Ex 03 blue, this Yak-25M arrived at Monino for display on 10 July 1972. The Yak-25s were built at Factory No. 292 in Saratov, with the first aircraft completed in September 1954. The Yak-25M had an improved radar, improved engines and improved directional stability during takeoff and landing. About 406 Yak-25Ms were built at the Saratov factory and the last aircraft were retired in 1967.

The Yak-25 originated from a need for long-range Interceptor aircraft to protect the USSR's northern and eastern territory. The specification for a two-seat, twin-engine jet fighter and a related reconnaissance aircraft was issued by Joseph Stalin on 6 August 1951. In 1961 a series of lightened YAk-25s were produced as high-altitude target drones. The Yak-25RV-I was used as a manned target for unarmed (no live fire) interception practice, the Yak-25RV-II as a remote-piloted drone.

Fifties-era long-range interceptor with the bulbous nose housing the intercept radar. Replaced by Yak-27 and Su-15.

Preserved at the Central Aerodrome Museum at the Frunze Central Airfield/Khodynka, Moscow. The museum closed in 2003 and the aircraft moved on. The site was redeveloped.

The RV-II version was a remote-piloted drone for armed (live fire) interception practice. This example is on display at the Central Museum of the Air Forces.

Yak-25M Flashlight A all-weather and night fighter, introduced into service in 1955. Preserved at Monino.

Yak-25RV 'Mandrake' high altitude strategic reconnaissance aircraft with extended non-swept wings and outrigger wheels near the wing tips. Sometimes referred to as the Yak-26 by some sources.

The M was the basic production version with some minor improvements over the Yak-25, including upgraded AM-5A engines and new RP-6 'Sokol' radar. This is one of the 406 aircraft built and is on display at the Central Museum of the Air Forces at Monino.

Its unswept long-span wing is not very apparent here, but the Yak-25RV Mandrake is a special reconnaissance variant of the Yak-25 which could climb to altitudes of over 21 km (68,900 ft).