Belarus Orders More Russian Yak-130 Jets

Belarus has ordered new additional Russian Yak-130 Jets.

The country has signed two contracts for four Russian Yakolev Yak-130 Mitten trainer/strike aircraft, Major General Oleg Dvigalev was quoted as saying by the BelTA news agency Thursday.

Upon delivery, Belarus will have a fleet of eight Yak-130s. The previous four aircraft Belarus ordered in 2012 were delivered in April. The Yak-130 will replaced the Aero Vodochody L-39 Albatross jet trainers in Belorussian service by 2020.

Dvigalev also confirmed that an order for 12 Mil Mi-8MTV-5 Hip helicopters had been signed in June.

The Yak-130 is an advanced pilot training aircraft that replicates the characteristics of 4+ generation fighters, including the Su-30, MiG-29, Eurofighter Typhoon, Rafale, F-22 and the F-35. The plane made its maiden flight in 1996 and entered service in 2010.

The aircraft has cockpit, which is equipped with digital indicators. Further, it can perform flights in nearly all regimes similar to modern and projected combat planes. The construction of its air scoops and gear enable it to take off even from small grass airfields.

Moreover, the tiny plane can carry enough ammunition to deliver a devastating payload. The plane also can carry up to three tons of bombs, missiles, rockets, and gun pods.