A development of the experimental Yak-7DI fighter, the original Yakovlev Yak-9 differed in having a revised rudder and wooden wings incorporating metal spars; the series version, which entered production in the summer of 1942, also introduced a retractable tail-wheel. Deliveries to V-VS lAPs (fighter regiments) began in October 1942 and the type was soon engaged in the Battle of Stalingrad. By February 1943 production aircraft were being built with reduced-span wings that incorporated duralumin ribs and with the initial powerplant (an M105PF or M-105PF-1) being replaced by the 925kW M-105PF-3 . The Yak- 9 operated with a wide variety of armament, including all types of aircraft cannon then in production in the Soviet Union, and during 1943 there appeared variants which developed the full potential of the Yak-9 for use in anti-tank, light bomber and long-range escort roles.

The second generation of Yak-9s began with the Yak-911 prototype of late 1943, which introduced a redesigned airframe , a new wing of increased span and area, and the more powerful VK-107 engine; to overcome resulting centre of gravity problems the wing was moved slightly forward . Production of the Yak-9 ended in 1946 after a record 16,769 aircraft had been delivered. Main post-war operators, apart from the Soviet Union, were Bulgaria, Poland and Yugoslavia.