IRKUTSK, Russia — Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) confirmed on October 9, 2026, that the third Yak-130M prototype (side number 137) completed its maiden flight at the Irkutsk Aviation Plant in Siberia. Piloted by Yakovlev test aviators Oleg Mutovin and Alexander Guskov, the sortie verified all baseline flight systems ahead of planned serial deliveries set for 2028.
As the first test airframe manufactured to full production specifications, prototype 137 will join the flight-test program alongside the first prototype (maiden flight June 25, 2026) and second prototype airframe. The Yak-130M modernization program transitions the subsonic Yak-130 dual-seat jet trainer into an all-weather, radar-equipped light attack platform optimized for point defense, close-air support (CAS), and anti-UAV counter-drone operations.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS: YAKOVLEV YAK-130M LIGHT COMBAT AIRCRAFT 
* Developer & Manufacturer: Yakovlev Design Bureau / Irkutsk Aviation Plant (UAC)
* Program Status: 3rd prototype flight completed; serial production & deliveries scheduled for 2028
* Export Base: First international contract signed in July 2026 for 18 units to the Vietnam People’s Air Force
* Powerplant & Airframe Baseline:
* Engines: 2× Ivchenko-Progress AI-222-25 turbofans (24.52 kN / 5,510 lbf thrust each)
* Speed: Subsonic profile (~1,060 km/h / Mach 0.86 max speed)
* Service Ceiling & Range: 12,500 meters (~41,000 ft) | ~2,100 km unrefueled range
* Avionics & Mission Systems Upgrade:
* Airborne Radar: BRLS-130R nose-mounted Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar for multi-target tracking
* Electro-Optical Suite: SOLT-130K optical-laser thermal-television targeting pod (TV/FLIR/laser designator)
* Defensive Aids Suite: President-S130 podded self-protection / electronic countermeasures (ECM) suite
* Secure Communications: KSS-130 digital tactical communications suite
* Ordnance & Operational Capabilities:
* External Payload: Up to 3,000 kg across 9 hardpoints
* Weapons Portfolio: R-73 short-range air-to-air missiles, satellite/laser-guided bombs (KAB-500 series), unguided rockets (S-8/S-25), and 23 mm/30 mm gun pods
* Primary Mission Profiles: Asymmetric light attack, forward air control, counter-drone/UAV interception, and high-end lead-in fighter training
