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The Vietnam People's Air Force (VPAF) has received the first batch of Yakolev Yak-130 armed jet trainers from Russia.
Six aircraft were delivered to the VPAF's Phu Cat Air Base in Binh Dinh province, with six more aircraft expected to arrive several months later.
Vietnam ordered a total of 12 aircraft under a deal signed with the Russian Government worth around US$350 million in 2019.
The Yak-130 will be replacing the VPAF's ageing fleet of Czech-built Aero L-39 Albatross advanced jet trainers, and will be training VPAF pilots for combat and fast jet training.
The aircraft are expected to serve the VPAF's 940th Aviation Training Regiment.
The Yak-130 is a subsonic, 2-seat advanced jet trainers being marketed by Russia to prepare pilots for transition to larger fighters.
It is also capable of being used as light combat aircraft, as it was designed with 9 hard-points to allow the use of armaments including short range air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground munitions and even electronic pods.
Vietnam becomes the 3rd country in Southeast Asia to operate the Yak-130, after Myanmar and Laos.
Vietnam receives first batch of 6 Yak-130 armed jet trainers from Russia
One of the newly-delivered Yak-130 aircraft for the Vietnam People's Air Force. Photo c/o LQM thorough VietDefense. The Vietnam People's A...
