Iran Unleashes Yak-130 “Mitten” Fighter Jets for the First Time in High-Stakes Military Drills

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – For the first time, Iran’s military has unleashed its newly acquired, Russian-made Yakovlev Yak-130 light combat aircraft into the heart of its massive military exercises, executing high-stakes joint operations alongside other military units.

Iran’s state news agency IRNA reported that the grand-scale war games, dubbed “Zolfaqar 1403,” have become a stage for the Yak-130’s combat prowess, as highlighted by the drill’s spokesperson, Brigadier General Alireza Sheikh.

“The aircraft delivered an impressive and remarkable performance in its debut appearance in the exercise, driven by its modern design and high operational capabilities,” he said.

“The fighter jet’s participation also plays a crucial role in demonstrating the capabilities of the Iranian Air Force,” Sheikh added.

Amid the intensity of the military exercise, the Yak-130 light fighter jet soared into action alongside Iran’s MiG-29 fighters, executing precision joint operations and ruthlessly eliminating aerial targets, including hostile drones.

“The Yak-130, armed with missiles, successfully destroyed the drone after it was identified and intercepted by MiG-29 pilots,” Sheikh stated, adding that this demonstrates excellent coordination and cooperation among different aircraft within the Air Force.

On Saturday, Iran’s military ignited the main phase of the Zolfaqar 1403 exercise, unleashing a powerful display of force across strategic battlegrounds—the Makran coastline in southern Iran, the Sea of Oman, and the northern Indian Ocean, according to Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency.

This high-intensity drill brings together a formidable arsenal of infantry, armored divisions, mechanized units, air defense systems, naval forces, and both surface and sub-surface combat units, demonstrating Iran’s multi-dimensional military might.

Brigadier General Alireza Sheikh hailed the Yak-130 light fighter jet as a cutting-edge war machine, boasting high operational capabilities.

He emphasized that its deployment marks a significant leap forward for the Iranian Air Force, strengthening its readiness to neutralize potential threats with precision and power.

Military analysts view the Yak-130’s adaptability as a crucial stepping stone, preparing Iranian pilots for more advanced combat platforms, including the formidable Russian-made Su-35.

Meanwhile, speculation is mounting that Iran is on the verge of finalizing its acquisition of the Su-35 fighter jets, a move that could dramatically reshape the country’s air power in the near future.

Military analysts believe that the deployment of the Yak-130 is no coincidence—it is a calculated move in Iran’s broader campaign to revamp its aging fleet, which still relies on Soviet-era and U.S.-made aircraft inherited before the 1979 Revolution.

Designed by Russia’s renowned Yakovlev aerospace firm, the Yak-130 was built for dominance—a versatile dual-role aircraft that seamlessly transitions between highly advanced pilot training and lethal combat operations.

Its arrival in Iranian hands is nothing short of a game-changer, elevating the nation’s aerial combat prowess to new heights.

Since its acquisition in August 2023, the Yak-130 has taken its place at the 8th Fighter Base in Isfahan, where it now serves as a crucial stepping stone for Iranian pilots before they graduate to fourth-generation fighter jets.

Despite its training role, the aircraft is more than just a classroom in the sky—it also packs a combat punch, capable of delivering limited but precise firepower on the battlefield.

Outfitted with cutting-edge avionics, including an advanced OSA radar system capable of tracking eight targets simultaneously, the Yak-130 is a fully armed predator.

It can unleash a deadly arsenal, ranging from precision-guided bombs to air-to-air missiles like the fearsome R-73.

By incorporating the Yak-130 into the high-stakes Zolfaqar 1403 drills, Iran is sending a clear message—it is relentlessly advancing its military modernization efforts, seamlessly integrating next-generation technology into its defense strategy, and ensuring its pilots and forces remain combat-ready for any confrontation ahead.

— DEFENCE SECURITY