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Yakovlev Yak-130

The Yakovlev Yak-130 is a Russian twin-engine, two-seat advanced jet trainer and light-attack aircraft.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Yakovlev Yak-130 is a Russian twin-engine, two-seat advanced jet trainer and light-attack aircraft. It first flew on 25 April 1996 and entered service with the Russian Air Force in 2010 after winning a 2002 government tender. Designed to train pilots for modern fighter aircraft, it can also perform combat, reconnaissance, and ground-attack missions.

Development

Development of the Yak-130 began in 1991, and the aircraft first flew in 1996. It was later selected in 2002 in a Russian government competition for a new trainer.

Design

The Yak-130 is a twin-engine, two-seat jet with a fly-by-wire control system and avionics intended to simulate modern fighter characteristics. Its design supports both training and limited combat roles. Published specifications list a maximum speed of about 1,060 km/h.

Operational use

The aircraft entered Russian Air Force service in 2010 and has also been exported to several other countries. It is used for pilot training and, where required, light strike duties.

Capabilities

Sources describe the Yak-130 as capable of carrying about 3,000 kg of external stores, including weapons, fuel tanks, and targeting equipment. It is also fitted for air-to-air and ground-attack missions in suitable conditions.

Key facts

  • Designed as an advanced trainer for pilots transitioning to 4th- and 5th-generation fighter aircraft.
  • Twin-engine, two-seat configuration with fly-by-wire controls.
  • Can perform light-attack and reconnaissance missions.
  • Won a 2002 government training-aircraft tender for Russian service.
  • Published specifications list a maximum speed of about 1,060 km/h and a combat load of up to 3,000 kg.
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Canadian context

The Yak-130 is relevant to Canadian readers mainly as a comparable advanced trainer aircraft in global military aviation; it is not known as a Canadian-designed or Canadian-operated aircraft.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Yakovlev Yak-130?
It is a Russian twin-engine, two-seat advanced jet trainer that can also serve in light-attack and reconnaissance roles.
When did the Yak-130 first fly?
It first flew on 25 April 1996.
When did it enter service?
It entered service with the Russian Air Force in 2010.
What is the Yak-130 used for?
It is mainly used to train pilots for modern fighter aircraft, but it can also carry weapons for light combat missions.
What is its NATO reporting name?
Its NATO reporting name is Mitten.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yakovlev_Yak-130
    Supports: Basic description, first flight, Russian Air Force service date, payload, crew, engine, speed, and training/light-attack role.
  2. ROE (Rosoboronexport) — https://roe.ru/en/production/aerospace-forces/aircraft/training-and-combat-training-aircraft/yak-1301976/?theme=theme-lightblue
    Supports: Official description of the aircraft as a training and combat-training aircraft for 4th- and 5th-generation fighters and its light-combat role.
  3. United Aircraft Corporation — https://uacrussia.ru/en/aircraft/lineup/military/yak-130/
    Supports: Manufacturer overview describing the Yak-130 as a two-seat combat training aircraft with advanced avionics.
  4. Deagel — https://www.deagel.com/Combat%20Aircraft/Yak-130/a000328
    Supports: First flight date, IOC timing, and broad technical summary including trainer role and limited ground-attack capability.
  5. Wikipedia (French) — https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yakovlev_Yak-130
    Supports: NATO reporting name Mitten and advanced trainer role.