The First Flight of the Second Prototype of the Yak-130M Aircraft

05 Agustus 2026

The second prototype of the modernized Yak-130M combat trainer (photos: PJSC Yakovlev)

The Yak-130M  replaces the basic Yak-130, not only for the Russian Aerospace Forces but  also for foreign customers: Iran, Vietnam, Algeria, Bangladesh, Belarus, Myanmar, Laos, and Ethiopia (photos: PJSC Yakovlev)

On August 1, 2026, the Irkutsk Aviation Plant, a branch of PJSC Yakovlev (part of PJSC United Aircraft Corporation, part of the Rostec State Corporation), reportedly held the maiden flight of the second prototype of the modernized Yak-130M combat trainer (serial number 1301400002, tail number "002"). 

The aircraft was piloted by a crew consisting of 1st class test pilot Alexander Guskov and honored test pilot Andrey Voropayev. The second prototype of the modernized Yak-130M combat trainer (serial number 1301400002, tail number "002") before its maiden flight. Irkutsk, 01.08.2026 (c) PAO Yakovlev. 

The first flight of the first Yak-130M aircraft prototype (serial number 1301400001, subsequently assigned the tail number "001"), built at the Irkutsk Aviation Plant (IAP), took place in Irkutsk under the control of the same crew on June 25, 2026. 

UAC announced the completion of the second Yak-130M prototype on October 23, 2025. At the same time, UAC indicated that the Yak-130M prototype series should include a total of three aircraft. 

The Yak-130M is a modernized combat trainer with expanded combat capabilities, a further development of the Yak-130. The Yak-130M aircraft features an expanded avionics suite, including the BRLS-130R airborne radar developed by Radar MMS Research and Production Enterprise, the SOLT-130K optical-laser thermal television system, the President-S130 airborne defense system, and the KSS-130 communications suite. 

Vietnam for the launch customer?

Unconfirmed reports indicate that Vietnam may be the first customer for the Yak-130M. Vitaly Yelagin, IAP Production Director, stated during a visit to the plant by Russian President Vladimir Putin on July 24, 2026, that the first deliveries of the Yak-130M aircraft would begin in 2028. 

(BMPD)