Irkutsk Aviation Plant secures foreign contracts for Yak-130M aircraft

Russia's Irkutsk Aviation Plant has secured its first foreign export contracts for the modernized Yak-130M combat trainer aircraft. General director Andrey Soynov announced that the aircraft has generated substantial interest following its showcase in Egypt, where technical and commercial proposals are currently being prepared for potential buyers.

The Yak-130M has been upgraded from a standard jet trainer to a platform capable of engaging low-speed airborne targets, such as combat drones. This capability is supported by the integration of low-cost missiles and advanced systems, including the SOLT-130K optical and thermal imaging system, the BRLS-130R airborne radar, and the President-S130 self-protection suite.

To meet anticipated international demand, the manufacturer plans to reorganize its assembly lines to expand production capacity. The aircraft is powered by the AI-222-25 turbofan engine and is part of the Yakovlev aircraft company under the state-owned defense conglomerate Rostec.