Operational History
The first Yak-130s entered Russian Air Force service in July 2009. However, deliveries have been slow. On 29 May 2010, one aircraft crashed near Lipetsk during testing (both pilots ejected). As of January 2012, it is believed that only eight aircraft are operational in their advanced jet trainer role.
The first export orders were signed in 2006, when Algeria ordered 16 Yak-130s and Libya put an order for 6 planes. 3 Yaks were in delivered on 28 November 2011, with the remaining aircraft soon following.
Deliveries to Libya were expected in 2011–2012, but the Libyan National Transitional Council cancelled Libya's order for Yak-130s in September 2011 as part of a review of all existing arms contracts.
Syria has agreed to purchase 36 aircraft, but delivery of these has been postponed by Russia due to the conflict in Syria.
The Uruguayan air force is considering the aircraft for the future replacement of the A-37, while Russia has offered the Yak-130 to Serbia as part of a US$3 billion loan for the upgrading of the Serbian armed forces.
In October 2012 Russia took delivery of six fighters. The first batch of Yak-130 combat trainers fly from the Irkut plant to the Borisoglebsk airfield after an extensive flight testing program,” Col. Andrei Bobrun said.
Read more about this topic: Yakovlev Yak-130
Famous quotes containing the word history:
“I believe that history might be, and ought to be, taught in a new fashion so as to make the meaning of it as a process of evolution intelligible to the young.”
—Thomas Henry Huxley (1825–95)