Yak-130M combat jet attracts international interest at Egyptian airshow

Yak-130M light combat aircraft AESA radar military aviation Yakovlev

Russia's modernized Yak-130M light combat aircraft has drawn significant interest from African and Asian nations at the El Alamein International Airshow 2026 in Egypt. Developed by Yakovlev, the Yak-130M is an upgraded version of the existing trainer jet, redesigned to perform serious combat missions including anti-drone operations, precision ground attacks, and air-to-air combat.

Key technical upgrades include a new Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, an updated targeting system, and an enhanced electronic warfare suite. The aircraft is designed for all-weather, day-and-night operations and is capable of carrying guided munitions. Test pilot Alexander Guskov noted high demand for the platform.

Potential customers and interested markets include Vietnam, Kazakhstan, Algeria, Iran, and Indonesia. However, some analysts have expressed skepticism regarding the manufacturer's claims about the AESA radar's effectiveness, noting that Russia has faced challenges in mass-producing such advanced systems for its frontline fighters.

Entities

Alexander Guskov · Alexander Guskow · Egypt · El Alamein International Airshow · Russia · Yak-130M · Yakovlev

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 4 SOURCES] Test pilot Alexander Guskow reported significant interest from Africa and Asia. www.fehmarn24.de · www.hna.de · www.mannheim24.de · www.merkur.de
[● 4 SOURCES] The Yak-130M features more than 50% renewed onboard electronics. www.fehmarn24.de · www.hna.de · www.mannheim24.de · www.merkur.de
[● 4 SOURCES] Reported radar detection ranges for fighter-sized targets vary between 100 and 180 kilometers. www.fehmarn24.de · www.hna.de · www.mannheim24.de · www.merkur.de
[● 4 SOURCES] The modernized jet includes a new targeting system, a defense complex, and an expanded arsenal of air-to-ground and air-to-air missiles. www.fehmarn24.de · www.hna.de · www.mannheim24.de · www.merkur.de
[● 4 SOURCES] The effectiveness of the aircraft's radar remains unverified and subject to skepticism. www.fehmarn24.de · www.hna.de · www.mannheim24.de · www.merkur.de