Su-75 Checkmate: Everything We Know About Russia’s New Stealth Jet

Daftar Isi

In the world of advanced fighter jets, a new contender has emerged that threatens to shake the balance of power. Russia’s Su-75 "Checkmate," a sleek, stealthy aircraft with the potential to rival the West’s most advanced warplanes, has captivated the attention of defense experts and military enthusiasts alike. Unveiled in 2021, this next-generation fighter is being marketed not just as a technological marvel, but as a strategic game-changer—a fighter that could redefine global air superiority.

With its cutting-edge design, advanced stealth features, and impressive weaponry, the Su-75 promises to be Russia's answer to the ever-dominant F-35 Lightning II. But the Su-75 isn't just about challenging the West—it's also about securing Russia’s place in the international arms market. Will the Checkmate live up to the hype? And what makes this jet so compelling in the competitive world of modern military aviation?

In this article, we dive deep into everything we know about the Su-75 Checkmate—from its design and capabilities to its potential impact on future combat scenarios and its place in the global arms race. Buckle up, because Russia's newest stealth fighter is rewriting the rules of air warfare.

Introduction: The Ambition Behind the Checkmate

Russia unveiled the Su-75 Checkmate at the MAKS 2021 Air Show with a bold claim: it would be a cost-effective, export-friendly fifth-generation stealth fighter jet. Designed by Sukhoi, the Checkmate is Russia’s answer to the American F-35 and China's J-20, aiming to provide advanced stealth and multirole capability in a lightweight, single-engine platform. What makes the Su-75 unique is not just its low cost compared to Western counterparts, but its aggressive marketing to foreign buyers.

The Checkmate represents more than just a new jet; it symbolizes Russia’s attempt to reassert its aerospace dominance, especially in regions where Western arms are restricted or unaffordable. For countries with limited budgets but high operational needs, the Su-75 might just be the "checkmate" move in geopolitical strategy.

Su-75 Checkmate Design and Stealth Features

At first glance, the Su-75's shape draws obvious inspiration from the F-35 and F-22. The airframe is sleek, with canted vertical stabilizers, a chiseled fuselage, and sharply angled air intakes designed to minimize radar cross-section. The use of internal weapon bays also helps maintain a stealth profile, hiding missiles and bombs within the fuselage.

A prominent feature of the design is the diverterless supersonic inlet (DSI), which reduces radar signature and mechanical complexity. The jet's fuselage is shaped to reflect radar away from the source, and the canopy appears to be designed with radar-absorbent materials (RAM).

Sukhoi claims a very low radar cross-section, though real-world performance remains untested. Still, the layout clearly reflects an understanding of stealth fundamentals.

Engine and Performance Expectations

The Su-75 is expected to be powered by a derivative of the Saturn AL-41F1 engine used in the Su-57, or potentially the newer Izdeliye 30 engine once matured. This would give the Checkmate a maximum speed approaching Mach 1.8 to 2.0, with supercruise capability – the ability to sustain supersonic flight without afterburners.

Range is projected at 2,800 to 3,000 kilometers, giving the aircraft strategic reach without the need for frequent aerial refueling. The jet's thrust-to-weight ratio is expected to be favorable due to its single-engine light frame, which will contribute to agility and acceleration.

The engine is also designed to minimize infrared signature, a vital consideration for stealth operations against infrared-guided missiles.

Avionics, Radar, and Sensor Capabilities

The Checkmate is projected to feature an advanced AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar, which allows for simultaneous tracking of multiple targets and resistance to jamming. Coupled with an advanced electronic warfare (EW) suite, this gives the pilot both offensive and defensive sensor capabilities.

An infrared search and track (IRST) sensor is positioned forward of the canopy. This passive sensor system allows the Su-75 to detect stealth aircraft or heat signatures without emitting detectable radar waves.

Additionally, Sukhoi has hinted at an integrated AI-based co-pilot system that can assist with threat prioritization, mission planning, and even limited autonomous operations.

Weapons Loadout and Internal Armament

The Su-75 will be equipped with an internal weapons bay capable of carrying air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions while preserving stealth. According to released schematics, it can carry:

• R-77M beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missiles
• R-73 short-range IR-guided missiles
• Kh-59MK2 air-to-surface stealth cruise missiles
• Guided bombs such as the KAB-500 and KAB-250 series

With a payload capacity of approximately 7,400 kilograms (16,300 lbs), the Checkmate also offers versatility for ground attack roles. The internal bay supports stealth operations, while additional wing pylons allow for increased load in non-stealth missions.

Export Focus and Potential Buyers

One of the most ambitious aspects of the Su-75 project is its emphasis on the global arms market. Russia explicitly markets the jet as an affordable fifth-gen alternative, aimed at countries that cannot purchase the F-35 due to cost or political reasons.

Potential buyers include:

• India (as a single-engine complement to its Tejas program)
• UAE and Gulf States
• Vietnam
• Argentina
• African nations seeking advanced but affordable airpower

With a projected price tag of $25-30 million per unit, the Su-75 could undercut even the cheapest Western jets, though production and performance reliability remain key concerns.

Development Timeline and Current Status

The Su-75 prototype was officially unveiled in July 2021. Sukhoi promised a first flight by 2023, later pushed to 2024. As of now, only a full-scale mock-up and wind-tunnel-tested prototypes exist.

Delays are expected due to Western sanctions affecting supply chains and funding. Rostec, Russia's state defense conglomerate, continues to express confidence, targeting full-scale production by 2027-2028.

The current geopolitical environment, especially the Ukraine war and associated sanctions, will likely play a pivotal role in determining whether this jet moves beyond the prototype phase.

How the Checkmate Compares to Other 5th-Generation Fighters

To understand the Su-75's place on the global stage, it’s essential to compare it to other 5th-generation fighters, particularly the F-35 Lightning II (U.S.), J-20 Mighty Dragon (China), and KF-21 Boramae (South Korea).

Feature	Su-75 Checkmate	F-35 Lightning II	J-20 Mighty Dragon	KF-21 Boramae
Origin	Russia	United States	China	South Korea
Role	Stealth multirole fighter	Stealth multirole fighter	Stealth air superiority	Semi-stealth multirole
Maiden Flight	Expected 2025	2006	2011	2022
Unit Cost (Estimate)	$30–35 million	$80–110 million	$100–120 million	$65 million
Max Speed	Mach 1.8+	Mach 1.6	Mach 2.0	Mach 1.8
Range	~2,800 km	~2,200 km	~3,400 km	~2,900 km
Stealth Features	Internal weapons bay, radar-absorbing materials	Advanced LO shaping, RAM	Moderate LO, delta canards	Partial internal bays
Engine	Single Izdeliye 30	Single Pratt & Whitney F135	Twin WS-10 (WS-15 in future)	Twin GE F414
Weapon Load	~7,400 kg	~8,100 kg	~11,000 kg	~7,700 kg
Radar	AESA (N036 Belka-derived)	AESA (AN/APG-81)	AESA (Type 1475)	AESA (Hanwha Systems)
Combat Readiness	Expected ~2028	Fully operational	Limited IOC	Limited IOC

Challenges Facing the Checkmate Program

Despite its bold vision, the Checkmate faces several significant hurdles:

• Funding Shortfalls: Without foreign buyers committed early, development costs may become unsustainable.
• Sanctions and Component Shortages: Western sanctions hinder access to avionics, microelectronics, and certain composites.
• Competition: Emerging fighters like Turkey's Kaan, South Korea's KF-21, and China's FC-31 could steal market share.
• Testing and Validation: The lack of a flying prototype means no one knows how the Checkmate will perform under real-world conditions.

Unless Russia can accelerate development and secure buyers, the program risks becoming a PR stunt rather than a real weapon of war.

Conclusion: Will the Checkmate Change the Game?

The Su-75 Checkmate represents a high-risk, high-reward endeavor. If successful, it could redefine the global fighter jet market by offering stealth capability at a fraction of the price. Its appeal lies in accessibility and affordability, especially for nations priced out of Western options.

However, its future hinges on development speed, geopolitical stability, and actual performance. Without flight data or proven technology, the Checkmate remains more of a theoretical threat than a practical one. Yet if Sukhoi delivers even 80% of what has been promised, it could disrupt the global balance in air combat for decades to come.

Time will tell whether the Checkmate is a real game-changer or just another unfulfilled vision in the annals of military aviation.

FAQs About the Su-75 Checkmate

1. When was the Su-75 Checkmate first unveiled?

It was first showcased publicly at the MAKS Air Show in July 2021.

2. How much will the Su-75 Checkmate cost?

Estimates place the unit cost between $30 to $35 million, depending on configurations and export agreements.

3. What kind of engine does the Su-75 use?

Early models will likely use the AL-41F1, with future variants expected to employ the more advanced Izdeliye 30 engine.

4. Which countries are interested in buying the Su-75?

India, UAE, Vietnam, several African nations, and Latin American countries are potential buyers.

5. How does the Su-75 compare to the F-35?

While not as technologically mature, the Su-75 offers impressive stealth, performance, and a dramatically lower price compared to the F-35.

6. Is the Su-75 operational yet?

No, the Su-75 is still under development, with flight testing expected to start by 2026.