Forget Sukhoi-57, Russia developing a new stealth fighter to rival American F-35; Will India buy it? Why this jet could be a gamechanger

The Su-75 "Checkmate" is poised as Russia's counter to America's dominance in stealth fighter technology. Sukhoi markets the Checkmate as a cost-effective alternative to Western stealth fighters, combining advanced capabilities with affordability.

During the recent Zhuhai Airshow in China, Russia’s Sukhoi-57, a fifth-generation fighter jet, captivated the spectators with its impressive aerobatic displays. Boasting stealth technology, this advanced aircraft is nearly undetectable by radar, making it exceptionally difficult for enemies to target or intercept. Building on this success, Russia has announced accelerated efforts to develop another stealth fighter jet, the Sukhoi-75.

The state-owned United Aircraft Corporation of Russia confirmed that the Sukhoi-75 “Checkmate” has entered an advanced phase of development. The corporation also disclosed its intention to export the aircraft to international markets, including India.

According to the Russian news agency TASS, Sergei Korotkov, a senior official from United Aircraft Corporation, described the Sukhoi-75 as a single-engine, fifth-generation fighter jet nearing completion in its development. Korotkov noted that several international buyers are considering the jet, emphasizing a strong market demand for such a fighter. He added, “The development process is advancing successfully.”

Initially showcased at Russia’s MAKS-2021 airshow, the Sukhoi-75 is a lightweight stealth fighter designed to meet the evolving needs of modern combat scenarios.

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What is the Su-75?

The Su-75 “Checkmate” is poised as Russia’s counter to America’s dominance in stealth fighter technology. Sukhoi markets the Checkmate as a cost-effective alternative to Western stealth fighters, combining advanced capabilities with affordability. As a fifth-generation multirole stealth fighter, the Su-75 boasts impressive specifications:

Top Speed: Approximately Mach 1.8
Range: 1,864 miles
Operational Ceiling: 54,100 feet
Payload: Up to 7.4 tons of armaments, including both air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions, stored in internal bays to enhance stealth, much like the American F-22A Raptor.

The Su-75 is also equipped with modern advancements, such as:

AI-enhanced systems to assist pilots,
Advanced avionics, and
Network-centric warfare capabilities for integrated operations.

One of the Su-75’s most touted features is its price. With a projected cost of USD 30 million to USD 35 million per unit, it is significantly cheaper than its American counterparts. For comparison:

The F-35 Lightning II costs between $82.5 million and $102.1 million, depending on the variant.
The F-22A Raptor, while unavailable for export, is even costlier.

Russia following the path of US’ F-35

In 2021, the Sukhoi-75 “Checkmate” was first showcased at the Dubai Airshow in the UAE. Sergei Korotkov’s recent remarks come shortly after Russia’s defense export agency, Rosoboronexport, announced securing the first international customer for its Sukhoi-57 fighter jet. Reports suggest this customer could be Algeria, an African nation. With the Sukhoi-57 and the Sukhoi-75, Russia aims to match the stealth fighter capabilities of the United States and China.

The ongoing Ukraine conflict has pushed Russia to accelerate the Sukhoi-75’s development. However, U.S.-imposed sanctions are creating significant hurdles in this effort.

Russia sets its sights on India

In 2023, Russia made efforts to strengthen its ties with India. Previously, India had pulled back from the Sukhoi-57 fighter jet program, which came as a setback for Russia. India had requested technology transfer, but the discussions didn’t progress as expected. Now, India is adopting a “watch and wait” approach.

In a bid to regain India’s interest, Russia has offered to share the technology and production line for the Sukhoi-75. Russia envisions India playing a key role in the global marketing and production of the Sukhoi-75, hoping to leverage India’s defense market and export potential. Through this partnership, Russia aims to expand the Sukhoi-75’s reach across the world.