Sukhoi Su-75 Checkmate

Sukhoi

Industry	Aerospace, Defense
Founded	1939
Headquarters	Moscow , Russia
Key people	Sergei Chemezov (CEO of Rostec, parent company)
Products	Military aircraft, including Su-75 Checkmate
Parent	United Aircraft Corporation (UAC)

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The Sukhoi Su-75 Checkmate (Russian: Сухой Су-75), alternatively known as the Light Tactical Aircraft (LTA; Russian: Лёгкий Тактический Самолёт - ЛТС, romanized: Lyogkiy Takticheskiy Samolyot - LTS), is a stealth-capable, single-engine fighter currently being developed by Sukhoi for both export markets and the Russian Aerospace Forces. Within the Sukhoi Design Bureau, this model is also referenced as T-75.

Development

A non-operational prototype of the aircraft was presented at the 2021 MAKS air show, with President of Russia Vladimir Putin attending the event. The initial plan scheduled the Checkmate's first flight for 2023; however, this was postponed to 2024 and subsequently pushed back again to 2025. Deliveries were originally projected to begin between 2026 and 2027. The fighter jet is intended to be an affordable option for international buyers and is positioned to compete against other light to medium-weight fighters such as the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II and Shenyang FC-31. Over a span of 15 years, production is anticipated to reach approximately 300 units.

Rostec CEO Sergei Chemezov has indicated that each LTS Checkmate will have an estimated price ranging from US $25 million to $30 million.

The development timeline of the Su-75 Checkmate faced delays due to international sanctions imposed on Russia amid the Russo-Ukrainian war. These restrictions hindered Russia's ability to import essential components such as semiconductors and advanced manufacturing equipment from the European Union. Additionally, export opportunities were negatively impacted because Russia was unable to conduct transactions using U.S. dollars.

In May 2023, Maya Carlin from the Center for Security Policy noted that sanctions linked to the conflict significantly hampered the aircraft's progress. The withdrawal of financial support from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which had previously been involved, further disrupted development efforts.

During the 2025 Dubai Airshow, pilot Sergey Bogdan mentioned that preparations for the first flight article were nearing completion, hinting that the maiden flight could occur in early 2026. Meanwhile, Sergey Chemezov confirmed that ground testing would commence soon and that the initial flight was expected in the "nearest future."

Design

The Su-75 incorporates a diverterless supersonic inlet (DSI), a v-tail, and internal weapons bays, all engineered to minimize its radar signature. The inlet's configuration, described by the developers as a "U-shape," aims to lower the aircraft's radar cross-section (RCS) relative to the earlier Su-57 model. Observers, including correspondent David Axe, have noted the relatively large wing area, suggesting that Sukhoi intended this fighter to operate and engage targets effectively at altitudes around 40,000 ft (12,000 m) or above.

The angular ventral air intake, which curves around the underside of the nose, shares design principles with the DSI concept first seen on the Boeing X-32. This diverterless supersonic inlet design offers mechanical simplicity and cost advantages over more complex inlet systems found on aircraft like the McDonnell Douglas F-15 or Sukhoi Su-27. Rather than a traditional tail assembly, the Su-75 employs a v-tail configuration reminiscent of the Northrop YF-23. This setup replaces separate elevators and rudders with combined ruddervators, which manage both pitch and yaw control but necessitate more advanced flight-control technology than conventional empennages.

According to its creators, the Checkmate is engineered to achieve a maximum range of approximately 3,000 km (1,864 mi), support a payload capacity up to 7,400 kg (16,314 lb), and reach speeds between Mach 1.8 and 2.0. The fighter will also be equipped with an internal weapons bay capable of housing five missiles alongside an autocannon.

Patents released in 2023 reveal alterations from the original design, including modifications to the fuselage sides, strakes, and air intakes aimed at further reducing radar detectability. These updates appear to have expanded the aircraft’s lifting surface area, enhancing aerodynamic performance.

Engine

File:Sukhoi S-75 Checkmate mockup rear at Dubai Air Show 2021.jpg

Mock-up of the Checkmate's engine

The aircraft is powered by a modified version of the Saturn AL-51F-1 engine, originally known during development as izdeliye 30. This same engine model is planned for use in the Su-57M variant. The AL-51F-1 engine is engineered to reduce specific weight by approximately 30% compared to its predecessor, the AL-41F1, while achieving up to an 18% increase in efficiency. It delivers an estimated thrust of 107.9 kN (24,300 lbf) without afterburner and reaches 166.8 kN (37,500 lbf) when afterburner is engaged. Once mass production begins, this engine is expected to offer a significantly extended operational lifespan relative to other Russian powerplants.

Cockpit

Due to limitations on photographing the cockpit, NBC News journalist Matt Bodner—who was the first Western reporter granted close access to the aircraft—shared insights without providing point-of-view images. Bodner described the cockpit design as mirroring that of the Su-57, featuring a glass cockpit equipped with two primary multifunctional LCD screens measuring 38 cm (15 in) each, arranged similarly to those found in the Su-35S. Additionally, the cockpit includes a wide-angle head-up display (HUD) with a field of view spanning 30° by 22°.

Avionics

The Checkmate's electronic systems employ a fully open-architecture design and incorporate predominantly on-board "Matryoska" diagnostic technologies. The NIIP radar design bureau, led by Yuri Beliy, intends to create an affordable AESA radar tailored for this fighter. As stated by then-Deputy Prime Minister Yury Borisov, the Sukhoi Design Bureau aims to reduce costs by utilizing avionics and components common with the Su-57 platform.

File:Sukhoi S-75 Checkmate mockup side at Dubai Air Show 2021.jpg

Armament options for the Checkmate displayed alongside the static prototype

Potential operators

Rostec envisions primary export markets for the aircraft in countries such as Argentina, India, Vietnam, and Iran, with additional interest emerging from African nations. In 2021, Sukhoi projected a demand of approximately 300 units and targeted exports to Africa within a 15-year timeframe. During the SITDEF-2021 defense exhibition in Peru, Alexander Mikheev, General Director of Rosoboronexport's product exports, highlighted interest from several South American states. By July 2023, Dmitry Shugaev, head of Russia’s Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, confirmed Nigeria’s engagement regarding the fighter. Additionally, the jet has been marketed to Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

Russia has also indicated a willingness to involve India in the Su-75 development program. Some analysts recommend that India consider the Su-75 as a cost-effective multirole fighter alternative compared to models like the JAS 39 Gripen.

External links

• File:Commons-logo.svg Media related to at Wikimedia Commons