Russia's attempt at an export fifth- generation fighter is called the Su-75 "Checkmate".

Russia designed the Su-75 in order to sell to countries with no aeronautical industry at all.

The Su-75 was originally revealed at the MAKS Airshow last year and was hailed as a solid move by Russia's United Aerospace Corporation.

The fortunes of the Su-75 have plummeted.

Stats and specs

Checkmate, new Sukhoi fifth-generation stealth fighter jet is seen during an opening ceremony of the MAKS-2021 air show in Zhukovsky, outside Moscow, Russia, July 20, 2021
A Su-75 Checkmate prototype at MAKS-2021 in July 2021.
Sputnik/Alexei Nikolskyi/Kremlin via REUTERS

The Su-75 is designed to be attractive to foreign buyers. Less maintenance costs and less fuel consumption can be achieved by its single engine. The internal weapons bay, diverterless inlets, and unique tail design are just some of the stealth characteristics that fifth- generation fighters need.

The Su-75 is able to coordinate with drones, an emerging technology and doctrine which air forces hope to use to overcome enemy air defense systems. The drones will be managed by an advanced artificial intelligence system which can engage up to six targets at the same time.

Previous Russian exports such as the Su-30 and Mig-35 have been upgraded. One-quarter of the price of an F-35 Joint Strike Fighter makes them balanced.

The fighter jet is a cutting-edge addition to the air defense realm. They note that the Checkmate fighter can fight any threat, from unsheltered command posts to sensitive targets for an enemy.

Virtual modelling and digital calculations are said to have been used for the jet's design.

Initial interest

A prototype of Russia's new Checkmate stealth fighter jet
A prototype of Russia's Su-57 at the MAKS-2021 air show.
AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko

Vietnam and India were thought to be the primary buyers of the Su-75 after it was released.

Following the suspension of a $23 billion arms deal with the US, the United Arab Emirates appeared to be involved in a deal to assist in the production and manufacture of the Su-75.

A critical blunder

The invasion of Ukraine by Russia has put a damper on the industry. Russia is unable to acquire and produce essential components of modern aircraft due to international sanctions.

The advanced avionics system is completely unable to function without precisionmachining equipment and Semiconductor. The production of an airworthy Su-75 could be affected by this. Potential buyers may be turned off by Russia's inability to guarantee parts and upkeep.

The performance of Russian jets in Ukranian is an elephant in the room. The loss of Su-30s, 34s, and even a 35 may make nations hesitant to purchase new aircraft.

Making the process more difficult

The conflict in Ukraine and the sanctions that came from a Russian invasion are just two of the challenges presented by the UAC.

The manned version of the Su-75 is not the only one being worked on. It is difficult to see how Russia will be able to develop the Su-75 into a UCAV since none have yet been used in combat.

Su-75 and the future

Checkmate, new Sukhoi fifth-generation stealth fighter jet is seen during an opening ceremony of the MAKS-2021 air show in Zhukovsky, outside Moscow, Russia, July 20, 2021
A Checkmate prototype at the MAKS-2021 air show.
Sputnik/Alexei Nikolskyi/Kremlin via REUTERS

It seems that the Su-75 program isn't moving in the right direction. Russian officials claim the jet will have its first flight in 2024, however it remains to be seen if they will be able to meet this deadline under the sanctions and the war in Ukraine.

A critical source of funding and R&D has been dried up due to the United Arab Emirates pausing its involvement in the project.

It is not clear if Russia will find a market for the Su-75 if it enters production. Even if the international community is upset with Putin, countries within the Russian sphere of influence will still purchase Russian equipment.

It's not clear if other concerns trump traditional considerations when it comes to arms purchases. If the production estimates of the Su-75 continue to be delayed, foreign clients may look for other options.

Maya is a defense editor. She is an analyst with the Center for Security Policy as well as a former Anna Sobol Levy fellow. She has bylines in a number of publications.