The Yak-130, NATO reporting name "Mitten", is an advanced two-seat trainer and light combat aircraft. It was developed by the Yakovlev Design Bureau to prepare pilots for modern fighter aircraft and is capable of carrying out limited combat missions. Development began in the early 1990s as part of a program to create a new advanced training system to replace the Czechoslovak L-39ZA, which could no longer adequately prepare pilots for modern combat aviation.

In 1993, the Italian company Aermacchi joined the project. However, the partnership ended several years later due to disagreements over the aircraft's future development. Afterward, the Italian company used the acquired documentation to develop the M-346, while the Yakovlev Design Bureau completed the Yak-130 independently. In 2002, the Yak-130 was officially selected as the Russian Air Force's primary advanced trainer, beating the competing MiG-AT. Manufacturing began in late 2008, and the first production aircraft made its maiden flight on May 19, 2009. The Yak-130 entered service with the Russian Aerospace Forces in 2010.

The Yak-130 was introduced in Update 2.57 "Heavy Cavalry". The aircraft features good maneuverability, responsive handling, and TV-guided bombs. However, its relatively low top speed and complete lack of countermeasures are significant drawbacks. The only practical way to defeat IR-guided missiles is to launch an S-25OFM rocket as a decoy; SARH missiles can only be evaded by maneuvering.