The Iranian Air Force (IRIAF) has begun equipping Yak-130 trainer aircraft with R-73 short-range air-to-air missiles. Footage has appeared on social networks.
According to open sources, the range of the R-73 is up to 40 km. The mass of the warhead is 8 kg, which is quite enough to destroy small targets such as drones.
Missile engineer, author of the Telegram channel "Russian Engineer," Alexander Vasiliev, explained that the R-73 is quite suitable for eliminating slow-moving drones. In his opinion, Russia could adopt this experience.
To divide areas of responsibility with helicopters and anti-aircraft systems, in order to catch penetrating strike drones in an area where there are no other air defense assets over a long distance, and to leave "rotary-wing aircraft" and mobile fire groups as the penultimate and last line of defense for critical facilities. Moreover, everything is available for this. Both aircraft, pilots, and missiles. And the targets are not too complex, speeds are like in the era of the First World War.
The R-73 is also characterized by high maneuverability due to gas-dynamic thrust vector control and an infrared homing head.
The missile is designed to engage a wide range of aerial targets and features the ability to fire at targets at large angles and high noise immunity.
Earlier, www1.ru reported that "Kinzhal" missiles may be integrated into Su-57 fighters.