The United Aircraft Corporation (UAC, part of Rostec) presented the modernized Yak-130M combat trainer aircraft at the Dubai Airshow 2025 international exhibition. The updated version received the latest small-sized radar, laser and thermal television systems, as well as a container-based onboard defense system.
In the modernized Yak-130M, we have expanded its combat characteristics. First of all, we added sighting systems, such as radar, laser and thermal television optics, as well as a container-based onboard defense system, which will protect and warn of surface-to-air missile launches.
According to him, the designers developed a small-sized radar, which was successfully placed in the nose of the aircraft without changing its appearance. This solution made it possible to maintain aerodynamic characteristics and increase the efficiency of target detection.
The main difference between the Yak-130M and the basic version is the ability to perform not only training, but also combat missions. The aircraft allows pilots to practice using the entire range of weapons without real launches — the system simulates dropping bombs and launching air-to-surface and air-to-air missiles.
Foreign experts who visited the UAC exposition showed particular interest in the updated Yak-130M, as well as other Russian developments, including the MC-21 and SJ-100 civilian airliners, also presented in Dubai.
