The Yak-130M advanced jet trainer has completed its first flight, marking the start of the flight-test programme for the upgraded variant at the Irkutsk Aviation Plant.
The sortie lasted approximately 50 minutes and was conducted within a limited envelope, reaching altitudes of up to 2,000 m and speeds of around 600 km/h. Test pilots reported nominal handling characteristics throughout, including during configuration changes and basic envelope expansion manoeuvres.
The flight profile included gear retraction shortly after take-off, controllability assessments across a range of flight conditions, and handling checks at increased angles of attack. Subsequent phases covered landing configuration validation and approach handling before a standard recovery.
The Yak-130M retains the baseline aerodynamic platform of the Yak-130 but introduces a revised mission systems architecture aimed at expanding its operational utility beyond advanced pilot training. Key additions include an airborne radar set, containerised electro-optical/infrared targeting systems, and an integrated defensive aids suite. The communications suite has also been upgraded to support tactical data exchange between airborne and ground nodes.
The aircraft is configured to employ an expanded weapons set, including precision-guided munitions with laser and satellite guidance, alongside conventional unguided ordnance. The integration of multi-ejector racks increases carriage density for light strike missions, while provision is made for external gun armament options depending on configuration.
Propulsion is provided by the AI-222-25 non-afterburning turbofan, rated at approximately 2,500 kgf thrust. The engine retains commonality with the baseline Yak-130 fleet and is controlled via a digital engine management system designed to improve reliability and reduce specific fuel consumption.
Irkutsk officials indicate that preparations for serial production are being advanced in parallel with ongoing testing activity. Manufacturing processes at the plant are being reconfigured toward a higher-throughput assembly flow to support anticipated demand, including potential export interest.
The Yak-130M was previously displayed at Dubai Airshow 2025, where it attracted interest from both existing operators of the Yak-130 and prospective customers evaluating light combat and training platforms.
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