Rostec begins assembly of Sukhoi Su-75 Checkmate prototypes

The Russian state defense conglomerate Rostec has announced the commencement of assembly for the first prototypes of the Sukhoi Su-75 Checkmate, a single-engine fifth-generation stealth fighter jet designed primarily for export.

Military analyst Alexey Bogatyrev stated that a test flight is expected in the near future. Russian promotional claims suggest the Su-75 will outperform the American F-35A in several metrics, including speed, altitude, and maneuverability. Specifically, the Su-75 is cited as capable of reaching speeds up to Mach 2 and an altitude of 16,500 meters, whereas the F-35A is noted as being limited to Mach 1.6 due to its weight.

Economic advantages are also being emphasized, with estimates placing the cost of the Su-75 between $25 million and $30 million, significantly lower than the $82 million price tag of the F-35A. Additionally, the Su-75 is expected to offer flight hour costs six to seven times cheaper than its American counterpart. Technical specifications provided include a payload capacity of up to 7,400 kg, a range of 2,900 to 3,000 km without external tanks, and the inclusion of AESA radar and internal weapons bays.