By Eliza Popova
Commenting on the news, the Western observers noted that as-130M is positioned as a lightweight assault and training aircraft capable of performing combat tasks in low-intensity conflicts. Among the possible customers is called Vietnam, Laos and Myanoma, which already operate the early versions of the Yak-130. In Africa, Algeria, who has previously purchased Yak-130, may show a similar interest. However, none of the countries officially confirmed the readiness for purchase.
At the same time, Defense Express analysts drew attention to the fact that, despite statements about interest, as-130M has not yet reached the stage of serial production. Currently, only three experimental samples have been developed, which continue installation of systems and equipment. Moreover, the time of the first flight is not reported.
It is also known that the aircraft is planned to be equipped with the onboard defense complex "President-S", which is designed to protect against anti-aircraft and aviation missiles. The development of experimental samples of this complex is currently underway. Thus, the Russian media continue to promote both-130M as a promising export product, but so far it is only about "interest", not real contracts.
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