As the world bears witness to the relentless struggle in Ukraine, the reverberations are felt far beyond the battlefield. One such impact is on Russia’s aerospace ambition, particularly the Su-75 “Checkmate,” which faces a harsh reality check amidst resource constraints and shifting geopolitical loyalties.

Touted as Russia’s next-gen stealth combatant in the aviation market, the Su-75’s plight underscores the complexities faced by a nation embroiled in conflict and the consequential international reticence to partner in military advancements.

The Su-75 Checkmate was Russia’s response to a rapidly evolving fighter jet market dominated by the likes of the American F-35 Lightning II.

Unveiled at the 2021 MAKS air show, the lightweight fighter promised cutting-edge features like supersonic speeds and modern avionics.

Despite these advances and a competitive price point—nearly a third of the F-35’s cost—the Checkmate is yet to take flight.

Its projected maiden voyage in 2023 remains elusive, with the timeline continually shifting under the weight of budgetary and developmental hurdles.

“The Checkmate will reportedly be able to fly at speeds in excess of Mach 1.8, with a range of up to 3,000 kilometers,” touted the Russian state media, underlining the aircraft’s impressive specifications.

However, securing foreign buyers or partners, a critical step for the project’s viability has become a Sisyphean task.

Talks with the UAE and India, for instance, ended without fruition. “Russian Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov also said that foreign customers were displaying their interest in the fighter.

In his words, Russian engineers had made adjustments to the aircraft’s layout, control, and armament systems on the basis of their feedback,” Tass reported. Yet, confirmed progress on partnerships or exports remains scant.

The ongoing military engagement in Ukraine not only diverts attention and resources from Checkmate’s development but also casts a long shadow over its production goals.

Russia’s Su-57 “Felon,” the nation’s only operational fifth-gen platform, is a case in point.

With a mere handful of these airframes introduced to service and their conspicuous absence from combat in Ukraine, skepticism surrounds Moscow’s capacity to launch a second fifth-gen platform effectively.

Described as “a program to create one” rather than an export product, the Checkmate has been subject to elaborate promotional efforts, including dramatic videos aimed at attracting international investment.

But skepticism persists, with defense economics YouTuber Perun stating, “… it’s not an export product, not yet, it’s a program to create one.”

Relevant articles:
– Russia’s Su-75 Checkmate Looks Like Russia’s Doomed Nightmare Fighter, The National Interest
– Russia’s Su-75 Checkmate Fighter Nightmare Just Won’t End, The National Interest
– Inside The Su-75 Checkmate: What To Expect From This Advanced Fighter Jet, Simple Flying