Russia’s foray into the realm of advanced fifth-generation fighter jets appears to be locked in a holding pattern as the ambitious Su-75 “Checkmate” struggles to take flight amidst the backdrop of the Ukraine conflict.

This much-vaunted aircraft, offering a cost-effective alternative to the likes of the American F-35, has hit a wall of geopolitical tensions and a redirected defense budget, casting shadows of doubt over its future.

Dubbed a potential game-changer, the Su-75 promised to shake up the global fighter aircraft market by pairing advanced capabilities with a lower price point.

The designers of the Su-75 assert that the aircraft can operate in conjunction with unmanned aerial vehicles, augmenting its combat effectiveness.

Propelling this warbird is a sole NPO Saturn AL-51F-1 engine, generating approximately 18,000 kilogram-force (kgf) thrust, totaling around 36,000 kgf.

Thus, the aircraft boasts a powerful engine.

The Checkmate has the capability to cruise at a top speed of approximately Mach 1.8, covering a range of roughly 1,900 miles.

A formidable NPO Saturn AL-51F-1 engine, capable of thrusting at around 18,000 kilogram force (KGF), would propel the Checkmate to a maximum speed of Mach 1.8 with a range of about 1,900 miles.

Initially, the Su-75 was announced with fanfare at an air exposition show in 2021, looking to attract international partners such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and India.

However, the war has not only demanded Russia’s full attention and the bulk of its defense spending, but it has also diminished its standing in the global arms market, affecting Russia’s image and thus its ability to promote the Su-75 abroad.

While Russia had been the second-largest exporter of weapons systems globally from 2014 to 2018, it has slipped to third place behind an increasingly ambitious France.

This shift suggests a significant hit to the perception of Russian military hardware on the international stage, with the Su-75’s foreign buyer pool seemingly drying up.

The UAE, once a potential buyer, has receded from the deal in the wake of the Ukraine invasion, opting instead to purchase F-35s from the United States.

The Kremlin is renowned for its grandiose declarations regarding forthcoming defense initiatives. However, these projects often fall short of expectations despite the initial hype and commitments.

Recent instances of underwhelming performance in Russian defense industry include the T-14 Armata main battle tank, the Su-57 Felon fighter jet, and the Kh-47M Kinzhal hypersonic missile.

Relevant articles:
– Russia’s Su-75 Checkmate Fighter Is in Nightmare Limbo, The National Interest
– Russia’s Su-75 Checkmate Stealth Fighter Nightmare Won’t Seem to End, The National Interest
– Inside The Su-75 Checkmate: What To Expect From This Advanced Fighter Jet, Simple Flying