Lead

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the Irkutsk Aviation Plant on Friday, where he inspected a prototype of the modernized Yak-130M combat-capable trainer aircraft, according to TASS. The plant, a branch of the Yakovlev Public Joint Stock Company of the United Aviation Corporation (UAC) of Rostec, specializes in the production of Su-30 aircraft, Yak-130 combat training aircraft, and MS-21 medium-range passenger aircraft.

Coverage Comparison

TASS, the Russian state news agency, provided detailed coverage of the visit, focusing on the aircraft's capabilities, technical specifications, and the plant's role in the Russian aerospace industry. Reports highlighted that the Yak-130M is a significantly upgraded version of the Yak-130, with more than 50% of its equipment modernized, including advanced sight systems and a modern radar station.

The coverage also emphasized the aircraft's potential combat roles, with Putin noting that it should be capable of performing missions emerging during combat operations, such as eliminating enemy large copters and uncrewed boats.

Key Claims

  • Three prototype models of the Yak-130M modernized combat trainer aircraft have been assembled and are currently undergoing trials, as reported by TASS, citing Vitaly Yelagin, the Irkutsk Aviation Plant’s chief manufacturing officer.
  • Deliveries of the Yak-130M are planned to begin in late 2028, according to the same source.
  • The full cycle of trials for the upgraded Yak-130M is expected to be concluded in December 2028, with export deliveries set to start simultaneously, according to materials prepared for Putin's visit.
  • The Yak-130M has been more than 50% renewed in terms of its equipment, including advanced sight systems and a modern radar station, enabling it to employ a broad range of armaments, including guided weapons, to engage both aerial and ground targets, as stated in the materials.
  • Test Pilot Alexander Guskov briefed Putin on the aircraft's capabilities, saying it is outfitted with advanced onboard systems, a modern radar, and a weapons suite that includes air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles. He described the upgraded trainer as a full-fledged light fighter aircraft that considerably outperforms its predecessor.
  • The Yak-130M's combat objectives include destroying ground and aerial targets, specifically heavy-class unmanned aerial vehicles, Guskov stressed.
  • The Yak-130M can accelerate to 960 km/h and has an operational range of 1,610 km.
  • Putin stated that the aircraft should also perform missions to carry out emerging combat tasks, such as the elimination of enemy large copters and uncrewed boats.
  • The upgraded Yak-130M performed its debut test flight at the Irkutsk Aviation Plant on June 25, 2026. The flight was successful, lasted about 50 minutes, proceeded at altitudes of up to 2,000 meters and at speeds of up to 600 km/h, as reported earlier by TASS.