Ak 38 News Today

During the Cold War, the aviation race led to the creation of vertical/short-takeoff and landing (V/STOL) aircraft, with the UK's Harrier becoming a standout. In response, the USSR developed the Yakovlev Yak-38, designed to mimic the Harrier's capabilities but with significant differences.

The Yak-38 had become a solution searching for a problem – a waste of money, time and effort. It was useless in aerial combat and close air support. Russia never built another jump jet.

The Yak-38 went on to see limited service with the Soviet Navy, but it wasn't all that popular with pilots for quite a few reasons.