The United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) has allegedly begun production of the first prototypes of Russia’s fifth-generation Sukhoi Su-75 “Checkmate” stealth fighter, indicating substantial progress in one of the country’s most ambitious aerospace programs.
Speculation regarding prototype development emerged after a Rossiya-1 television show commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Su-27 fighter. In the interview, E Korshikov, Deputy General Director of the Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aviation Production Plant (KnAAPO), stated that the factory had begun producing prototypes of a “light tactical aircraft based on the Su-57,” a reference to the Su-75. This plant also produces the Su-35S and Su-57, demonstrating its critical position in Russia’s advanced fighter production.
The Su-75 Checkmate marks Russia’s return to single-engine fighter manufacturing after more than 30 years, following the MiG-23 Flogger. The aircraft is expected to have stealth geometry, internal armaments, and systems based on the Su-57’s avionics suite, but with a lower unit cost to improve export viability.
Although neither UAC nor the Russian Ministry of Defence have made any formal pronouncements, the updated development plan indicates that prototype production has been moved forward to 2025-2026, with flight testing set to begin in 2027. Serial production could begin in the late 2020s if testing progresses as planned.
Despite the harsh Western sanctions imposed since 2022, Russia’s aircraft industry has demonstrated remarkable resilience. UAC continues to deliver Su-35S multi-role planes and Su-34 fighter-bombers, despite lower production numbers than the United States and China. The capacity to sustain high-tech manufacturing, like as the Su-75, is a significant industrial perseverance milestone in the face of limited access to Western components.
The Su-75 confronts stiff international competition. China has already put the Shenyang J-35 into production for both the Air Force and the Navy, and it has received its first export orders, purportedly from Pakistan.
Meanwhile, the United States F-35 program has surpassed 1,000 units in service around the world, cementing its position as the leading exporter of fifth-generation fighters. As a result, the Su-75’s success will be mainly determined by its affordability, performance, and delivery reliability.
However, no formal purchase or contract has been publicly confirmed. India’s current fighter acquisitions are focused on other platforms such as the Rafale and MiG-29 upgrades, as well as the development of indigenous fighters.
The Su-75 agreement is still being negotiated, with Russia apparently offering cost reductions and incentives in exchange for Indian cooperation in developing or co-producing the fighter. Analysts believe this is a way for Moscow to gain financial and production support for the Su-75, which has yet to enter production or have a prototype fly.
To summarize, bringing the Su-75 into service would not only diversify Russia’s Air Force fleet, but will also strengthen the country’s position in the global fighter export market. If successful, the Checkmate effort might help counter Western and Chinese aircraft influence in Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia.
