In early September 2023, a series of images that went viral on social media revealed that the Iranian Air Force had begun the process of integrating the new Yak-130 advanced trainers acquired from Russia. Thanks to open-source intelligence (OSINT), it can now be assumed that the country has received the entire batch of these training aircraft. This development is significant, as it aligns with recent reports suggesting that Iran has also received its first Sukhoi Su-35 air superiority fighters.
Initially, an image of one of the Iranian Air Force’s new Yak-130s during a training flight went viral a few days ago, though its location could not be identified. However, details in the image provide various clues and allow for certain inferences.
Delving into the flight details, it is evident that the introduction of the Yak-130 represents a significant upgrade, not only in terms of pilot training and preparation but also in air-to-air and air-to-ground attack capabilities. Without a doubt (pending definitive confirmation of the Su-35’s arrival), it stands as the most advanced combat platform currently in service with the Iranian Air Force. The force’s inventory is primarily composed of aging U.S.-made aircraft, including the F-14 Tomcat, F-4E Phantom II, and F-5 Tiger, supplemented by Russian-acquired MiG-29s.
Returning to the Yak-130 flight image that went viral on December 8, the aircraft appears to be equipped with what seems to be an R-73 air-to-air missile, although it is unclear whether it is a training munition. Additionally, the tail of the aircraft displays the number “106,” which could indicate its serial number. The same number is also located on the aircraft’s nose, but it appears blurred in the viral image.
This “106” marking suggests that the Iranian Air Force has incorporated at least six Yak-130 aircraft from Russia. Comparing this with earlier images from September, another aircraft bore the serial number “7-9701,” which may indicate it was the first aircraft or the second if a “7-9700” exists.
Adding to this speculation, rumors that went viral on various platforms since October suggest that Iran has already received all twelve (12) Yak-130 trainers provided by Russia as part of broader military cooperation agreements.
The possible arrival of the new Su-35s, although still surrounded by uncertainty, could further support the assumption that the Yak-130 integration has been completed, as the latter serves as a preparatory step for pilots selected to fly Sukhoi’s air superiority fighter.
Regardless of these speculations, the reality is that the Iranian Air Force faces an urgent need to modernize its fleet. It must replace its dwindling stock of U.S.-made aircraft inherited from the Shah’s era, which continues to decline in operational numbers.
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