Developed as an upgrade to the Yak-15 and Yak-17, the Yak-23 featured a lightweight design and was powered by a single RD-500 turbojet engine. Introduced in the late 1940s, it reached speeds up to 925 km/h (575 mph) and had a service ceiling of 13,500 meters (44,300 feet). Though agile and suitable for interceptor roles, it was quickly replaced by more advanced fighters and saw limited service in the Soviet Air Force and Eastern Bloc countries.