Jet Trainer / Light Attack
Yakovlev Yak-130
The Yakovlev Yak-130 (NATO: Mitten) is a Russian subsonic advanced jet trainer and light attack aircraft built by Irkut in Irkutsk, accepted by the Russian Air Force in 2010. Around 219 have been built and it is exported to several countries.
Russia|Yakovlev (Irkut Corporation / UAC)What Is the Yakovlev Yak-130? Overview, History and Development
The Yak-130D prototype first flew on 25 April 1996, developed by Yakovlev with Aermacchi before the M-346 split. Production aircraft flew on 30 April 2004 and the Russian Air Force accepted the type in 2010. Two AI-222-25 turbofans of about 24.5 kN each give a speed of about 1,060 km/h and a range of about 2,100 km. It has nine hardpoints for up to about 3,000 kg of weapons.
About 219 have been built, and the Russian Aerospace Forces operate roughly 123. Export users include Algeria, Myanmar, Belarus, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Laos and Ethiopia, with Iran reported in 2023. Russia has used Yak-130s in a light attack role in Ukraine, and Myanmar has used them against rebels. Ukrainian AI-222 engines are no longer supplied. Rivals include the M-346 and T-50.
Yakovlev Yak-130 Specifications: Speed, Range, Engines and Armament
Yakovlev Yak-130 Variants and Versions Compared
The original prototype designation, which first flew in 1996 during joint work with Aermacchi.
The production Russian trainer and light attack aircraft, in service since 2010 and used to prepare pilots for the Su-30SM, Su-35S and Su-57.
A planned upgrade with new avionics and stronger engines, with thrust reportedly about 20 percent higher.
Which Countries Use the Yakovlev Yak-130? Operators and Users
Russia
Belarus
Algeria
Bangladesh
Myanmar (Burma)
Vietnam
Laos
Iran
EthiopiaYakovlev Yak-130 FAQ: Price, Range, Operators and Most Asked Questions
How much does the Yak-130 cost?
The Yak-130 costs roughly US$15–25 million per aircraft in export deals, according to estimates. That is below most Western rivals such as the Leonardo M-346, though Russia has not published exact contract prices.
How fast is the Yak-130?
The Yak-130 has a top speed of about 1,060 km/h, or Mach 0.93, so it is subsonic. It has a range of about 2,100 km and a ceiling of about 12,500 m, unlike the supersonic M-346 and T-50.
Which countries use the Yak-130?
The Yak-130 is used by Russia, Belarus, Algeria, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Laos and Ethiopia, with Iran reported as an operator since 2023. Russia is the largest user with about 123 aircraft.
Yak-130 vs M-346: which is better?
The M-346 is faster, reaching about Mach 1.15 against the Yak-130’s subsonic 1,060 km/h, and uses Western avionics. The Yak-130 is cheaper at roughly US$15–25 million and faces no Western export restrictions in many markets.
Has the Yak-130 been used in combat?
The Yak-130 has been used in combat, with Russia reportedly flying it in a light attack role in Ukraine in 2022–2024. Myanmar’s air force has also used it against rebel forces, according to media and rights groups.
Does Algeria use the Yak-130?
Algeria operates about 16 to 18 Yak-130 aircraft, delivered from 2011, making it the main Arab operator. Algeria uses them for pilot training. Syria and Libya signed earlier contracts but are not verified operators.
