Russia’s Second 5th-Gen Fighter, Su-75 ‘Checkmate,’ Nears Final Development Stage

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – The single-engine Su-75 “Checkmate” fighter jet is Russia’s answer to the United States’ dominance in fifth-generation stealth fighter technology.

Renowned Russian aircraft manufacturer Sukhoi markets the “Checkmate” as a cost-effective alternative to Western stealth fighters, combining advanced capabilities with affordability.

At the recent 2024 China Airshow in Zhuhai, Russia’s fifth-generation fighter, the Sukhoi Su-57 “Felon,” piloted by renowned test pilot Sergey Bogdan, dazzled the audience with an impressive aerial display.

Equipped with stealth technology that makes it nearly undetectable by radar, the Su-57—already operational within the Russian Air Force, including in Ukraine—poses significant challenges to interception by adversary aircraft and air defense systems.

Building on this success, Russia has accelerated efforts to develop its second stealth fighter jet, the Sukhoi Su-75, with a stronger focus on the international market.

The United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) confirmed that the development of the Sukhoi Su-75 “Checkmate” is entering its final stages. The company also revealed plans to export the aircraft to international markets.

According to Russia’s TASS news agency, Sergei Korotkov, a senior UAC official, described the Su-75 as a fifth-generation single-engine fighter jet that is nearing completion.

“The development of the fifth-generation Su-75 Checkmate light tactical fighter has reached a sufficient stage of readiness, allowing further progress in the program to be seen as promising. The future of this aircraft can be viewed with optimism,” Korotkov, the chief designer and deputy director of UAC, told Russian news agency RIA Novosti.

Korotkov also noted that numerous international buyers are considering the aircraft, emphasizing the high market demand for the jet.

He added, “The development process is progressing smoothly.”

In early September 2024, Alexander Mikheev, Director General of Rosoboronexport, announced at the Egypt International Airshow that several Middle Eastern and African nations had expressed interest in the Checkmate fighter.

He told RIA Novosti that interested partners had been provided with project proposals.

The Su-75 was first unveiled at the MAKS-2021 Airshow in Russia.

This lightweight stealth aircraft is designed to meet the increasingly complex demands of modern combat.

Sukhoi has promoted the Checkmate as Russia’s response to American dominance in stealth technology. The aircraft can be produced in multiple configurations, including single-seat, twin-seat, and unmanned variants, according to information released at the Dubai Airshow several years ago.

ROSTEC is expected to begin production of the Su-75 “Checkmate” in 2026.

According to ROSTEC CEO Sergey Chemezov, the Checkmate combines “low visibility” features with top-tier equipment and systems, offering exceptional combat effectiveness and cost-efficiency.

As a fifth-generation multi-role stealth fighter, the Su-75 boasts outstanding specifications:

• Maximum speed: Approximately Mach 1.8

• Operational range: 1,864 miles

• Maximum operating altitude: 54,100 feet

• Weapons payload: Up to 7.4 tons, including air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles stored internally to maintain stealth, similar to the American F-22 Raptor.

The Su-75 also features modern technologies such as:

• Enhanced AI systems to assist pilots

• Advanced avionics

• Network-centric warfare capabilities for integrated operations

One of the Su-75’s most striking features is its price.

With an estimated cost of $30 million (RM133 million)–$35 million (RM155 million) per unit , it is significantly cheaper than American stealth jets. For comparison:

• The F-35 Lightning II costs between $82.5 million (RM367 million) and $102.1 million (RM454 million), depending on the variant.

• The F-22A Raptor, unavailable for export, is considerably more expensive.

First showcased in 2021 in Dubai, UAE, the Su-75 Checkmate aims to make a strong impression on the global market.

Korotkov’s recent statements come shortly after Rosoboronexport, Russia’s defense export agency, announced securing its first international customer for the Su-57 jet. Reports suggest that this customer may be Algeria.

With the combination of the Su-57 and Su-75, Russia is determined to rival the stealth fighter capabilities of the United States and China.

The ongoing Ukraine conflict has further driven Russia to expedite the development of the Su-75. – DSA