Modern electronic control systems
- New sensors and improved communication tools
- Improved cockpit with enhanced digital display
- Increased payload for weapon placement
Technical characteristics of the Yak-130:
- Length — 11.49 m
- Wingspan — 23.52 m
- Maximum takeoff weight — 10,290 kg
- Engine — AI-222-25
- Maximum speed — 1050 km/h
- Practical altitude ceiling — 12,500 m
- Combat load — 3000 kg
- Armament: R-73, S-8, S-13 missiles, aerial bombs up to 500 kg
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