UAC (United Aircraft Corporation), a subsidiary of Russian state corporation Rostec, announced the successful completion of the maiden flight of the Yak-130M prototype aircraft. The test flight, conducted at the Irkutsk Aviation Plant, was piloted by First Class Test Pilot Alexander Guskov and Senior Test Pilot Andrey Voropaev. The approximately 50-minute flight reached an altitude of 2,000 meters and achieved a speed of 600 km/h. All aircraft systems performed nominally, and the test objectives were accomplished without any technical issues.

UAC stated that the Yak-130M represents a comprehensive modernization of the existing Yak-130 platform while maintaining its core structure and meeting contemporary combat requirements. The new variant features advanced flight control systems, modern radar equipment, and comprehensive weapon integration capability for both air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions. The company emphasized that Yak-130M is no longer solely a training platform but functions as a fully capable light fighter aircraft. This transformation merges training and operational versatility within a single airframe.

The Yak-130M program represents an experimental design initiative conducted by UAC, a subsidiary of Rostec. The company initiated this development to modernize existing Yak-130 operator fleets and attract new customers. A second prototype was completed in October 2025, with assembly of the third aircraft progressing. UAC officials stated that the primary objective of this modernization effort is to significantly enhance the aircraft's combat potential. Introduced at Dubai Airshow in November 2025, the Yak-130M has become a closely monitored platform among current and prospective customer nations.

While the Yak-130M continues to serve as a suitable trainer for fourth and fifth-generation fighter pilots, the new variant significantly expands operational versatility. Rostec officials emphasize that the modernized platform transforms the Yak-130 into a 'dual-role' aircraft capable of advanced flight training and light combat operations. Additionally, the Yak-130M can perform counter-unmanned aerial vehicle missions, addressing an increasingly critical requirement in contemporary air defense doctrine. This capability fills an important gap in modern air defense concepts.

In the international defense market, training and light attack aircraft are experiencing growing demand. Turkey's development of platforms such as HÜRJET and Kızılelma demonstrates the strategic importance of this segment. The Yak-130M represents Russia's competitive offering in this market. Technological convergence between NATO-standard training operators and Russian-aligned systems creates new dynamics in the global defense sector. The Yak-130M's successful maiden flight demonstrates Rostec's research and development capacity and modernization capabilities in the aviation sector.