The Yak-130M combat trainer aircraft attracted significant interest from African and Asian countries at the El Alamein International Airshow 2026 in Egypt, Alexander Guskov, a test pilot at PJSC Yakovlev (part of the United Aircraft Corporation, UAC) said.

Guskov noted that the main focus of the aircraft’s modernization was on improving its combat capabilities. In addition, the test pilot emphasized that the aircraft has good maneuverability and a wide operating speed range, which allows it to engage low-speed targets. “We also considered the option of installing four cannon mounts, which would increase the probability of a hit,” he added.