Russia’s upgraded Yak-130M combat trainer will be able to exchange tactical information with other aircraft and ground command posts in real time. According to Rostec, this capability comes from the new KSS-130 communications suite developed for the aircraft by United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), a subsidiary of Rostec.

The new equipment will allow the Yak-130M to operate as part of a unified combat command network rather than function solely as an independent aircraft. By maintaining direct communication with other participants, the jet will be integrated into a distributed system that connects airborne platforms with ground-based command centers. Such coordination is considered one of the essential requirements of modern warfare.

The aircraft has also received additional protection against missile attacks. An earlier announcement confirmed that the modernized Yak-130M was equipped with the President-S130 defensive suite, designed to detect threats automatically and counter enemy targeting systems.

The onboard protection system uses several defensive measures in sequence. When its sensors detect a missile launch, electronic warfare equipment activates jamming measures to disrupt enemy detection and guidance systems. The aircraft then releases specialized decoys intended to counter missiles equipped with infrared and radar homing seekers.