Russia has announced the construction of the first flight prototype of the Su-75 Checkmate fighter jet
Russia has announced the start of construction on the first flight prototype of the Su-75 Checkmate, a next-generation single-engine fighter jet positioned as a cheaper alternative to the American F-35.
This was stated by Vadim Badeha, CEO of the United Aircraft Corporation.
According to him, the aircraft is being developed both for the needs of the Russian military and for potential foreign buyers. One of the customer’s main requirements was to reduce the cost of production and operation of the combat aircraft.
The corporation considers the Su-75’s single-engine design to be its main advantage, which is expected to make the fighter cheaper than most modern twin-engine aircraft.
The Checkmate project was first unveiled in 2021. Since then, the developers have repeatedly postponed its launch dates. Initially, the first flight was announced for 2023, then for 2024 and 2025. Now, Russia is stating that flight tests could begin in 2026.
The aircraft is positioned as a fifth-generation light multi-role fighter, primarily aimed at the export market. Previously, the developers stated that the cost of the export version would be around $30 million.
The stated specifications for the Su-75 include a maximum takeoff weight of 26 tons, a combat load of up to 7.4 tons, a maximum speed of up to 2,200 km/h, and a range of up to 2,800 km. The aircraft is also expected to be equipped with a 30-mm automatic cannon and the capability to carry weapons on both external and internal hardpoints.
However, the Su-75 currently exists only as demonstration prototypes and computer models, and serial production of the aircraft has not yet begun.
The Ukrainian Armed Forces destroyed a Russian cargo ship in the port of Berdyansk.
STING interceptors from the BULAVA battalion destroyed 209 Russian drones in a month – video
Ukrainian defenders eliminated a Russian occupying footballer from the Volgograd region
