The first Yak-130 for the Bangladesh Air Force made its maiden flight on Apr. 29. The aircraft’s serial number is 130.12.02-0101. Delivery is expected to be in June and eight out of 16 aircraft on order have been constructed.

The Yakovlev Yak-130 (NATO reporting name: Mitten) is a subsonic two-seat advanced jet trainer/light attack aircraft or lead-in fighter trainer originally developed by Yakovlev and Aermacchi. Development of the plane began in 1991, and the maiden flight was conducted on 26 April 1996. In 2002, it won a Russian government tender for training aircraft, and in 2009 the aircraft entered service with the Russian Air Force.

As an advanced training aircraft, the Yak-130 is able to replicate the characteristics of several 4+ generation fighters as well as the fifth-generation Sukhoi PAK FA. It can also perform light-attack and reconnaissance duties, carrying a combat load of 3,000 kg.