The Vietnam People’s Air Force (VPAF) is shopping for a new training jet and it appears they are going to purchase the Russian Yak-130. The Yak-130 first flew in 1996 and has been marketed as a light attack aircraft. There have been over 100 of the twin engine, tandem seat jets built at an estimated cost of $15 million each.
Watch the Yak-130 in Action!
You've reached your daily free article limit.
Subscribe and support our veteran writing staff to continue reading.
The Vietnam People’s Air Force (VPAF) is shopping for a new training jet and it appears they are going to purchase the Russian Yak-130. The Yak-130 first flew in 1996 and has been marketed as a light attack aircraft. There have been over 100 of the twin engine, tandem seat jets built at an estimated cost of $15 million each.
Watch the Yak-130 in Action!
“We have been equipping ourselves with state-of-the-art fighters in recent years, but our training system still consists of the old Yak-52 and L-39,” said VPAF Commander Lieutenant General Lê Huy Vịnh at a pilot training conference held in Hanoi.
“The operational conversion of pilots after their graduation therefore places a challenge on the combat units,” he continued. Vietnam operates 22 Yak-52 and 34 L-39C/Z. After the conference, the VPAF announced its intention to set up a new division dedicated to supersonic fighter training. – AINonline
In prior years the VPAF has been sending their student jet pilots to Russia for training but last year signed and agreement with the country of India to provide training.
The Yak-130 reportedly has a top speed of almost 650 miles per hour and a ceiling of 42,000 feet.
Featured image of Yak-130 by By Dmitry Terekhov from Odintsovo, Russian Federation, via Wikimedia Commons
Should the US Air Force Buy 250 B-21 Stealth Bombers?
Inside Delta Force: America’s Most Elite Special Mission Unit
Russia Fires Intercontinental Ballistic Missile at Ukraine in Historic First
SOFREP Interviews Chelsea Walsh: The Nurse Who Reported Red Flags About Trump’s Would Be Assassin
Happy Birthday Delta Force!
Join SOFREP for insider access and analysis.
TRY 14 DAYS FREEAlready a subscriber? Log In
COMMENTS
You must become a subscriber or login to view or post comments on this article.