As confirmed by official statements from the Iranian Air Force and photos released on September 2, 2023, via the ProjectMeshkat Twitter account, Iran has reportedly taken delivery of a batch of Russian-made Yakovlev Yak-130 jet trainers. This acquisition is a component of Iran’s broader arms contracts with Russia and precedes the country’s anticipated receipt of Russian Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets.
The Yakovlev Yak-130 is a Russian subsonic two-seat new-generation aircraft designed for both basic and advanced flight training. Capable of mimicking the characteristics of several fourth and fifth-generation combat aircraft, the Yak-130 will enable Iranian pilots to train for operating advanced Russian-made fighters like the Sukhoi Su-35. The aircraft has been in service since 2010 and is used by several countries, including Russia, Belarus, and Syria.
The Yak-130s are expected to significantly improve the training and combat readiness of the Iranian Air Force. According to local media, the aircraft have been stationed at the Shahid Babaei Air Base in Isfahan, central Iran. The jets will enable Iranian pilots to undergo specialized training for operating other advanced Russian-made fighters, including the forthcoming Sukhoi Su-35s.
The acquisition of the Yak-130 and the forthcoming Su-35s come amid increasing scrutiny of Iran’s defense partnership with Russia. The United States has noted that the two countries are “expanding their unprecedented defense partnership,” and Iran has been accused by Ukraine and its Western allies of supplying weapons to Russia for use in its conflict with Ukraine—claims that Iran has consistently denied.