TEHRAN – At a milestone in its military modernization efforts, Iran announced the operational debut of the Yakovlev YAK-130 senior jet trainer during a massive “Zulfiqar 1403” military exercise on Monday.
The operation, carried out along the southern coastline and national waters, including parts of the Indian Ocean, introduces the aircraft’s capabilities in a live combat scenario and illustrates the turning point of the Iranian Air Force (IRIAF).
During the movement, the YAK-130 took part in its first operational mission, working with two MIG-29 fighter jets to intercept and destroy the target drone.
According to Brigadier General Alileza Sheikh, a spokesman for the drill, the operation carried out a complex aerial mission, highlighting the high levels of coordination and capabilities within the Air Force.
“The YAK-130, equipped with advanced missiles, successfully destroyed the drone after being identified and intercepted by a MIG-29 pilot,” Sheikh said.
He emphasized that the achievement demonstrated “great coordination and cooperation between different aircraft in the Air Force.”
Originally designed by Russian Yacoffrev as a dual-roll trainer and light attack aircraft, the YAK-130 is being told as a game-changer in Iran’s aviation capabilities.
The aircraft, which was acquired in August 2023, is reportedly stationed at Isfahan’s 8th Fighter Base and serves as a platform for training pilots on fourth-generation fighter planes, and is limited. We also provide combat support.
Equipped with cutting-edge avionics, including OSA radars that can track up to eight targets at the same time, the YAK-130 can carry a wide range of weapons, from precision guided bullets to airborne missiles. R-73.
The inclusion of the Zulfiqar 1403 exercise reflects Iran’s commitment to integrating advanced technology into defence strategies and strengthening training and combat readiness.
Brigadier General Sheikh described the YAK-130 as “a modern design with high operational capabilities,” and said its deployment “will significantly improve the Air Force’s ability to counter threats.”
Observers point out that the versatility of the aircraft will make it an ideal foothold for Iranian pilots moving to more advanced platforms such as the Russian SU-35.
Iran is reportedly poised to acquire the SU-35 fighter jet.
Some military analysts say that the deployment of the YAK-130 was followed by Iran’s broader strategy to modernize the aging fleet of Soviet and US-Origin aircraft, which was inherited before the 1979 revolution. It points out that they are in agreement.
Strengthening national defense
The Zulfiqar 1403 exercise included various branches of Iranian military forces, including infantry, armored units, air defense systems, and naval parts.
Lt. Gen. Habibola Sayari, coordinating aide of the Iranian Army, said the main goal of the training is to strengthen defensive and deterrent capabilities and strengthen Iran’s message of independence and strategic autonomy.
The successful participation of the YAK-130 in these exercises demonstrates Iran’s technological advances in military aviation, as well as exemplifying its ability to adapt to an evolving security environment.
As Brigadier General Sheikh pointed out, “The exercise showed significant advances in the Air Force in updating its fleet and utilising advanced technology.”