Russia Tests the Yak-130M: From Training Aircraft to Counter-Drone Combat
United Aircraft Corporation, part of Russia’s Rostec technology and defence group, has announced the successful maiden flight of the third Yak-130M prototype. The milestone paves the way for further testing of the upgraded aircraft, which is designed to perform combat missions, including countering drones.
In a statement, the company said the flight took place at Yakovlev’s Irkutsk Aviation Plant. The aircraft was flown by test pilots Oleg Mutovin, a recipient of the Hero of Russia title, and Alexander Guskov. All aircraft systems operated normally, and the flight was completed in accordance with the assigned programme, the company said.
Vladimir Dokuchaev, deputy chief designer of the Yak-130 programme, described the flight as an important milestone in the aircraft’s development. Unlike the first two prototypes, he explained, the third incorporates the technical configuration approved for series production, according to RT.
He added that the successful flight would allow the third aircraft to join preliminary testing, helping keep the test programme on schedule. According to the company, deliveries of the first batch of upgraded aircraft are planned for 2028.
A Comprehensive Capability Upgrade
The Yak-130M is a substantially upgraded version of Russia’s Yak-130, a two-seat aircraft originally designed for training and combat. The upgrade aims to broaden its capabilities into a combat platform able to perform light fighter and ground-attack missions, as well as engage aerial targets, including drones.
According to published information about the project, the upgrade involves replacing more than 50 per cent of the aircraft’s equipment and installing advanced targeting systems and a modern radar. These improvements are intended to enable it to use a range of weapons against airborne and ground targets.
The new equipment includes the BRLS-130R airborne radar, fitted with an active electronically scanned array. It is intended to detect multiple targets, including relatively small objects such as drones, at comparatively long ranges.
The aircraft also features the SOLT-130K electro-optical system, combining laser, thermal imaging and television technologies to support target detection and tracking. Its weapons options include air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles, aircraft cannons and precision-guided bombs.
According to the project’s stated specifications, this equipment gives the Yak-130M broader capabilities for air support and a variety of combat missions. Russia’s Defence Ministry previously described the upgraded version as a fully fledged combat aircraft capable of operating as both a light fighter and a ground-attack aircraft.
The upgraded version made its first flight on June 25, 2026. The latest flight marks another step in the testing process before production and deliveries. The company says the aircraft has attracted interest from potential customers, without announcing any confirmed contracts.
