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Iran Deploys Russian Yak-130 Jets to Intercept Drones in Military Exercises.
On February 24, 2025, during the Zolfagar 1403 military exercises, Iran demonstrated a step in integrating new aerial capabilities by deploying its Yak-130 aircraft in operational missions. According to Mehr News, which reported the event, these drills involved all branches of the Iranian Armed Forces and took place over a wide area stretching from the northern Indian Ocean to the Makran coasts in southeastern Iran. It was within this framework that the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF) tested the Yak-130 for the first time in an interception mission, marking a notable evolution in the aircraft’s role beyond its primary use as a trainer.
The Yak-130, developed by Russian manufacturer Yakovlev, is a subsonic twin-seat aircraft originally designed for advanced pilot training for modern fighter jets such as the Su-35 and Su-57 (Picture source: MESHKAT )
According to Brigadier General Alireza Sheikh, the spokesperson for the exercises, a Yak-130 was deployed alongside two MiG-29s to intercept and neutralize a drone simulating a hostile aircraft. In a coordinated approach, the MiG-29 pilots first detected and tracked the target before relaying the data to the Yak-130, which then successfully eliminated it using guided missiles. This operation demonstrated the IRIAF’s coordination and responsiveness, confirming the Yak-130's ability to be integrated into aerial operations alongside heavier combat aircraft.
The Yak-130, developed by Russian manufacturer Yakovlev, is a subsonic twin-seat aircraft originally designed for advanced pilot training for modern fighter jets such as the Su-35 and Su-57. However, its modular design also allows it to perform light combat and reconnaissance missions. The aircraft features an advanced digital architecture, a modern avionics system, and the ability to simulate the flight characteristics of fourth- and fifth-generation fighters, replicating their aerodynamics and maneuverability. This makes it a versatile training platform while also providing a limited yet effective operational capability in real combat scenarios.
With its eight underwing hardpoints, the Yak-130 can carry up to 3,000 kg of ordnance. Its weapons suite includes a range of munitions, from unguided and guided bombs to B-8 and B-13 rocket pods, as well as a GSh-23 cannon pod, R-73 air-to-air missiles, and Kh-25 air-to-surface missiles. This configuration enables it to engage aerial and ground targets effectively while maintaining flexibility in asymmetric engagements.
One of the Yak-130’s key advantages is its flight performance. Powered by two AI-222-25 turbofan engines, it can reach a maximum speed of 1,050 km/h, with an operational range exceeding 2,500 km when using internal and external fuel tanks. Its digital fly-by-wire control system provides exceptional maneuverability, allowing it to operate at high angles of attack, up to 42 degrees, making it particularly effective in close combat scenarios and threat evasion. Its advanced avionics suite includes GLONASS/Navstar GPS-assisted navigation, a head-up display, a helmet-mounted target designator, and an OSA radar capable of tracking up to eight targets simultaneously.
The Yak-130’s deployment in these exercises marks a development for the IRIAF, which continues its efforts to modernize despite restrictions imposed by international sanctions. Iran received its first Yak-130 units in September 2023, and their integration into active missions reflects a strategic approach aimed at improving pilot training while simultaneously enhancing combat capabilities. This initiative aligns with a broader modernization effort that includes the recent acquisition of Russian Su-35 fighter jets, although specific details regarding their number and delivery schedule remain undisclosed.
The Zolfagar 1403 exercises, which included land, naval, and air force units, were primarily intended to enhance Iran’s defensive and deterrent posture. According to Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari, deputy coordinator of the Iranian Army, these drills highlight Iran’s strategy of military self-sufficiency and its efforts to adapt to evolving threats. The participation of the Yak-130 in these operations illustrates not only the advancements in Iran’s military aviation sector but also its ability to integrate new systems into operational doctrines effectively.
The use of the Yak-130 in this exercise represents a strategic shift for the IRIAF, demonstrating its capacity to fully utilize newly acquired assets. This integration also underscores the importance of advanced training in preparing the next generation of Iranian pilots for modern combat aircraft, reinforcing the country’s position in a regional environment marked by rising tensions and an ongoing push for military modernization.