Equipping Russia's Yakovlev Yak-130M combat trainer aircraft with four cannon pods can double its probability of destroying unmanned aerial vehicles, test pilot Alexander Guskov said.
Guskov, a test pilot for the Yakovlev aircraft manufacturing company, told state news agency TASS that the upgraded warplane is designed to carry short-range and medium-range missiles alongside containerised cannon installations for anti-drone operations.
The announcement follows statements from Russian state defence conglomerate Rostec, which previously reported that the Yak-130M trainer aircraft had learned to destroy low-speed unmanned aerial vehicles at any time of day or night.
In September, military columnist Andrey Kots wrote for news agency RIA Novosti that the modernized Yak-130M, fitted with a new radar station, would become an ideal interceptor for fixed-wing aircraft-type drones.
Upgraded combat trainer capabilities
The Yak-130M is an upgraded derivative of the Yakovlev Yak-130, a twin-engine subsonic jet originally designed as an advanced flight trainer and light attack warplane. Developed by the Yakovlev Design Bureau, the aircraft is manufactured to train military pilots for fourth and fifth generation fighters while carrying out secondary light air defence and strike duties.
Containerised cannon installations, or gun pods, are detachable weapon systems mounted on external underwing hardpoints. Fitting four separate cannon containers allows the aircraft to discharge a concentrated volley of gunfire, which significantly improves the likelihood of striking small, maneuverable targets such as uncrewed aerial vehicles.
Radar integration and drone interception
The integration of an onboard radar station allows aircrews to detect, track, and target low-signature objects across all operational conditions. By combining radar tracking with both short-range and medium-range guided missiles, the jet can intercept targets at stand-off distances before engaging closer threats with rapid-fire automatic cannons.
Rostec serves as Russia's state-owned holding corporation for defence technology and aerospace manufacturing, managing aviation firms including Yakovlev. State news agencies TASS and RIA Novosti frequently report on military technology developments as defence planners adapt light jet platforms for specialised counter-drone missions.
Adapting military trainer jets for point-defense roles allows armed forces to preserve expensive front-line fighter fleets during routine patrol missions. With its dual combat and training role, the upgraded Yak-130M offers a flexible platform for anti-drone defense, utilizing both missile armament and high-volume gun fire against incoming aerial threats.
