Russia to deliver Yak-130 aircraft to Syria

Photo: Yak-130

Russia's Rosoboronexport and United Aircraft Corporation approved the schedule to deliver Yak-130 trainer aircraft to the Syrian armed forces before the end of 2016.

According to a source close to aviation business circles, it is planned to deliver nine aircraft to Syria before the end of this year and twelve aircraft next year. In 2016, Russia will deliver 15 more.

According to Kommersant, after the conclusion of the contract at the end of 2011, there were no other arms agreements signed between Russia and Syria.

Representatives of the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation said that the schedule was "very optimistic" because it took into account only technological capabilities of the aircraft manufacturer. In reality, the schedule is likely to be changed due to the political situation around Syria and efforts of NATO and the United States to prevent arms shipments to the war-torn country.