Key Points and Summary – The Russian Su-75 Checkmate is an ambitious fifth-generation stealth fighter intended as a cost-effective alternative to the F-35. First unveiled in 2021, the project has faced severe setbacks due to sanctions, funding shortages, and production challenges.
Key Point # 1 – While boasting stealth features, advanced avionics, and a projected low price tag, the Su-75 has yet to make its first flight, now delayed until at least 2025. With Russia’s struggling aerospace industry and economic constraints, skepticism remains over whether it will ever enter mass production.
Key Point #2 – Given these challenges, the Su-75 risks becoming another overhyped Russian defense project that fails to materialize.
The Su-75 Checkmate: Hype or a Future Airpower Threat?
The Sukhoi Su-75 Checkmate, also known as the Light Tactical Aircraft (LTA), is a fifth-generation stealth fighter jet currently under development by the Russian aerospace company Sukhoi.
This aircraft is designed to be a cost-effective, versatile, and export-friendly alternative to other advanced fighters like the American F-35 Lightning II and the Chinese Shenyang FC-31.
Here, we delve into the details of the Su-75 Checkmate, covering its development, design, capabilities, and potential impact on the global defense market.
The biggest problem with this fighter is that it might never even fly in the first place.
A Cost-Effective F-35 Alternative?
The Su-75 Checkmate was first unveiled at the MAKS 2021 air show in Russia, with President Vladimir Putin in attendance.
The aircraft is part of Russia’s strategy to offer a more affordable yet advanced fighter jet to international customers.
Initially, the maiden flight was scheduled for 2023, but it has been delayed multiple times, with the latest projection set for 2025. The first deliveries are expected between 2026 and 2027.
The development of the Su-75 has faced several challenges, primarily due to international sanctions imposed on Russia following the Russo-Ukrainian War. These sanctions have restricted Russia’s access to critical components like semiconductors and high-tech machining equipment, which are essential for the aircraft’s production.
Additionally, the loss of funding from international partners, such as the United Arab Emirates, has further slowed the project.
What Does the Su-75 Have to Offer?
The Su-75 Checkmate is designed to be a single-engine, stealth multirole fighter with a focus on affordability and export potential. The aircraft features several design elements aimed at reducing its radar signature and enhancing its combat capabilities.
The Checkmate incorporates a diverterless supersonic inlet (DSI), a V-tail, and internal weapons bays, all of which contribute to its low radar cross-section. The DSI design is mechanically simpler and more cost-effective compared to traditional inlet designs, while the V-tail configuration, similar to that of the Northrop YF-23, combines the functions of elevators and rudders into a single set of control surfaces.
The aircraft’s large wing area suggests it is designed for high-altitude operations, potentially exceeding 40,000 feet. The ventral air inlet, which wraps around the lower nose section, is reminiscent of the design used in the Boeing X-32 prototype. The Su-75 is expected to achieve speeds beyond Mach 2.0, making it a highly agile and fast platform.
The cockpit of the Su-75 is equipped with advanced avionics, including a modern radar system housed in the nosecone. The aircraft is also expected to feature a comprehensive suite of electronic warfare and countermeasure systems, enhancing its survivability in contested environments.
The internal weapons bays of the Su-75 are designed to carry a variety of air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions, allowing it to perform a wide range of missions. The aircraft’s stealth capabilities enable it to approach targets undetected, delivering precision strikes with minimal risk of interception.
The Su-75 Checkmate is positioned as a cost-effective alternative to other fifth-generation fighters, with an estimated price tag of $25-30 million per unit. This makes it significantly cheaper than the F-35, which costs around $80 million per unit.
The lower cost is expected to attract interest from countries with limited defense budgets or those seeking to diversify their military procurement away from Western suppliers.
Potential customers for the Su-75 include nations in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, where there is a growing demand for advanced yet affordable military hardware. Countries like Argentina and Vietnam, which currently operate aging fleets of fourth-generation fighters, are seen as prime candidates for the Checkmate.
Rough Skies Ahead for the Su-75
Despite its promising design and market potential, the Su-75 Checkmate faces several hurdles. The ongoing international sanctions against Russia have severely impacted the development timeline and production capabilities.
The inability to import critical components and the loss of international funding have raised concerns about the project’s viability.
Moreover, the geopolitical landscape and the competitive nature of the global defense market pose additional challenges. The F-35, for instance, has already established itself as the premier fifth-generation fighter, with a large number of international customers and a robust support infrastructure. Competing against such a well-entrenched platform will require the Su-75 to demonstrate not only superior performance but also reliability and cost-effectiveness.
In addition, the Su-75 is also competing against Russia’s other fifth-gen fighter, the Su-57 which is also struggling to find its place on the market.
The Sukhoi Su-75 Checkmate represents Russia’s ambitious attempt to capture a share of the global fifth-generation fighter market. With its advanced stealth features, high performance, and competitive pricing, the Checkmate has the potential to become a significant player in the international defense arena.
However, the success of the project hinges on overcoming the current development challenges and securing interest from potential buyers.
As the Su-75 progresses towards its planned debut in the latter half of the decade, only time will tell how it fares against established competitors and whether it can fulfill its promise of being an affordable yet capable stealth fighter.
As I said in my recent article about the MiG-41, given the current state of Russia’s economy and aeronautics industry, it may be a long while before the Su-75 takes flight. If ever.
Su-75 Checkmate: Photo Analysis
Su-57 Felon and Su-75 Fighters From Russia. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
Su-75 Checkmate Russia Stealth Fighter. Image Credit: UAC.
Su-75. Image Credit: Creative Commons/Computer Generated Image.
Su-75. Image Credit: Russian Government.
About the Author: Isaac Seitz
Isaac Seitz, a 19FortyFive Defense Columnist, graduated from Patrick Henry College’s Strategic Intelligence and National Security program. He has also studied Russian at Middlebury Language Schools and has worked as an intelligence Analyst in the private sector.
