The Sukhoi Su-75 Checkmate is a single-engine, fifth-generation tactical fighter designed to capture a budget-conscious export market currently dominated by Western aircraft. Developed by the United Aircraft Corporation's Sukhoi division, the light tactical fighter aims to combine low radar visibility, supersonic performance, and a unit cost significantly lower than heavier twin-engine jets.
First shown as a static mockup at the MAKS air show, the aircraft targets international buyers looking for stealth capabilities without the steep procurement and maintenance overhead of jets like the Lockheed Martin F-35.
Airframe Design and Stealth Architecture
The Su-75 relies on a distinct aerodynamic layout intended to minimize its radar cross-section (RCS). Unlike its heavier predecessor, the twin-engine Su-57 Felon, the Checkmate features a single powerplant fed by a prominent chin-mounted diverterless supersonic inlet (DSI). This U-shaped intake design smooths airflow into the engine while shielding turbine blades from radar waves.
The aircraft utilizes a V-tail empennage configuration without traditional vertical stabilizers, pairing ruddervators to handle pitch and yaw. This layout mirrors design concepts seen on experimental Western prototypes like the Northrop YF-23. Internal weapons bays sit beneath the central fuselage to house up to five missiles and an integrated autocannon, keeping ordnance hidden from radar until engagement.
- Length: 17.7 meters
- Wingspan: 11.8 meters
- Maximum Takeoff Weight: 26,000 kilograms
Performance Specifications and Avionics
Engineers designed the fighter for high-altitude engagement and extended combat reach. Powered by a single afterburning turbofan—expected to transition to advanced derivative engines like the AL-51F-1 family—the jet achieves a top speed of Mach 1.8.
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| Metric | Specification |
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| Top Speed | Mach 1.8 (1,910 km/h at altitude) |
| Operational Range| 2,900 kilometers |
| Service Ceiling | 16,500 meters |
| Max Payload | 7,400 kilograms |
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The cockpit layout borrows heavily from the Su-57 family, utilizing a glass display setup featuring large multi-functional LCD screens and a wide-angle head-up display. Avionics packages center around an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar system alongside an integrated infrared search and track (IRST) sensor suite to detect low-observable targets passively.
Production Timeline and Economic Realities
The path from concept art to active flight testing faced multiple timeline adjustments. Initial projections pointed to a maiden flight years ago, but international trade restrictions, supply chain adjustments for microelectronics, and shifting industrial priorities pushed assembly milestones forward. Executives from state-backed Rostec and the United Aircraft Corporation confirmed that prototype airframes are undergoing active shop-floor finalization and ground bench testing, with maiden flight preparations targeted firmly.
Moscow positioned the jet with an aggressive target price between $25 million and $30 million per unit, aiming to undercut Western defense options. Production plans outline a multi-year manufacturing schedule aiming for hundreds of airframes to satisfy both domestic aerospace needs and foreign partners.
Frequently Asked Questions
What weapons can the Su-75 carry internally?
The internal weapons bay accommodates up to five munitions, including short-range and beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles like the R-73 and R-77, alongside an integrated autocannon. External hardpoints allow for additional payload capacity up to a total of 7,400 kg.
How does the Checkmate compare to the F-35?
The Checkmate is a single-engine fighter targeted at a much lower price point ($25–30 million) compared to the F-35. It emphasizes high-altitude maneuverability and export accessibility for nations excluded from Western defense supply chains.
Is there a twin-seat or unmanned version planned?
Design patents and developer briefings indicate the modular platform architecture can support localized variants, including potential two-seat trainer configurations and uncrewed autonomous options.
Which engine powers the aircraft?
Initial prototypes use interim high-performance powerplants derived from proven Russian military turbofans, with series-production models slated to receive advanced powerplants sharing technological lineage with the Su-57's engine program. You can track broader military hardware developments via TASS or aerospace analysis from Aviation Week.
