Russia optimises Su‑75 Checkmate to attract development partners amidst mixed Indian interest

"Rostec's United Aircraft Corporation has collected feedback on the Checkmate project from potential buyers. Along with processing additional requirements from these potential buyers, attempts were made to optimise costs and scrutinise technical solutions. This helps increase competitiveness and commercial appeal, while reducing technical risk during the creation of this single-engine domestic aircraft," Rostec reported.

The EurAsian Times highlights that the measures taken could serve as a lure to increase India's interest in participating in the development of the Su-75 fighter. The Kremlin already attempted to entice Delhi into joining the programme during the 2023 Aero India exhibition.

However, given their previous challenges with the PAK FA programme (the development of the Su-57 fighter), which raised issues over technology transfer and machine specifications, India did not show significant interest in joining the Su-75 development programme. Delhi is especially cautious since they are working on their own fifth-generation fighter, the AMCA, and Russia has yet to produce a single prototype of Su-75.

The Su-75, known as LTS Checkmate, is a lightweight fifth-generation Russian fighter jet. The design of the aircraft was first unveiled in 2021 at the International Air and Space Salon MAKS 2021. It was stated that this stealth technology fighter would offer high performance and low-operation costs per hour. The Russians also planned that Su-75 will make its maiden flight in 2023 and that its mass production would begin by 2026. The fighter is intended for both the Russian military and export. However, there have been significant delays in the development of the Russian fifth-generation fighter, and so far, there is no interest in buying it.

According to available data, the Su-75 Checkmate can fly at a speed of 1.8 Mach (~2176 km/h) with an operational range of approximately 1740 miles (2800 kilometres). As per Aviation Week, its maximum takeoff weight is roughly 57300 pounds (~26000 kilograms), which includes the ability to carry a combat load of about 16300 pounds (~7400 kilograms). As earlier reported according to Russian sources, the Su-75 will be capable of operating under conditions of intense electronic warfare (EWR) disruptions and can attack multiple targets simultaneously.