The Russian AF has started training of its pilots on new Yak-130 combat trainers. Since this April, the aircraft had been extensively used for preparatory and solo flights of cadet pilots in the Borisoglebvsk training Center, Central part of Russia.

The Yak-130’s stable at Borisoglebvsk had been augmented in the fast way since autumn 2012, when IRKUT Corporation launched its deliveries. Actually, IRKUT signed up its contract with the Russian MoD on supply till 2015 of 55 Yak-130s at the end of 2011. The first batch of fifteen trainers were delivered to the Russian AD in 2012.

As was stated by the Russian MoD, the in-mass acquisition of Yak-130s was dictated by a necessity to retrain Russian pilots for operating new Su-30SMs and Su-35s, super-agile fighters, which are nowadays entering the service with the Russian AF. It was also noted, the requirements for Yak-130 are also related to training of pilots of T-50 5th generation fighter. The military experts believe that the trainers of previous generations are poorly suited for pilots’ training on super-agile fighters because of a low engine thrust, a limited maneuverability and out-dated avionics.

Besides of the Yak’s tense engagement  in the training process, the Russian AF has decided to form up a pilot group, which will perform demonstrate flights on this aircraft. As stated by General-Lieutenant Viktor Bondarev, the Commander-in-Chief of the Russian AF, for this purpose will be developed a special light-weight version of Yak-130.

Mr. Oleg Demchenko, President of IRKUT Corp, believes that the main focus in the further development of the Yak-130 Program will be on increasing of its combat performances. Precisely in this context, there are current efforts to integrate an opto-electronic system into the plane’s avionics, which provides targets’ detection and their effective homing for guided weaponry at night. A next phase of the Yak’s development is related to installation of on-board radar in a stationary version as well as one of container type.

Up-graded aiming systems will make possible to extend its weaponry. Nowadays, besides of un-guided weapon systems, Yak-130 is capable to operate R-73 air-to-air missiles and guided aviation bombs. Besides, it is being considered to use Yak-130 for carrying on its board Kh-31 and Kh-38 air-to-surface missiles.

The IRKUT representatives opine that the augmented combat performances of Yak-130 will its market perspectives much better. The first deliveries of Yak’s under export contract was made to Algeria in 2011. At the end of 2012 four Yak-130 were ordered by Belorussia. Quite recently its was stated that Bangladesh had decided to acguire 24 Yak’s. Among potential buyers are being mentioned the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam as well a few CIS countries. There were in news that the Yak-130’s proposals were formed up for India. IRKUT Corp has been successfully collaborating with that country for the last fifteen years on supplies of Su-30MKI fighters and their assembling in India under the license contract.

Russia is certain to promote Yak-130 in Brazil, which has been demonstrating a vivid interest to Russian weaponry in terms both of its acquisition and manufacturing in Brazil.

A representative of IRKUT Corp., the developer and manufacture of Yak-130, stated that there is an intention “to discuss with Brazil some issues on technology and production of this trainer for the whole LA region”. As a model of such cooperation, which may be applied in case of Brazil, the IRKUT’s top-management refers to its experience of collaboration with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd., the Indian state-run company. Since long under the IRKUT’s license, HAL has been engaged in manufacturing of a big number of Su-30MKI fighters.

Yakovlev press release