Iran Welcomes Russian Yak-130 Advanced Trainer Jets

The recent delivery of Yak-130 “Mitten” trainer jets to Iran is a significant development in the growing military cooperation between Russia and Tehran, with implications for the Iranian Air Force’s future integration of the Su-35 Flanker aircraft.

According to reports from the Tasnim News Agency, linked to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF) has received these trainers. The Yak-130’s arrival in Iran is notable, as it aligns with previous reports of Tehran securing new Russian equipment in exchange for supporting Moscow’s military efforts in Ukraine. In 2022, Russia sought Iranian drones, which paved the way for ongoing operations against Ukraine using Iranian-made Shahed-136 kamikaze drones, beginning in October.

In return for drones and other supplies, Russia promised more advanced weapon systems, including a batch of Su-35 “Flanker-E” fighters. Reports on the Su-35 deal surfaced when Iranian state media announced its finalization in March. In addition to the Su-35s, the exchange also included Yak-130s, attack helicopters, and radars, as stated by White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby in February.

The Yak-130, originally a joint project between Yakovlev and the former Italian manufacturer Aermacchi, eventually led to two remarkably similar designs: one Russian and one Italian. Aermacchi and its successor, Leonardo, produced the M-346 Master, while the Yak-130 entered service in 2010 as Russia’s replacement for the aging fleet of Czechoslovakian Aero L-39 Albatros trainers.

Beyond its role as a trainer aircraft, the Yak-130 has a secondary light attack capability. It can carry gun pods, rockets, the R-73 (AA-11 “Archer”) air-to-air missile, as well as guided and unguided bombs on its multiple hardpoints.

While the arrival of the Yak-130 in Iran doesn’t represent a definitive step towards acquiring Su-35s for the IRIAF, it certainly brings Iran closer to operating modern Russian fighter aircraft. The Yak-130 is arguably the most advanced fast jet in service with the Iranian Air Force, which will have broader implications when it comes to modernizing the aging IRIAF. Iran might also find value in deploying the Yak-130 in a light attack role, as seen with Myanmar’s military junta using their Yak-130s for airstrikes.

The big question now is whether the Su-35s will follow in the footsteps of the Yak-130. There are indications that Iran is preparing to receive the Su-35, with reports of Iranian pilots already undergoing training on the Flanker-E. Moreover, a full-scale mock-up of the Su-35 has been spotted at Iran’s new highly fortified airbase, known as ‘Eagle 44,’ which features extensive underground aircraft parking and support areas.

In any case, the delivery of the Yak-130 is not likely to be the last weapons transfer from Russia to Iran, as Moscow continues to rely on Tehran to support its military efforts in Ukraine.

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