Vietnam is considering the purchase of 18 Russian Yak-130M combat trainers, which could become a new element in the defense of airbases and strengthen the Su-30 fighter fleet. This was reported by Defence Security Asia.
The Yak-130M is a deep modernization of the Russian Yak-130 combat trainer. The aircraft received new onboard systems, a radar station, an optoelectronic complex, and expanded weapon application capabilities. In Russia, the aircraft is now considered not only as a platform for pilot training but also as a light combat aircraft capable of engaging air and ground targets.
One of the new applications for the Yak-130M is combating large drones. The aircraft is capable of using air-to-air and air-to-surface weapons, allowing it to be used for intercepting aerial targets and supporting heavier fighters.
The potential delivery of 18 aircraft will allow Vietnam to significantly increase its fleet of Yak-130 family aircraft. The country already operates Russian combat trainers of this type, which are used for pilot training and transitioning to more complex combat aircraft, including Su-30 fighters.
The first flight of the modernized Yak-130M took place in June 2026 at the Irkutsk Aviation Plant. During the test flight, the aircraft spent about 50 minutes in the air, reaching an altitude of up to 2000 meters and a speed of about 600 km/h.
The emergence of export interest in the Yak-130M shows that Russia is trying to bring the light combat aircraft to the international market. The aircraft occupies a niche between training aircraft and full-fledged fighters, offering a cheaper option for countries that do not require the purchase of heavy combat platforms.