Visit to the Irkutsk plant highlighted progress on the Russian commercial aircraft and the modernization of a military jet presented as capable of countering larger drones
Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the Irkutsk Aircraft Plant in Siberia, where he inspected the production line of the MS-21 commercial aircraft and examined the Yak-130M, a modernized version of the military trainer developed by Russia’s aviation industry.
The visit comes at a time of growing pressure on the country’s strategic sectors. In recent months, Ukraine has intensified its use of long-range drones against refineries, ports, industrial facilities, logistics centers and other infrastructure located inside Russian territory.
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In early July, attacks attributed to Ukraine caused damage at the ports of Vysotsk and Ust-Luga on the Baltic Sea, as well as a disruption to the power supply in Sevastopol. Ust-Luga is among the main terminals used by Russia to export oil and refined products.
The effects have also begun to reach the civilian economy. Recent attacks on refineries and e-commerce warehouses have contributed to fuel supply disruptions, higher prices and logistical difficulties, according to information compiled by Reuters.
Against this backdrop, the presentation of the Yak-130M gained relevance because of its announced ability to engage aerial targets, including larger drones. This does not mean, however, that the aircraft is already operating in this role.
Yak-130M receives new electronic systems
The Yak-130M is an evolution of the Yak-130, an aircraft primarily used to prepare pilots for more advanced military jets. The modernization is intended to expand its use in surveillance, support and less complex air-defense missions.
According to United Aircraft Corporation, or UAC, the new model received updated targeting systems, communications equipment, self-protection features and integration with guided weapons.
The configuration presented includes radar, an electro-optical system with thermal sensors and an onboard defense suite. The aim is to enable operations during the day, at night and in adverse weather conditions.
The manufacturer says the Yak-130M will be able to detect and engage ground and aerial targets, including heavy drones. These capabilities still depend on the completion of the testing campaign and the validation of the new equipment under operational conditions.
The first prototype completed its maiden flight on June 25, 2026. The test lasted approximately 50 minutes, reaching an altitude of up to 2,000 meters and a maximum speed of 600 km/h, according to data released by UAC.
Using a platform such as the Yak-130M against drones could provide an alternative to more expensive combat aircraft, especially in situations where deploying high-performance fighters is unnecessary. The effectiveness of this solution, however, will depend on its sensors, operating costs and the type of threat being faced.
MS-21 moves forward with industrial preparations
Putin also entered the cockpit of an MS-21-310 assembled using processes intended for serial production. The model is a medium-range commercial aircraft developed to compete in the market for planes used on domestic and regional routes.
The aircraft presented was equipped with Russian-made PD-14 engines and components produced mainly by companies linked to Rostec. The program underwent an extensive replacement of foreign equipment after sanctions and trade restrictions affected the supply of parts.
According to information presented during the visit, 18 MS-21 aircraft are currently at different stages of assembly at the Irkutsk plant. The planes are intended for Aeroflot, but their commercial deliveries still depend on the completion of the certification process and the required approvals.
In June, an MS-21-310 flew more than 3,800 kilometers while carrying a payload equivalent to 175 passengers, in addition to the legally required fuel reserves. The flight was part of evaluations intended to demonstrate its operational characteristics.
The presence of 18 aircraft on the assembly line shows that the industry is preparing an initial production batch, but it does not mean that all of them are ready to enter service. The timetable will depend on certification, the stability of the supplier chain and the production capacity for domestically manufactured components.
Visit had industrial and strategic significance
Putin was accompanied by Irkutsk Region Governor Igor Kobzev, Rostec CEO Sergei Chemezov and Irkutsk plant director Andrei Soinov.
In addition to reviewing the two programs, the visit served to highlight Russia’s attempt to reduce its dependence on foreign technologies in civil aviation and expand the options available for dealing with new aerial threats.
The video released by Rostec shows the Russian president examining the MS-21 cockpit, walking through the industrial facilities and inspecting the Yak-130M prototype from the outside.
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Source and video: Rostec, United Aircraft Corporation and the press service of the Russian Presidency. This content was created with the assistance of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
