New Yak and MiG: Russian military pilots will be trained on advanced aircraft

Promising aircraft models will be included in the military training aviation fleet for modern pilot training, said Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu.

Engineers at UAC (part of Rostec) are working on two training aircraft. One of them is the Yak-152, the tests of which were completed in December 2023. Currently, specialists are working on localizing the existing engine. They are also considering adapting the VK-650 helicopter engine for the Yak-152.

The second aircraft is the MiG-UTS, the creation of which began in late 2023. To speed up the process, UAC is using developments from the MiG-AT aircraft project, in particular, they will take the tested cabin. The MiG-UTS will be equipped with one AI-222-25 engine, which is serially assembled at UEC. Thanks to this configuration, the cost of the training aircraft will be affordable.

The Yak-130, which is serially produced at UAC, will also be included in the training aircraft fleet. It is considered basic for two types of pilot training: basic and advanced programs. With its help, pilots will gain skills in controlling fourth and fifth generation combat aircraft. The Yak-130 is also used to train pilots in Iran.