Russia is set to showcase the Su-57 Felon and Su-75 Checkmate at Aero India to attract buyers

Russia plans to showcase its second fifth-generation fighter, the “Sukhoi Su-75 Checkmate,” at Aero India 2025, which is set to begin on February 10. This initiative is part of Russia‘s intensified efforts to encourage India to consider acquiring this advanced fighter jet. The Su-75 Checkmate will make its inaugural appearance at this prominent airshow, with India identified as a significant target for potential sales.

However, India is concurrently advancing its own fifth-generation fighter initiative, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). This program is being developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), under the guidance of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The AMCA aims to provide the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Indian Navy with next-generation stealth capabilities, reflecting India’s aspirations to create a sophisticated indigenous combat aircraft.

At Aero India 2025, United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) and Sukhoi, the creators of the Su-75 Checkmate, are anticipated to present a full-scale mock-up of the aircraft, as the actual prototype remains in development. Currently, UAC and Sukhoi are engaged in the construction of two prototypes of the Su-75 for flight testing, with the first flight projected to occur either this year or in 2026. Sukhoi is marketing the Checkmate as a budget-friendly alternative to Western stealth fighters, promising advanced features at a more competitive price. Consequently, Russia has expedited the Su-75 development program, with a strong emphasis on international markets.

UAC has announced that the Su-75 Checkmate program is now in its final stages of development. As reported by Russia’s TASS news agency, Sergei Korotkov, a senior executive at United Aircraft Corporation, characterized the Su-75 as a fifth-generation single-engine fighter jet that is approaching completion.

Korotkov mentioned in an interview with RIA Novosti that the development of the Su-75 Checkmate tactical fighter has made substantial progress, indicating promising future advancements. He also emphasized the considerable interest the fighter jet is attracting from international buyers, reflecting a robust market demand for the aircraft.

During the Egypt International Airshow in September 2024, Rosoboronexport CEO Alexander Mikheev disclosed that several nations in the Middle East and Africa have shown interest in acquiring the Checkmate. Initially unveiled at MAKS-2021 in Russia, the Su-75 Checkmate is engineered to fulfill the requirements of contemporary air combat.

It is perceived as Russia’s strategic response to the prevailing American stealth technology in the fighter jet sector. At the Dubai Airshow, official specifications confirmed that the Checkmate will be offered in various configurations, including single-seat, twin-seat, and an unmanned variant.

Key Features of the Su-75 Checkmate

The Su-75, a fifth-generation multi-role stealth fighter, presents remarkable specifications:
– Maximum Speed: Approximately Mach 1.8
– Combat Range: 1,864 miles
– Maximum Operating Altitude: 54,100 feet
– Weapon Payload: Capable of carrying up to 7.4 tons, including both air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles housed in internal weapon bays to preserve stealth, akin to the F-22 Raptor.

In addition, the Su-75 is outfitted with:

– AI-assisted systems to improve pilot efficiency
– State-of-the-art avionics
– Network-centric warfare capabilities for cohesive operations

A particularly appealing aspect of the Checkmate is its cost. Priced between $30 million and $35 million per unit, it offers a more economical option compared to American stealth fighters:
– F-35 Lightning II: Priced between $82.5 million and $102.1 million, depending on the variant
– F-22A Raptor: Significantly more expensive and not available for export

The Su-75 made its debut in the United Arab Emirates during the 2021 Dubai Airshow. Recently, Sergei Korotkov’s remarks followed the announcement from Rosoboronexport, Russia’s defense export agency, regarding the acquisition of its first international client for the Su-57, the country’s current fifth-generation stealth fighter.

Reports indicate that Algeria could be the prospective buyer. With the combined strengths of the Su-57 and Su-75, Russia aims to enhance its competitiveness against American and Chinese stealth aircraft in the global defense arena.

Additionally, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine has expedited the development of the Su-75, as Moscow strives to bolster its aerial capabilities and broaden its export reach.