Yak-130. Photo: Telegram t.me/rostecru
The Peruvian Air Force has decided to cancel its planned acquisition of the combat training aircraft Yak-130 and prioritize the purchase of more advanced fighter jets.
+ UAC Subsidiary Transfers Yak-130 Training Aircraft to the Ministry of Defense
The move aims to enhance the country’s defense capabilities amid rising regional tensions and evolving security challenges, according to information from the infodefensa website.
The decision to forgo the Yak-130 Mitten, a subsonic jet trainer and light attack aircraft developed by the Yakovlev Design Bureau, reflects Peru’s commitment to strengthening its air defense forces with more sophisticated and capable combat aircraft.
The Peruvian Air Force identified the need for next-generation fighter jets that can offer superior performance in air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. The selection process will consider several factors, including interoperability with existing systems, operational and maintenance costs, and potential for technological upgrades.
Lieutenant General Rodolfo Pereyra Cárdenas, Commander of the Peruvian Air Force, emphasized the importance of this decision: “Our main objective is to reinforce our defense capabilities with aircraft that offer advanced combat performance and align with our long-term defense strategy.”
Initially, the Yak-130 was considered to replace the aging fleet of Aermacchi MB-339 and Mirage 2000 aircraft, offering an economical solution for training and light attack roles. However, the evolving security landscape led to a reassessment of priorities. The Peruvian Air Force is now exploring options from various manufacturers, including the F-16 Fighting Falcon from Lockheed Martin and the JAS 39 Gripen from Saab.
Source: infodefensa. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
