The United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) is set to present its Su-75 Checkmate project at the Aero India 2025 exhibition, commencing on February 10. This marks the debut of the aircraft at this event, which is expected to be more than just a ceremonial occasion.

Some analysts from Russia and India view India as a potential purchaser of the Su-75, although there has been no official indication of interest from New Delhi.

Russia is proposing appealing incentives to India, such as technology transfer and the opportunity for local production in line with the “Make in India” initiative. The Su-75 is regarded as a viable option for India to address the increasing military capabilities of both China and Pakistan.

Nevertheless, indications from New Delhi suggest a lack of support for the Russian offering. India has consistently emphasized its commitment to its own program, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), and has expressed disinterest in foreign alternatives. This position extends beyond Russia, as India has also declined the opportunity to acquire the F-35 from the United States.

UAC has revealed that two prototypes of the Su-75 are currently under construction. One will be designated for static testing, while the other will be utilized for flight testing. A company representative indicated that the development program for the Su-75 is approaching completion, with prototype production anticipated to commence shortly. Some analysts predict that this production could begin as early as next year.

The Su-75 Checkmate is a fifth-generation single-engine fighter project developed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau, first introduced at the MAKS-2021 air show. The aircraft is targeted at the export market and is marketed as a more cost-effective alternative to the American F-35. While official technical specifications remain undisclosed, various Russian military analysts and experts have speculated on its potential capabilities and features.

The Su-75 is anticipated to serve as a stealth aircraft with a notably diminished radar profile. Its design incorporates internal weapon bays and aerodynamic contours, indicating the use of radar cross-section reduction technologies akin to those found in the Su-57. The aircraft is expected to utilize materials and coatings that include radar-absorbing composites, although their overall effectiveness has yet to be determined.

Speculation surrounds the engine that will power this aircraft, which may be a modified variant of the “Izdeliye 30,” the forthcoming engine for the Su-57. This engine is expected to offer enhanced thrust, improved fuel efficiency, and sophisticated thrust vectoring capabilities.

The cockpit of the Su-75 is likely to feature a modern glass cockpit with several large multifunction displays, integrated into a state-of-the-art interface reminiscent of that in the Su-57. It is anticipated that artificial intelligence will support the pilot by delivering real-time tactical recommendations. Additionally, the aircraft is expected to include a helmet-mounted targeting system similar to those found in contemporary Western fighter jets.

In terms of avionics and electronic systems, the Su-75 is likely to be outfitted with an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar as its main sensor, enabling it to detect and track multiple targets at once.

Electronic warfare (EW) systems are anticipated to play a vital role in ensuring survivability during contemporary combat operations, incorporating jamming and deception technologies designed to neutralize enemy radar and missile systems.

While there is no definitive information on the inclusion of integrated electro-optical systems for the passive detection of hostile aircraft, it is probable that an enhanced version of the system utilized in the Su-57 will be employed.

The Su-75 is projected to carry a significant combat load, featuring air-to-air missiles such as the R-77M and R-74, along with precision-guided air-to-ground munitions. Its armament is expected to be primarily housed in internal bays to reduce radar cross-section, although external hardpoints may be available for additional ordnance when stealth is not a primary concern.

A key advantage of the Su-75 is its relatively low cost in comparison to Western alternatives. The manufacturer asserts that the aircraft will be considerably less expensive than the F-35 while still delivering competitive performance. This positions the Checkmate as an appealing option for nations with constrained defense budgets that are unable to invest in the most costly fifth-generation fighters.

Russia is actively pursuing international collaborations for the development and production of the Su-75, with potential customers including India, the United Arab Emirates, and several Latin American nations. Nonetheless, the program encounters various obstacles, such as Western sanctions that restrict access to essential components, as well as uncertainties surrounding the readiness of its engine and avionics systems.

The inaugural flight of the Su-75 was originally slated for 2023; however, there have been no official confirmations regarding its occurrence. Some Russian sources indicate that the program may face delays attributed to financial and technological challenges.

If the timeline proceeds as intended, serial production could commence in the late 2020s, though this is uncertain due to prevailing economic and geopolitical factors.

In conclusion, the Su-75 Checkmate represents an ambitious initiative aimed at delivering a cost-effective and capable fifth-generation fighter for the global market. While its technical specifications are still largely speculative, the design envisions a contemporary stealth aircraft equipped with advanced combat and navigation systems.

Nonetheless, the realization of this project within the initially projected timelines and its ability to meet the anticipated capabilities remains to be seen.