Russia received its first batch of Yak-130 airplanes. It is one of the best trainer airplanes available. The Yak-130 is a trainer airplane but can also be used for light attack missions. It is primarily used for its superior maneuverability and how easily it can facilitate the flight training of air pilots. It was recently added to Russia’s arsenal.
Yak-130
Yak-130, called Mitten by NATO, is a light combat/trainer aircraft developed by Yakovlev and Aermacchi. It is a two-seater aircraft with excellent air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities. It is reported that the export cost of the airplane is $15 million. The number of aircraft acquired by Russia has not been disclosed; it is only mentioned that this is the first batch.
ROSTEC
The aircraft is acquired by Rostec, fully known as the State Corporation for the Promotion of the Development, Manufacture, and Export of High-Tech Products. Rostec is a Russian state-owned conglomerate that produces military aircraft. The head of the company is appointed by the President of Russia.
Russian Aerospace Forces
The Russian Aerospace Forces, with this acquisition, increased their already massive fleet of 3,652 airplanes. Although some airplanes have been destroyed in Russia Ukraine war, the number may not be exactly accurate. Some of the popular airplanes at Russia’s disposal are:
Mikoyan MiG-29: 253 in number
Mikoyan MiG-31: 129-247 in number
Mikoyan MiG-35: 6 in number
Sukhoi Su-27: fewer than 27 in number
An undisclosed amount of the new Yak-130 is being added.
Military deal
Russia has also closed various new military deals, such as a $5 million missile deal with India. Russia has closed the deal for S-400 missiles along with the Yak-130 for their defense. They also signed a $3 billion deal for nuclear submarines.
