Sukhoi Su-75 Checkmate
The Sukhoi Su-75 Checkmate is a Russian single-engine stealth fighter aircraft under development by Sukhoi, also described as the Light Tactical Aircraft (LTA/LTS).
The Sukhoi Su-75 Checkmate is a Russian single-engine stealth fighter aircraft under development by Sukhoi, also described as the Light Tactical Aircraft (LTA/LTS). It has been presented as an export-oriented, fifth-generation multirole combat aircraft intended for Russia’s aerospace forces and foreign customers.
Development
Sukhoi unveiled the Su-75 Checkmate in 2021 as a new light tactical aircraft concept for Russia and export markets. Reporting since then has described the programme as still in development, with timelines for testing and production shifting over time.
Design and intended role
The Su-75 has been presented as a single-engine, stealthy, lightweight multirole fighter with an emphasis on lower cost than heavier fifth-generation aircraft. Sources describe it as designed for both air-to-air and strike missions, using internal bays to preserve stealth.
Public specifications
Published reports have cited a top speed around Mach 1.8 to Mach 2, a maximum takeoff weight of about 26,000 kg, and payload figures up to 7,400 kg. These values should be treated as announced or reported targets rather than fully verified operational performance.
Programme status
As of available reporting, the Su-75 had not entered service and remained a prototype or pre-production programme. Various reports have described plans for single-seat, twin-seat, and unmanned variants, but these remain development claims rather than confirmed fielded models.
Key facts
- The Su-75 is a single-engine stealth fighter programme developed by Sukhoi under United Aircraft Corporation.
- It was publicly unveiled in 2021 and marketed as a more affordable export combat aircraft.
- The design has been described as a lightweight fifth-generation fighter intended to replace older MiG-29 and MiG-21 fleets.
- Public descriptions have cited internal weapons bays, underwing hardpoints, and supersonic performance targets.
- The project has generated attention, but much of its development has remained on paper in publicly available reporting.
Canadian readers may encounter the Su-75 in coverage of global fighter competition, export arms markets, and Russia’s efforts to develop a lower-cost stealth aircraft comparable to Western fifth-generation fighters.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Sukhoi Su-75?
When was the Su-75 unveiled?
Is the Su-75 in service?
What does “Checkmate” mean in this context?
What role is the Su-75 meant to fill?
References
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sukhoi_Su-75_CheckmateSupports: Basic identification, alternate names, single-engine stealth fighter description, under development status
- Aerospace Global News — https://aerospaceglobalnews.com/news/russia-sukhoi-su-75-checkmate-what-we-know/Supports: 2021 unveiling, export-oriented positioning, intended role, reported performance and payload targets
- Simple Flying — https://simpleflying.com/russia-sukhoi-su-75-checkmate-guide/Supports: Comparison to F-35, planned commercial debut, range and weight/payload figures
- Military Update — https://www.militaryupdate.net/2025/04/Su-75-Checkmate.htmlSupports: Public development status, mock-up/prototype discussion, production timeline claims
- 19FortyFive — https://www.19fortyfive.com/2026/01/the-su-75-checkmate-stealth-fighter-has-a-message-for-the-russian-air-force/Supports: Recent reporting on first-flight timing claims and development updates
- Defence Security Asia — https://www.defencesecurityasia.com/en/russias-second-5th-gen-fighter-su-75-checkmate-nears-final-development-stage/Supports: Reported specifications and production-timeline claims