The Yakolev Yak-7 was a further refinement of the Yak-1 design, being developed into a close support fighter in contrast to the lighter dogfighters that were the Yak-3/9. The Yak-7 was originally developed from a two-seat trainer by a team led by K.A. Sinelshchikov separate from Yavolev’s design team. It was originally met with skepticism from Yakovlev himself but highly successful flight tests resulted in the aircraft being ordered into production. Compared to the Yak-1 which it superficially resembled, the Yak-7 featured a redesigned undercarriage as well as a semi-retractable tailwheel in later versions. The aircraft was more aerodynamic and was praised for its handling although drawbacks included a poorer climb rate compared to its main rival, the Bf 109E/F as well as long take off and landing distances. As was common with many Soviet aircraft, it was initially underpowered although it was much more upgradeable than its predecessor thus allowing for more powerful engines to be fitted in later versions. Aside from the standard fighters, some Yak-7s served as couriers and some were also fitted with 37-mm MPSh-37 cannon in the close support role. The Yak-7 became one of the best Soviet fighters in the mid-war period, entering service in late 1941 and remained in production until 1943 by which time more advanced Yakovlev fighters replaced it in the production lines and in service.

The UTI-26 was a prototyle two-seat trainer of the Yak-1 which first flew on 23 July 1940. It was developed into the production Yak-7UTI trainer which was then turned into the Yak-7 fighter with additional armor and guns. Modest equipment improvements and a semi-retractable tailwheel resulted in the Yak-7A. This was followed by the definitive Yak-7B which accounted for the bulk of produciton. It featured aerodynamic improvements and an improved engine, and late version featured the cut back rear fuselage that was seen in the Yak-3/9. Other variants included the Yak-7-37 with a 37-mm gun for close support and the Yak-9K courier which retained the -7UTI's rear fuselage. A second trainer version known as the Yak-7V and was produced in large numbers during 1942/43. Numerous aircraft were also used as experimental test beds for jet engines. The Yak-7D long-range prototype would serve as the basis for the Yak-9 which is described separately.