Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force Yak-130 Destroyed

A Yak-130 Mitten light combat/trainer aircraft was destroyed on the ground at Qasem Soleimani International Airport (Ahvaz) in Khuzestan province during US airstrikes on March 5, 2026. CENTCOM released footage showing the destruction of multiple Iranian aircraft at the airport, including an F-5E Tiger II, an Su-24 Fencer, and this aircraft identified as either a Yak-130 or Su-25. Since the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force operates Yak-130s but not Su-25s, the destroyed aircraft was most likely a Yak-130 from the eight-strong fleet delivered by Russia. The strike was part of the broader US-Israeli campaign to neutralize Iranian air power during Operation Epic Fury.