Russian Military Plans to Order More Yak-130 Combat Trainers

IRKUTSK, December 26 (RIA Novosti) – The Russian air force is planning to order an additional batch of new Yak-130 combat trainers because demand for the aircraft is growing, the air force’s top commander said Wednesday.

The current contract with Russia’s Irkut aircraft corporation stipulates the delivery of 55 Yak-130s to the air force. A total of 42 aircraft have been delivered so far.

“It is certain that we will sign a new contract [on additional Yak-130 deliveries],” Lt. Gen. Viktor Bondarev said during a visit to the Irkutsk aircraft manufacturing plant, which makes Yak-130 trainers.

Bondarev confirmed that the Russian air force would soon form a new aerobatics team flying Yak-130s.

The Yak-130 Mitten jet trainer/light attack aircraft is a subsonic two-seat aircraft developed by the Yakovlev design bureau.

The plane has been chosen as a basic aircraft for Russian air force pilot training. The first deliveries of the aircraft started in 2009.