Russia’s YAK-130M Modernized Combat-Trainer Conducts Maiden Flight

Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) conducted the maiden flight of the Yak-130M prototype, a thoroughly modernized version of the Yak-130 combat trainer.

The aircraft was piloted by a crew consisting of First Class Test Pilot Alexander Guskov and Honored Test Pilot Andrei Voropaev. The flight lasted approximately 50 minutes and took place at altitudes of up to 2,000 meters and speeds of up to 600 km/h.

The YAK-130 could emerge as lower priced, better featured competitor to Leonardo's T-346A combat-trainer which has notched up sales in the global market.

"The Yak-130M's maiden flight marks a significant milestone in the development of Russia's combat training aircraft. The aircraft combines modern technology, expanded functionality, and high potential to address a wide range of customer-facing missions," said Gennady Abramenkov, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation.

The Yak-130M is a modernized combat trainer with expanded combat capabilities. It is based on the Yak-130, which is operated by the Russian Aerospace Forces and the air forces of several countries in Europe, Asia, and Africa.

"It looks like a familiar Yak-130, but its characteristics are entirely new, taking into account today's requirements, real combat experience, and the future of combat aviation. It features advanced onboard systems, a modern radar, and a comprehensive weapons suite, including air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons. It's now a two-in-one: not just a trainer, but a fully-fledged light fighter, significantly surpassing the capabilities of its predecessor," Rostec, the parent of UAC said in a release.

"The modernization will enable it to fully perform training and combat missions in all weather conditions, day and night, at the level of modern aircraft systems. The Yak-130M's combat missions include the destruction of ground and air targets, including heavy-duty unmanned aerial vehicles," emphasized Vadim Badekha, CEO of the UAC.

In November 2025, UAC and Rosoboronexport unveiled the Yak-130M prototype at the Dubai Airshow 2025. Countries already operating Yak-130 aircraft and new customers planning to add modern aircraft to their Air Force fleets expressed interest in purchasing the aircraft.

The Yak-130M is equipped with an AI-222-25 engine manufactured by the United Engine Corporation (UEC) of Rostec. This serially produced, bypass, non-afterburning turbojet engine delivers 2,500 kgf of thrust at maximum power and reduced fuel consumption. A digital automatic control and monitoring system ensures high reliability of the powerplant.