Aircraft
Laos Receives Yak-130 Combat Jet Trainers
Laos has become the fifth export customer for the Yak-130, but the exact nature of the deal has raised some controversy in Russia.
Over 100 Yak-130s are now in VKS service, and 60 have been ordered by export customers. Photo: Vladimir Karnozov)
Over 100 Yak-130s are now in VKS service, and 60 have been ordered by export customers. Photo: Vladimir Karnozov)

Russia has supplied Laos with four Yakovlev Yak-130 advanced jet trainers constructed at the Irkut Corporation’s plant in Irkutsk under a controversial deal, of which full details have yet to emerge. The aircraft arrived at the Vientiane air force station aboard Russian Il-76TD strategic airlifters in December 2018. They were assembled and flown earlier this year ahead of the Lao People's Armed Forces (LPAF)’s parade devoted to the 70th anniversary of its foundation. Following the withdrawal of MiG-21 fighters earlier this century, the LPAF air force has not operated any combat jets until the arrival of the Yak-130s.


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