The upgraded Yak-130M was equipped with an advanced radar and thermal imager.

The Russian Yak-130M combat training aircraft received advanced radar equipment and an outboard thermal imager, the upgrade allowed the machine to detect and eliminate low-speed targets regardless of weather conditions and visibility level. This was announced on September 22 at "Rostec" State Corporation.

"During the modernization, the aircraft turned from a "flying desk" into a full-fledged fighter. We have seriously upgraded its combat capabilities. For example, an advanced radar appeared on board,""Rostec"'s press service wrote in a Telegram channel.

The new radar station is capable of identifying objects in the air and on the ground, as well as analyzing weather conditions and terrain features. An overhead thermal imager works in conjunction with it, which prevents the loss of a target at night or in heavy fog.

The impact potential of the Yak-130M was expanded by installing four-tube launchers. Due to its high maneuverability, engineers were able to adapt the aircraft to intercept slow aerial targets, including enemy attack drones.

The power base of the updated machine is represented by the AI-222-25 turbojet twin-circuit engine, created by specialists of the United Engine Corporation. The unit operates without an afterburner and produces a maximum thrust of 2.5 tons. An automated control system ensures engine operation and flight safety.

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The upgraded Yak-130M aircraft was first demonstrated to Russian President Vladimir Putin on July 24 during his visit to the Irkutsk Aircraft Factory. As experts have noted, the main feature of the updated version is the ability of the machine to transform from a conventional training "flying desk" into an effective combat aircraft with increased combat load.