Belarus Mastered Repair of Yak-130 Trainer&Combat Aircraft

Belarusian 558th Aircraft Repair Plant in Baranavichy has begun repairing Yak-130 trainer and combat aircraft for the first time, in cooperation with the Russian developer.

The State Authority for Military Industry of the Republic of Belarus announced this on October 29.

The work is carried out depending on the technical condition of the aircraft. It includes the restoration of components, including complex onboard equipment systems.

The plant’s engineers will also repair aircraft and radio-electronic equipment, weapons and other aircraft systems.

Russia’s Yakovlev PJSC, the developer of the Yak-130, and component manufacturers have also been involved in the programme.

The State Authority for Military Industry did not specify the number of aircraft in the first batch, their ownership or the deadline for completing the work. The value of the contract has also not been disclosed.

The plant previously specialised in the repair and modernisation of Su-25, Su-27, Su-30 and MiG-29 aircraft, as well as Mi-8 and Mi-24 helicopters.

The plant is also preparing to localise the production of components and final assembly of Russian Su-25 attack aircraft. To this end, the enterprise has built more than 20,000 square metres of new production facilities.

In addition, Belarusian aircraft repair specialists are involved in restoring Russian combat aircraft. According to Ukrainian intelligence, experts from the 558th plant were sent to the Air Force Repair Plant No 121 at Kubinka, Russia, to carry out repairs.

Yak-130

The Yak-130 is a two-seat jet aircraft of Russian design intended for training combat aircraft pilots.

It is equipped with two engines, has nine hardpoints and can carry up to three tonnes of weapons, including aerial bombs and missiles.

Belarus received 12 Yak-130 trainer and combat aircraft from Russia in three batches of four in 2015, 2016 and 2019. One of them crashed near Baranavichy in May 2021.