Yak-130 Perfect for Southeast Asia?
Singapore Air Show » February 15, 2012 by Neelam Mathews Yakovlev Yak-130 two-seat advanced jet trainer/light attack aircraft.February 14, 2012, 3:00 PM Russian defense marketing agency Rosoboronexport believes Southeast Asia is a prime market for the Yakovlev Yak-130 two-seat advanced jet trainer/light attack aircraft. Malaysia and the Philippines, in particular, have shown interest in the trainer, according to Rosboronexport deputy general director Viktor Komardin. During a recent visit to the Irkutsk Aviation Plant last year, Malaysian defense minister Ahmad Zahid Bin Hamidi hinted at an interest in parts manufacturing for the program. “There is a good probability that we will work with this aircraft. The details will be discussed,” he commented. A $550 million order last year for 36 Yakovlev Yak-130 Mitten combat trainers gave the program a boost. But this contract was reportedly from Syria, much to the annoyance of the U.S. Earlier this month Russia and China...