Su-75 Update: The Su-75 “Checkmate” fighter is reportedly in the final stages of development, the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) confirmed. Russia is banking on their new fighter attracting buyers on the export market, but so far, interest in the Checkmate has been scant.  

Developed for Export 

The Russians built the Su-75 as an airframe that could be exported. Anticipated buyers have included India, Iran, Argentina, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Saudi Arabia. But to date, countries have been hesitant to commit to a contract with the Kremlin for the new fighter.  

Marketed as a cheap substitute for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, the Su-75 was a Russian attempt to cut into America’s share of the international fighter export market. However the availability of the Su-75 alternative, first unveiled at the MAKS 2021 Air Show, has not generated the anticipated interest in the export market. 

However, the Su-75 was designed to be attractive to export buyers; with one engine, the light tactical fighter carries advanced avionics and weapons and has positioned itself against the competition as a low-cost yet capable option.  

“Despite its high-profile unveiling…Russia’s Su-75 Checkmate stealth fighter is facing headwinds in attracting international partners and competing in the global defense market,” Army Recognition reported. “Countries like the UAE and India have not eagerly partnered in the program, indicating limited success for Moscow’s new military aircraft in the international arena.”  

The Kremlin’s initial hope was that 300 Su-75s could be exported over fifteen years at about twenty per year. But that number no longer seems attainable. The inability to sell the Su-75 is indicative of a larger problem: the Russians are having trouble selling their wares to foreign clients. 

Just recently, Russia slipped from its long-held position as the number two exporter of arms globally, falling to third behind France. Russia’s slip to third may be a result of the pariah status Putin’s regime has attained since illegally invading Ukraine.  

What is the Su-75 

Built as a low-cost alternative to the $90-million-per-unit F-35, the Su-75 is meant to be a bargain fighter-generation fighter. With one Izdeliye thirty engine, the Su-75 is understood to have a top speed of Mach 1.8 and a range of about 3,000 kilometers. 

Like other fifth-generation fighters designed to maintain a low radar cross section (RCS), the Su-75 features an internal weapons bay, which is believed to hold upwards of 7,400 kilograms of ordnance.  

The jet’s most distinctive feature, visually, is the V-shaped “ruddervators,” which serve as something of a compromise between horizontal and vertical stabilizers, instead combining the two structures into one, again, for the sake of keeping the RCS low.  

Eventually, someone will buy the Su-75. And you can expect the United States to keep tabs when that does happen, as a purchase of the Su-75 will not only dip into the American fighter’s market share but will also signal an openness to dealing with Putin.  

Harrison Kass is a defense and national security writer with over 1,000 total pieces on issues involving global affairs. An attorney, pilot, guitarist, and minor pro hockey player, Harrison joined the US Air Force as a Pilot Trainee but was medically discharged. Harrison holds a BA from Lake Forest College, a JD from the University of Oregon, and an MA from New York University. Harrison listens to Dokken.      

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