Russia's upgraded Yak-130M combat trainer aircraft will be equipped with the President onboard defense system, Yakovlev test pilot Alexander Guskov told state news agency TASS.
Guskov said the defense complex will be mounted on the aircraft wingtips. He explained that the system will not only launch thermal decoys to distract incoming missile threats, but will also provide active electronic warfare support, enabling the plane to defend itself during operational flights.
The Yak-130M is an upgraded variant of the Yakovlev Yak-130, a twin-engine subsonic jet trainer developed by the Yakovlev Design Bureau. Originally created to prepare pilots for fourth-generation and fifth-generation Russian fighter jets, the dual-seat aircraft mimics the flight characteristics of heavy combat planes while retaining light attack capabilities. The modernized M variant expands the aircraft's combat role by integrating updated avionics, digital targeting, and self-defense systems.
Yakovlev, one of Russia's historical aviation manufacturers, operates as part of United Aircraft Corporation under the umbrella of state defense conglomerate Rostec. The industrial group oversees military aviation production, radar systems, and defense electronics across the country.
Drone interception and radar upgrades
The addition of the defensive equipment follows earlier announcements by Rostec that the Yak-130M has been adapted to strike low-speed targets at any time of day or night.
In September, RIA Novosti defense columnist Andrey Kots stated that the modernized Yak-130M, which has been fitted with a new radar station, represents an ideal interceptor aircraft for engaging airplane-type drones.
The President onboard defense suite, also known as President-S, is a specialized defensive complex developed by Russian defense enterprise Concern Radio-Electronic Technologies to protect fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. The system operates by detecting incoming anti-aircraft missiles and deploying optical jamming, electronic countermeasures, and thermal decoys to disrupt enemy missile guidance.
State news agency TASS and news agency RIA Novosti serve as major official Russian media outlets headquartered in Moscow, frequently reporting on military hardware upgrades and defense sector announcements.
