Russia begins production of the first Su-75 Checkmate prototypes

Bulgarian Military carries an article about the production of the first Su-75 Checkmate prototypes launched by Russia. Caliber.Az reprints the article.

The production phase is set to kick off for the Su-75 Checkmate light single-engine fighter program, as announced by Rostec’s press service. The necessary preparations for this phase have already been initiated.

United Aircraft Corporation [UAC] is spearheading these preparations, aiming to start the manufacturing of the Checkmate fighter’s first samples. The project’s documentation has been duly sent to the manufacturing plant. In response to the requests of potential customers, minor modifications have been implemented in the aircraft’s design as part of the preparatory work.

Russian media outlet RIA Novosti, quoting a Rostec press release, reported, “In light of the work undertaken, modifications in the project were made. These changes have subsequently impacted the timeline for the first flight. As of now, the project’s paperwork has been passed on to the manufacturing unit, paving the way for the start of the production of initial samples.”

Evidence emerged in July this year that the Su-75 Checkmate, an advanced light single-engine fighter, will be manufactured in three variations: a single-seater, a two-seater, and an unmanned model. The Federal Office of Intellectual Property holds the patents for all three versions.

Expectations

As previously disclosed by UAC, the aircraft’s prototypes are expected to surface in 2024-2025, followed by a pilot batch in 2026. The serial deliveries of this new fighter aircraft are scheduled to commence between 2026 and 2027.

The Su-75 Checkmate boasts impressive specifications including a maximum speed of 2 Mach, a flight range extending to 3,000 kilometers, and a combat load of 7.4 thousand kg. The aircraft comes equipped with an Active Electronically Scanned Array [AESA] radar, a 360-degree optical and radio reconnaissance system, an internal electronic jamming system, an optical sighting system, and a broad-range communication system.

The unveiling of Russia’s startling new, fifth-generation Checkmate single-engine fighter took place at the MAKS-2021 air show.

The aircraft design has been meticulously tailored to cater to the Russian Aerospace Forces and international customers. Originally developed with open architecture, the design allows for comprehensive customization based on unique orders.

According to a former staffer of the National Security Council during the George W. Bush Administration, the Russian Sukhoi Su-75 Checkmate fighter will not see mass production. This revelation came in an exclusive conversation with journalists at 19FortyFive. 

The former spokesperson predicts a lackluster market demand for the Su-75, largely due to Russia’s perceived performance in Ukraine. The same source, a veteran of the Bush administration, labeled Russia’s exploits in Ukraine as “pitiful”. 

Though the identity of this source remained undisclosed by 19FortyFive, the former official expressed disregard for Russia’s recent endeavors in aircraft and aircraft carrier production, quoting, “I wouldn’t give a ruble for Putin’s junk.”

Su-75 is a chance for low-budget nations

An American e-magazine has speculated that if Russia’s Su-75 enters mass production, it could offer many nations their first fifth-generation stealth fighter. However, this publication contests Russia’s claim that the Su-75 can directly compete with the American F-35 Lightning II fighter in terms of capabilities, terming such claims as “overblown” and “utterly misleading.” The point they drive home is, “While the Su-75 could prove to be an impressive aircraft and a cost-effective alternative to the F-35, it simply can’t replace it”. 

Further information suggests that the Russian aircraft manufacturer is also developing an unmanned version of the fighter. As the company’s chief told the TASS agency, “The idea of the unmanned version of Checkmate has been in the works since the initial design stages. Plans revolve around creating an unmanned version in conjunction with a single-seat aircraft. In theory, the development of the unmanned version will go hand-in-hand with the testing of the crewed version.” 

The article by 19FortyFive argues that the Su-75 Checkmate currently has only one distinct edge – the utilization of equipment and components from its predecessor, the Su-57. As emphasized by the American publication, the fighter reuses existing research and components—“a crucial factor that could help meet the Su-75’s demanding timeline.”