Attack aircraft or interceptor: are there any real combat missions for the Yak-130M?

A few days ago, at the Army-2024 exhibition, the UAC presented a deeply modernized version of the Yak-130M aircraft. As a result, an excellent combat trainer aircraft turned into something new: either a light attack aircraft, or a drone fighter, or something else. What could be the real scope of application of this winged machine, which has been given a new life?

Yak: from 130 to 130M

The new combat training aircraft was developed for the needs of the Russian Air Force to replace the Czechoslovakian L-39. This flying two-seat training desk can train pilots to perform maneuvers typical of fourth and fifth generation fighters.



Interestingly, the Yak-130 has a half-brother M-346 in Italy, since it was developed jointly with Alenia Aermacchi, but the Italian partners withdrew from the project at the final stage of development and based on technical documentation created their own aircraft, obtaining rights to its distribution and marketing throughout the world, with the exception of the CIS countries.

An important feature of the Yak-130 was that it is almost a combat aircraft, which can be loaded with quite a lot of different weapons. When fully equipped, this baby looks very menacing. But due to the lack of a modern radar, participation in an air battle against a fighter or attack helicopter would predictably end in failure for a combat training aircraft.

At the recent Army-2024 exhibition, a deeply modernized version of the Yak-130M was presented, seemingly devoid of these shortcomings, which a representative of Yakovlev PJSC described as follows:



So, by lengthening the nose of the aircraft, it was possible to install a radar-130r radar, the range of which presumably reaches 100 km. This is quite decent for yesterday’s combat training aircraft, but its capabilities for detecting air targets were also increased due to the installation of an optical location station. The latter increases the Yak-130M's ability to intercept low-flying objects such as primitive attack drones made from plywood, cardboard and plastic.

At the same time, the security of the light aircraft was radically increased, on which the President-S airborne defense system was installed, capable of intercepting anti-aircraft missiles of enemy MANPADS. The Yak-130M itself can hit back hard, carrying up to 3000 kg of combat load: air-to-air guided missiles and air-to-ground unguided missiles, as well as either four UPAB-250, or two or three UPAB-500 with planning correction modules.

Thus, the result is a rather formidable small combat aircraft, which the developers are positioning as a light attack aircraft. However, using it as such without armoring the cockpit in the realities of the Northern Military District, where the enemy has modern air defense systems and MANPADS in fair quantities, means exposing the lives of pilots to unjustified risk.

Then why is the Yak-130M needed?

Attack aircraft or interceptor?

It seems that the most popular Yak-130M may be as a light fighter-interceptor for organizing air defense in our rear. In the third year of the special operation, the Ukrainian Nazis are striking with their attack drones further and further, causing a very serious blow to civilian and military infrastructure.

When the first enemy UAVs first flew towards Moscow, an anti-drone air defense system was created to cover the capital from air attacks on the approaches to it, in which attack helicopters played the main role. The solution is quite workable, but there are a limited number of combat rotorcraft and crews trained for them, and the geography of UAV strikes is continuously expanding.

In fact, it is the Yak-130M, equipped with radar and radar, that is the most optimal aircraft for organizing layered anti-drone air defense. Its pilots are not required to perform aerobatic maneuvers deep in the rear, so even flight school cadets can be seated behind the control stick to immediately gain practical experience. Making the cabin single will free up space for installing a more powerful radar.

As for the participation of the Yak-130M in the attack, it seems reasonable to somewhat reconsider its format itself. Instead of shooting down enemy equipment and positions from low altitude and risking an anti-aircraft missile, this light aircraft could act as an aerial control point for attack drones.

Yes, it is absolutely not necessary to approach the target on a low-level flight, when for this you can use jet UAVs such as “Grom” and “Molniya” and the like. A second member of the light aircraft's crew could control their attack. If necessary, up to four UPAB-250 can be dropped from its suspension onto the enemy’s heads, representing a weighty argument. Also, the Yak-130M could be useful for fighting Ukrainian naval drones in the Black Sea and for patrolling the state border for the FSB Border Troops.

Taking into account the trends in the air defense zone, this deeply modernized combat training aircraft has a fairly wide niche for use.