Russia To Order More Yak-130 Combat Trainers

The Russian Air Force is planning to order an additional batch of new Yak-130 combat trainers because demand for the aircraft is growing, according to RIA Novosti.

The current contract with Russia’s Irkut aircraft corporation stipulates the delivery of 55 Yak-130s to the air force. A total of 42 aircraft have been delivered so far.

“It is certain that we will sign a new contract [on additional Yak-130 deliveries],” Lt. Gen. Viktor Bondarev was quoted as saying during a visit to the Irkutsk aircraft manufacturing plant, which makes Yak-130 trainers.

Bondarev confirmed that the Russian air force would soon form a new aerobatics team flying Yak-130s.

The Yak-130 Mitten jet trainer/light attack aircraft is a subsonic two-seat aircraft developed by the Yakovlev design bureau.

The plane has been chosen as a basic aircraft for Russian air force pilot training. The first deliveries of the aircraft started in 2009.