Iran Uses Russian Yak-130 Jets to Intercept Drones in Military Drills, Video

Iran has deployed its recently acquired Russian Yak-130 trainer jets in combat operations, successfully intercepting and destroying a drone during the Zolfagar 1403 military exercises.

The drills, involving Iran’s Ground Force, Air Force, Navy, and Air Defense units, took place from the northern Indian Ocean to the Makran coasts in southeastern Iran.

According to Brigadier General Alireza Sheikh, a spokesperson for the exercise, a Yak-130 jet operated alongside two MiG-29 fighter jets to intercept an enemy drone. The MiG-29 pilots identified and tracked the target, while the Yak-130 engaged and destroyed it using advanced missiles.

The Yak-130, developed by Russia’s Yakovlev and Aermacchi, is a subsonic two-seat jet designed for both training and light combat. Iran acquired its first batch of Yak-130 aircraft from Russia in September 2023, adding to its fleet of older MiG-29 fighters. The aircraft is used to train pilots for advanced fighter jets, including 4+ and fifth-generation aircraft such as the Sukhoi Su-57.

Earlier, Iran officially confirmed the purchase of Russian Su-35 fighter jets for the first time, according to Brigadier General Ali Shadmani. While the number of jets and delivery status remain undisclosed, the announcement follows previous reports of Tehran finalizing agreements for Russian aircraft. This comes amid Iran’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its air force, which includes a fleet of Russian-made fighters acquired mainly in the 1990s.