Yak-25RRV special recco and Yak-25PA balloon interceptor, A.S.Yakovlev

In late 70's small number of Yak-25RV were equipped with underwing filtering devices for radioactive contamination monitoring. In 1971 some of those aircraft received 'Volna-S' containers with electromagnetic pulse sensors. This variant had a heating system for containers, using hot air from engine compressors. Trials proved that aircraft performance was not degraded.

Also in 1971 special high-altitude armed aircraft was under development (Yak-25PA, Perekhvatchik Aerostatov, Balloon Interceptor). Even larger wing was suggested (58m²), allowing Yak-25PA to destroy spy balloons at altitudes up to 19,400m. But the power of R-11B-300 engine was insufficient for this goal, and project was abandoned.