The Yak-130M combat trainer may receive four gun mounts at once – this option is being considered to increase the probability of hitting low-speed targets. This was stated by test pilot Alexander Guskov of PAO "Yakovlev" during the aircraft's demonstration at the El Alamein International Airshow 2026 in Egypt.
Guskov highlighted the ability to engage targets at different speeds as one of the advantages of the modernized aircraft. The Yak-130M received a new onboard radar station for detecting air and ground objects, as well as the SOLT-130K opto-laser-thermal television system in a containerized version. Their joint operation should ensure the detection and tracking of targets day and night, in good and difficult weather conditions.
The very idea of installing gun armament fits into the expansion of the aircraft's combat role: the modernized machine is created not only for pilot training but also for the use of guided weapons against air and ground targets. Rostec specifically pointed out the possibility of combating heavy drones.
The demonstration in Egypt also gave the project an export context. According to Guskov, representatives of African countries showed great interest in the Yak-130M, and Asian customers also actively inquired about the aircraft.
Read more on the topic:
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