IRKUTSK, September 28. /TASS/. Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) plans to carry out test flights of the third prototype of the modernized Yak-130M combat training aircraft in the near future, Andrey Soinov, CEO of the Irkutsk Aviation Plant (part of the UAC within the Rostec State Corporation), said.

"We plan to fly the third Yak-130M prototype in the near future, and accordingly, three prototypes are currently undergoing flight tests. This is already a modernized aircraft. At the same time, since we expect demand for this aircraft to grow, we are now restructuring production and converting the final assembly shop to an assembly line as well, similar to the MC-21 aircraft," he told reporters.

He added that the plant anticipates high demand and is restructuring the production line. "We are also setting up an assembly line to meet this demand. We already have signed contracts with foreign customers. We’ve also showcased the aircraft in Egypt, where it has generated significant interest. We’re currently preparing technical and commercial proposals," Soynov noted.

According to the plant CEO, the modernized Yak-130 will also be relevant for the domestic market. He noted that deliveries to customers will begin in 2028.

On July 24, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the Irkutsk Aviation Plant (a branch of Yakovlev PJSC) where he inspected a prototype sample of the Yak-130M modernized combat-capable training aircraft that performed its maiden flight a month ago. The president noted that the Yak-130M is designed to address challenges that arise during combat operations--including the destruction of large enemy helicopters and unmanned surface vessels.

The Yak-130M is an extensively modernized Russian two-seat combat training aircraft, developed by the Yakovlev Design Bureau based on the Yak-130 model, which made its maiden flight on June 25, 2026. A key feature of the new version is its transformation into a full-fledged combat aircraft. As part of the extensive modernization, more than 50% of the aircraft’s equipment was upgraded. In particular, it was equipped with advanced onboard targeting systems and a modern radar station. As a result, the Yak-130M gained the capability to use a wide range of weapons, including missiles and bombs, to engage both air and ground targets.