The Su-75 Checkmate: A Challenger to the F-35 Lightning II Enters the Arena

The quest for cost-effective, high-performance fighter jets has intensified in the world of military aviation.

A promising contender has emerged to challenge the supremacy of advanced Western aircraft like the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II.

The Su-75 Checkmate, an upcoming fifth-generation single-engine fighter jet developed by Sukhoi, is poised to disrupt the market with its competitive features and more accessible pricing.

Origins and Development

Unveiled at Russia’s prestigious International Air and Space Salon (MAKS) in 2021, the Su-75 Checkmate project quickly garnered global attention.

Dubbed a Lightweight Tactical Aircraft (LTS), it received its moniker “Checkmate” during its nascent stages of development.

Sukhoi, a subsidiary of the United Aircraft Corporation under the umbrella of the Russian state-owned Rostec, spearheads the aircraft’s evolution.

The Su-75 Checkmate aims to offer a cost-efficient alternative for discerning buyers.

Its international debut at the Dubai Airshow later in 2021 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) marked a pivotal moment in its exposure to the global defense market.

🇷🇺 The United Aircraft Corporation has patented a modular modification for the light tactical aircraft Su-75 "#Checkmate," allowing the cockpit section of the aircraft to be changed based on current tasks, switching between a single-seat or two-seat cabin, or an unmanned module. pic.twitter.com/CuHm62GwKd

— 𝗡 𝗢 𝗜 𝗦 𝗘 ⚡ A L E R T S (@NoiseAlerts) December 6, 2023

Su-75’s Technical Prowess

Aviation enthusiasts and experts alike eagerly anticipate the Checkmate’s capabilities.

According to a previous report by AviationWeek, the Russian stealth fighter promises versatility in varied operational scenarios with a projected operating range of 2,800 kilometers (approximately 1,740 miles) and a maximum speed touching Mach 1.8.

A maximum takeoff weight of 26,000 kilograms (57,320 pounds) and a payload capacity of 7,400 kilograms (16,300 pounds) position it favorably against its counterparts.

The aircraft’s advanced features are equally impressive, housing an array of cutting-edge technology.

It reportedly integrates an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, a comprehensive optical and radio reconnaissance system, an internal electronic jamming system, an optical sighting system, and a robust “broad-range communication system.”

Drawing from the acclaimed Su-57, the Checkmate employs a similar engine, albeit reconfigured to suit its objectives, Rostec chief executive Sergey Chemezov told FlightGlobal last year in May.

“We borrowed the onboard equipment and engine from the fifth-generation Su-57, but reconfigured them,” said Chemezov. “We have plans for starting serial production in 2027.”

Meanwhile, the aircraft is set to carry more than 7 tons of air-to-air and air-to-surface armaments, capable of striking several targets simultaneously.

Progress and Production

While initial flight tests were expected by the end of this year, design enhancements have slightly shifted this timeline to a prospective 2024 debut.

Sukhoi KnAAZ, located in Komsomolsk-on-Amur, is presently crafting up to four prototypes, including single-seater, two-seater, and uncrewed variations.

These prototypes showcase alterations in wing design and other undisclosed modifications, enhancing the aircraft’s appeal and technical proficiency.

Rostec, emphasizing the aircraft’s enhanced competitiveness resulting from design modifications, confirmed the commencement of production activities.

“On the basis of the work carried out, the design was modified, which also adjusted the date of the first flight,” Rostec’s statement read, quoted by Sputnik International. “Today, the design documentation has been transferred to the production plant, and preparations for the production of the first samples have begun.”

This developmental stride underscores a commitment to refining Checkmate’s technical prowess while preparing for serial production slated to initiate in 2027.

Global Market Penetration

Anticipation mounts as the Checkmate targets an ambitious export-oriented strategy.

Rostec envisions producing approximately 300 units for export over the forthcoming 15 years.

The aircraft’s strategic pricing, expected to debut at roughly $30 million, a fraction of the F-35’s cost of $120 million, positions it as an attractive option, particularly for emerging economies in Asia and Africa.

Despite early reports of interest from nations like the UAE and Nigeria, no confirmed orders have been publicly disclosed.

Its changing timeline and the imposed Western sanctions due to the ongoing conflict with Ukraine have hampered aircraft construction and discouraged the UAE, in particular, from participating in the project.

Analyst Maya Carlin from the Center for Security Policy discussed this in July, saying that the conflict made Middle Eastern investors halt sending funds into the aircraft and instead refocus on acquiring the F-35.

However, the allure of a technologically advanced yet economically viable fighter jet remains an appealing alternative to nations seeking modern military capabilities without exorbitant expenses.

The Su-75 Checkmate signifies a compelling evolution in the landscape of fighter jets.

With its combination of advanced features, cost-effectiveness, and the imminence of serial production, it stands poised to challenge the dominance of established Western counterparts.

The coming years will likely witness intensified interest and scrutiny as the Checkmate prepares to take flight, potentially reshaping the global military aviation market.

The unfolding narrative surrounding the Checkmate promises a captivating saga, marking a significant chapter in the ongoing competition for air superiority.

Now the question is: Will Russia’s new upcoming stealth fighter be capable of going toe-to-toe with the revered F-35, or will it all remain a promising theory?