Iak-52 aircraft building started in 1976 based on a design developed by OKB Iakovlev Institute in Moscow. It was initially designated for military training schools only. The aircraft is one of the most reliable with an excellent maneuverability and behavior in aerobatics.

Iak-52 is a fully metallic monoplane except for the empennage control surfaces. The cockpit has two seats with autonomous operation, the front one being designed for the trainee. Aircraft avionics is classical daytime instruments capable also to perform radio-guided flights (radio-compass ARK-15M). the aircraft has a body shell fuselage.

Iak-52 aircraft entered the Romanian Air Force inventory in 1985. Air Force Application School "Aurel Vlaicu" operates 16 aircraft.