Belarusian fighter jet breaches Ukrainian airspace, sparks tension
On Tuesday, September 24, a Belarusian aircraft, most likely a Yak-130, violated Ukrainian airspace. Here, we explain the characteristics of this type of aircraft.
2:54 PM EDT, September 24, 2024
After crossing the administrative borders of the Kyiv and Zhytomyr regions and triggering anti-aircraft alarm sirens, Ukrainian air forces reported that the Belarusian aircraft headed south and disappeared from the radar.
Belarusian Yak-130 over Ukraine
The Defence Express portal, which specializes in military topics, notes that this is the first time during the war in Ukraine that a Belarusian aircraft has violated Ukrainian airspace. It can formally be described as a combat aircraft.
The Yak-130 is a Russian trainer aircraft that first flew in 1996. For the Belarusian air force, it is one of two armed aircraft of this type (along with the older L-39).
This is a two-seater aircraft, approximately 39 feet long, with a wingspan of about 32 feet. Its takeoff weight is 14,000 pounds. It is powered by two AI-222-25 turbofan engines, which enable it to reach speeds of just over 620 miles per hour. The maximum altitude at which the Yak-130 can operate is about 42,650 feet.
The Yak-130 can conduct combat missions
The Yak-130 can perform combat missions, although its strike capabilities are limited. The maximum weight of the carried arsenal can reach 6,600 pounds. The aircraft is compatible with several Russian air-to-air missiles (including the R-73) and bombs.
Belarus has had Yak-130 aircraft since 2015. The first agreement with Russia included the delivery of four such aircraft, and a few years later, further contracts were made for several more units. In 2021, one such Belarusian aircraft crashed near Baranovichi due to a control system failure.
