Iran Takes Delivery of Advanced Russian Yak-130 Trainer Jets

The recent arrival of Yak-130 “Mitten” trainer jets in Iran signals a growing military partnership between Moscow and Tehran, with arms trades playing a significant role. According to reports from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps-linked Tasnim News Agency, the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF) has received these trainer aircraft. Images and videos shared on social media depict the Yak-130 with an IRIAF paint scheme, further confirming the delivery.

This development aligns with previous reports suggesting that Iran has been acquiring new Russian military equipment in exchange for its support in Russia’s war effort in Ukraine. In 2022, Russia began procuring Iranian drones, which eventually led to the use of Iranian-made Shahed-136 kamikaze drones in ongoing raids against Ukraine since October.

In exchange for these drones and other supplies, Russia has committed to providing more advanced weaponry, including a batch of Su-35 “Flanker-E” fighters. The agreement between Moscow and Tehran on the Su-35 deal was finalized in March, as reported by Iranian state media. The exchange also includes Yak-130s, attack helicopters, and radar systems, as stated by White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby in February.

The Yak-130, originally a joint project between Yakovlev and the former Italian manufacturer Aermacchi, has a unique history. While the joint design effort collapsed, it resulted in two remarkably similar aircraft designs, one Russian and one Italian. While Aermacchi produced the M-346 Master, the Yak-130 entered service in 2010, serving as Russia’s replacement for its aging fleet of Czechoslovakian Aero L-39 Albatros trainers.

Beyond its primary role as a trainer aircraft, the Yak-130 possesses a secondary capability as a light attack aircraft. Its nine hardpoints can carry various munitions, including gun pods, rockets, the R-73 (AA-11 “Archer”) air-to-air missile, and both guided and unguided bombs.

While the arrival of the Yak-130 in Iran is not a definitive step towards IRIAF Su-35s, it certainly brings Iran closer to operating modern Russian fighter aircraft. In fact, the Yak-130 stands out as one of the most advanced fast jets in service with Iran overall, which will have significant implications for modernizing the aging IRIAF. Additionally, Iran may find value in the Yak-130’s light attack capabilities, as seen in its use by the military junta in Myanmar for airstrikes.

The question now remains whether the Su-35s will follow in the footsteps of the Yak-130. Signs suggest that Iran is preparing to receive these advanced fighter jets, with reports of Iranian pilots already undergoing training on the Flanker-E. Even a full-scale mock-up of an Su-35 has been spotted at Iran’s newly fortified airbase, known as ‘Eagle 44,’ which features extensive underground aircraft parking and support areas.

In conclusion, the delivery of the Yak-130 represents a significant development in the military ties between Russia and Iran, and it sets the stage for potentially more advanced Russian weaponry entering Iran’s arsenal. This ongoing partnership is driven by Russia’s reliance on Iran for support in its conflict in Ukraine, and it will likely continue to shape the regional dynamics in the future.

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