Russia’s Rostech eyes to start Checkmate fighter aircraft production in 2027

Russia’s Rostech CEO, Sergei Chemezov, has said that mass production of the Russian Checkmate fighter aircraft is scheduled for 2027.

“The first aircraft will be produced by late 2023 - early 2024. The aircraft is being produced at Rostech's own funds, without attracting budgetary funds,” Chemezov said at a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, RIA Novosti reports.

The Checkmate fighter aircraft was presented on the opening day of the MAKS-2021 International Aviation and Space Salon.

This is Russia's first fifth-generation lightweight multirole fighter with one engine. Its first flight is scheduled for 2023. The cost of the newest aircraft was estimated at $25-30 million.