Iran’s Yak-130 Fighter Jets Spotted Carrying Short-Range R-73E Air-to-Air Missiles

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – The Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF) began receiving Yakovlev Yak-130 “Mitten” light combat/trainer aircraft last year, reportedly as preparation ahead of its acquisition of the Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets, as widely speculated.

A year after reports surfaced about Iran’s receipt of the Yak-130 aircraft, new images reveal that one of the Russian-made planes is now equipped with Vympel R-73E short-range air-to-air missiles (NATO designation AA-11 Archer).

The Yak-130 aircraft is manufactured by PJSC Yakovlev, a subsidiary of PJSC UAC under the Rostec State Corporation.

According to Iranian defense observers, including one known as “Meshkat,” the Yak-130 is capable of carrying up to four R-73E missiles, mounted under its wings.

Observers also noted that the photos show only training missiles and that the Yak-130 is operating from an airbase in Isfahan.

The R-73E missile, developed by Russia, is designed to destroy air targets such as fighters, bombers, and military transport aircraft in close-range dogfights, day or night, even in an environment with high electronic countermeasures (ECM).

Its agility is achieved through a unique gas/aerodynamic control system that enables thrust vectoring.

Capable of speeds up to Mach 2.5, the R-73E entered service with the Russian Armed Forces in 1984.

Its variants include the R-73A and R-73E, with a range of 30 km, while the upgraded R-73M can hit targets up to 40 km away.

In September 2023, Iran reportedly received 12 Yak-130 aircraft from Russia, primarily to train its pilots in preparation for operating the 4.5-generation Sukhoi Su-35 fighters.

Two weeks ago, Western media reported that IRIAF received its first two Sukhoi Su-35SE fighter jets from Russia on November 18.

According to the German outlet Flugrevue, the aircraft were handed over in a private ceremony at the Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aircraft Plant (KnAAPO) in Russia’s Far East.

The report stated that the Su-35 jets were disassembled into components and flown to Tehran’s Mehrabad Airport aboard a Russian Antonov An-124-100 transport aircraft.

Upon arrival, the aircraft parts were transported to the Hamadan Air Base for reassembly, marking Iran’s acquisition of its first 4.5-generation fighter jets.

The addition of the Su-35SE to IRIAF’s fleet represents a significant step in modernizing Iran’s air force, which still relies on aging aircraft acquired during the reign of the Shah before the 1979 revolution. These include the American-made F-14 Tomcat and F-4 Phantom fighters.

Iran is expected to receive a total of 50 Su-35 (Flanker-E) fighters from Russia. The new acquisitions will allow the IRIAF to phase out older F-4 Phantom jets currently serving with the 31st Tactical Squadron based in Hamadan. — DSA