The Yak-130M combat trainer has undergone an extensive modernization, with more than half of its onboard equipment replaced or upgraded. The details were included in briefing materials prepared for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s working visit to the Irkutsk Region.

The aircraft received a new radar station and advanced onboard targeting systems. These additions allow it to carry and deploy a broad range of weapons, including guided munitions, against both aerial and ground targets.

Following the upgrade, the Yak-130M has effectively become a light frontline combat aircraft capable of performing fighter, ground-attack and strike missions. Its new systems also enable it to engage heavy unmanned aerial vehicles and unmanned surface vessels operating in maritime areas.

Despite the expansion of its combat capabilities, the aircraft retains its established reliability standards and relatively low operating and maintenance costs.

The Yak-130M was developed from the Yak-130 combat trainer, which is operated by the Russian Aerospace Forces and the Belarusian Air Force. The original aircraft is also in service with several countries in Asia and Africa.