LIMA 2019: Irkut closes in on Yak-130 opportunities in Southeast Asia

[Zarvan]

Russia’s Irkut Corporation delivered an initial four Yak-130 trainer/light attack aircraft to Laos in late 2018 (one of which is pictured here). Source: Irkut

Russian aerospace group Irkut has outlined additional export opportunities in Southeast Asia for its Yakovlev Yak-130 'Mitten' advanced jet trainer/light-attack aircraft.

Speaking at a media briefing at the LIMA 2019 exhibition in Langkawi on 27 March, Irkut officials confirmed that the aircraft is positioned to bid for Malaysia's requirement to procure a light combat aircraft (LCA) or a fighter lead-in trainer (FLIT). Officials also indicated a possible opportunity in Vietnam.

Irkut said it has recently responded to the Royal Malaysian Air Force's (RMAF's) request for information in support of the LCA/FLIT procurement, which officials said features 18 initial aircraft and 36 in total. Officials said Irkut is preparing a bid for the tender but did not elaborate.

Irkut also confirmed that regional exports of the Yak-130 include sales to Bangladesh, Laos, and Myanmar. Officials did not provide a breakdown of sales, only stating that each regional country had ordered "more than 10 aircraft each". Irkut said that in total it has sold more than 160 Yak-130s to six countries. Other operators include Algeria, Belarus,and Russia.

According to Jane's All the World's Aircraft , Myanmar has ordered 12 Yak-130 aircraft, all of which were scheduled for delivery by the end of 2018. Laos received an initial four Yak-130s in late 2018 after having ordered the aircraft one year earlier. The number of aircraft purchased by Laos has not been confirmed but the country has reportedly ordered 10 in a deal worth about USD300 million including spares, air-launched munitions, ground equipment, and training.

Bangladesh has confirmed its delivery of 16 Yak-130s, the last of which was handed over in 2016.

Irkut also identified Vietnam as another possible customer. "We are working with our friends in Vietnam, which is a long-term partner of Russia," said an Irkut official.

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