Yakovlev Yak-130
Yakovlev / Irkut · Advanced Jet Trainer / Light Combat / Advanced Jet Training / Lead-in Fighter Training · Russia · Digital Age (2010–present)
The Yakovlev Yak-130 (NATO reporting name Mitten) is a Russian twin-engine, two-seat jet trainer and light combat aircraft developed by the Yakovlev Design Bureau — now part of Irkut Corporation under United Aircraft Corporation — and in production since 2009. It entered Russian Aerospace Forces service in 2010 as Russia's principal fast-jet trainer and light-combat platform. The design originated as a joint Yakovlev-Aermacchi (Italy) programme; the same baseline airframe is also produced as the Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Master, though the Russian and Italian lines diverged after the joint-development phase. More than 200 Yak-130 / M-346 family aircraft have been built. Yak-130 operators include Russia, Algeria, Bangladesh, Belarus, Vietnam, Myanmar and Iran (a small, contested batch).
The Yak-130 measures 37 ft (11.3 m) in length with a 32 ft (9.7 m) wingspan. Empty weight is around 10,800 lb and maximum take-off weight 22,000 lb. Power comes from two AI-222-25 turbofans rated at roughly 5,510 lbf each — a modest engine class for a fast-jet trainer / light attack platform. Maximum speed is Mach 0.93 (~700 mph at altitude), combat radius around 460 nmi with external tanks, and service ceiling 41,000 ft. Nine hardpoints can carry up to 6,600 lb of stores. The aircraft features a tandem cockpit (instructor rear, student front) with full glass displays, fly-by-wire flight controls, and weapons compatibility spanning Kh-25, Kh-29 and Kh-31 air-to-ground missiles, Mk-82 and Mk-83 bombs, KAB-500 laser-guided bombs, and R-73 air-to-air missiles.
Yak-130s have flown continuously with the Russian Aerospace Forces since 2010 in the fast-jet training role. Russian Yak-130s deployed to Syria from 2015, conducting limited light-combat sorties, and the type has been employed in the Russia-Ukraine war from 2022, with reported use across training and limited combat tasks. Iran's acquisition of roughly six airframes in 2023 drew international criticism: it provides Tehran with a current-generation trainer to replace the ageing IRIAF Phantom II and F-5 family, and is widely seen as breaching U.S.-led sanctions on Russian defence exports to Iran. Russian programme targets sit in the 140-200 range; about 50-plus airframes have been delivered to export customers. Production runs at Irkut Corporation's Irkutsk facility.
For Kids — a shorter, friendlier version
The Yakovlev Yak-130 Mitten is a Russian jet trainer and light attack plane. It first flew in 1996 and entered Russian service in 2010. The Yak-130 teaches new pilots before they move up to fighters like the Su-30 or MiG-29. Two crew sit one behind the other under a big bubble canopy.
The Yak-130 has two Slovak DV-2 engines, together making 9,300 pounds of thrust. Top speed is 660 mph, just below the speed of sound. The plane is 37 feet long, smaller than a school bus. It can carry up to 6,600 pounds of bombs and missiles on 8 weapon stations under the wings.
What makes the Yak-130 special is its flight system. The computer can be programmed to feel like different fighters. New pilots can practice flying an Su-30, MiG-29, or other plane in a single Yak-130. This saves money because pilots can learn most fighter skills before getting into the real (expensive) fighters.
Russia, Algeria, Belarus, Vietnam, and Laos all fly Yak-130s. About 200 have been built since 2008. An Italian version called the M-346 Master is sold in the West (Italy, Israel, Singapore, Poland). The same plane in two flavors: Yak-130 for Russia and friends, M-346 for the West.
Fun Facts
- The Yak-130 can feel like different fighters thanks to its programmable flight computer.
- Top speed is 660 mph, just below the speed of sound.
- About 200 Yak-130s have been built since 2008.
- Russia, Algeria, Belarus, Vietnam, and Laos all fly Yak-130s.
- The Italian M-346 Master is the same design sold to Western countries.
- The Yak-130 is 37 feet long, smaller than a school bus.
- Each Yak-130 costs about $15 million, much less than a fighter.
Kids’ Questions
What does 'programmable flight feel' mean?
The Yak-130's flight computer adjusts how the plane responds to the pilot's controls. The computer can be set to make the Yak-130 feel like an Su-30, MiG-29, or any other plane. Students learn how each fighter handles, then go fly that fighter for real. This is much cheaper than training in actual fighters.
How is it different from the M-346?
The Yak-130 and M-346 share the same basic design, developed jointly by Russian Yakovlev and Italian Alenia in the 1990s. The two companies later split up. Russia builds the Yak-130 with Russian electronics for Russia and its allies. Italy builds the M-346 with Western electronics for Italy, Israel, Singapore, and Poland.
Why two countries together originally?
In the 1990s, Italy and Russia both needed a new jet trainer but did not have enough money to develop one alone. Working together, they shared the cost. The plane was so successful that both countries wanted to build their own versions for export. So the partnership ended and each country went solo, but they shared the basic design.
Variants
- Yak-130 (initial 2010)
- Original 2010 production variant. Around 140 delivered to the Russian Aerospace Forces. Backbone of Russian fast-jet training.
- Yak-130M (2020+)
- Upgraded variant introduced in 2020 with revised mission systems and expanded weapons integration. Roughly 30 delivered.
- Yak-131 / Yak-133 (proposed light fighter)
- Proposed dedicated light-combat derivatives based on the Yak-130 airframe. Concepts for a low-cost light-attack fighter; never built for frontline service.
- Aermacchi M-346 Master (Italian sister platform)
- Italian production line from the same airframe family, diverged after the joint-development phase. The M-346 is operated by Italy, Israel, Singapore, Greece, Poland, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and Nigeria. Separate dedicated entry.
Notable Operators
- Russian Aerospace Forces
- Primary operator with around 140 Yak-130 in active service across fast-jet training squadrons and combat units.
- Algeria, Bangladesh, Belarus, Vietnam, Myanmar, Iran
- Export operators: Algeria (~16+), Bangladesh (~16), Belarus (~8), Vietnam (~12 ordered), Myanmar (~6), Iran (~6 in the contested 2023 procurement).
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Yak-130 compare to the BAE Hawk?
The Yak-130 is a more recent design than the BAE Hawk. The Hawk is single-engine with modest performance and low operating cost; the Yak-130 is twin-engine with higher performance and a current-generation cockpit. Yak-130 strengths include glass cockpit avionics, broader weapons integration and high-subsonic cruise. The Hawk's strengths are an established export base (25-plus operators), proven reliability and cheaper operating economics. Both have succeeded in their respective markets.
What is the relationship between the M-346 and the Yak-130?
Both share a common airframe family from the Yakovlev-Aermacchi joint programme of the 1990s-2000s. The Yak-130 is the Russian production variant; the M-346 is the Italian one. After the partnership ended the two diverged on engines, mission systems and avionics. They compete in the same export segments — the Yak-130 in Russian and aligned markets, the M-346 in NATO and Western-aligned customers.
Why did Iran procure the Yak-130?
The IRIAF needed a replacement for its ageing fast-jet training fleet. Iran's existing F-4 Phantom II and F-5 Tiger II trainers date largely from the 1970s, and Iran needs a current-generation trainer to support new combat types including the planned Su-30/35 and the indigenous Saegheh. The roughly six Yak-130 received in 2023 give Iran a current-generation fast-jet trainer that can also fly light-attack sorties. The deal is contested as a likely violation of U.S. sanctions on Iran-Russia defence cooperation.
Sources
See Also
- BAE Systems Hawk — Western jet trainer competitor
- KAI T-50 Golden Eagle — Current-generation jet trainer competitor