Russia’s state corporation Rostec said the Yak-130M combat trainer has been upgraded to engage slow-moving targets.

The modernization added new systems that significantly broadened the aircraft’s combat role. The Yak-130M can now detect both aerial and ground targets, while also taking terrain and weather conditions into account. For night operations and poor visibility, the aircraft uses a pod-mounted thermal imaging system that helps keep targets in sight. Its strike capability has also been strengthened with four-tube launchers.

Rostec said the aircraft’s combat potential had been substantially expanded. The corporation noted that the Yak-130M’s maneuverability and handling across a wide range of speeds allowed it to be adapted for engaging slow-moving targets, including hostile attack drones.

The Yak-130M was developed from the Yak-130, which is operated by the Russian Aerospace Forces as well as the air forces of several countries in Europe, Asia and Africa.

The aircraft is powered by the AI-222-25 turbojet engine. This twin-spool powerplant has no afterburner and produces up to 2.5 tons of thrust.

An automated control system monitors the engine’s operating parameters and is designed to ensure high reliability during flight.