Russia is clearly not abandoning its fifth-generation light tactical fighter project, the Su-75 Checkmate. Despite the difficulties in its development and financing, Moscow intends to carry out a plan announced earlier this year. The Su-75 project is currently on hold because a large portion of Russian resources is being directed toward financing the Ukrainian war.

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Against this backdrop, the Russian news agency TASS reported that Moscow will unveil the Checkmate at the upcoming Aero India 2023 military exhibition. Furthermore, according to an agency source, ROSTEC intends to invite India to participate in the project. “A delegation of representatives from our aircraft manufacturing companies is visiting Aero India,” writes TASS on the occasion. We intend to talk about collaborating on fifth-generation aircraft. We intend to invite Indian friends to join the Checkmate light tactical fighter project in particular.”

Aero India 2023

Aero India 2023 will take place in Bangalore from February 13 to February 17. The international forum focuses on the technological development and manufacturing of products in the field of aerospace engineering. The exhibition, which is held every two years, has become a tradition for the Indian industry. In general, the world’s major military exhibitions take place over a two-year period.

Russia is not taking part in this exhibition for the first time. During its execution, Russian-Indian relations were clearly contrasted. The Russian Federation, for example, presented over 200 samples of Russian military air equipment in 2021.

Su-75 and the UAE

In 2021, Russia surprised the world by presenting a prototype of the Su-75 at a time when it had already completed testing of the Su-57 Felon and was preparing for serial production. Russia was the first host to introduce the aircraft, and the UAE was the first foreign host to do so a few months later.

Also read: Should India Buy Su-75 ‘Checkmate’ And What Is The Alternative?

The UAE’s inclusion in the plane’s “presentation tour” was not by chance. The UAE, along with Russia, contributed to the development of Checkmate. According to reports, the UAE will be the first foreign operator of the Su-75. However, events over the last 12 months have caused Abu Dhabi to gradually withdraw from the project.

Future Plans for the Su-75

The Su-75’s prospects are not good at all. Russia started looking for a foreign partner for the project back in September 2022. specifically due to the exodus of investors from the UAE. They can claim that whereas the chances of the Su-75 surviving before the conflict in Ukraine were 50/50, they are now only about 10%.

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However, Ukraine has “removed” the Russian Su-75 Chess from the market for military hardware through its operations on the battlefield since February. Due to its lack of combat expertise, even a cheap [allegedly] Su-75 may not be able to sell. Additionally, the conflict in Ukraine demonstrated that no one is impervious to attack, including the Su-27 Flanker, Su-35 Fullback, and Su-35 Flanker.

A brand-new fighter with no combat history is now more dangerous to purchase than not having one at all for the Air Force. The laws of the game have changed due to drones and flying weapons. Ukraine is another illustration of this. Potential buyers of the Su-75 would prefer to acquire ground-based or anti-aircraft defence systems over a “new and unproven” idea of air superiority in light of the Russian Air Force’s failure.

Problem number 2

Spare components are the second issue. The Su-75 is not practicable at this point in time due to the imposed international economic sanctions. Russia will be responsible for providing maintenance and replacement parts.

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The cost of the aircraft will be higher than was anticipated, even if the battle ends right now. Increased availability of components, spare parts, and training are the result of this. Moscow will face an impediment in the form of import restrictions. And what engine will the fighter be powered by? 30 Saturn? It is possible because it is thought that this engine would power the Su-57 Felon in the future. The third issue is thus brought up.

Problem number 3

The Su-75 is regarded by everyone as a stealth fighter. Given the needs of modern warfare, this makes sense. But when was the word “stealth” first used in PR, marketing, and other materials? And what engine will the fighter be powered by? Saturn-30? It is possible because it is thought that this engine would power the Su-57 Felon in the future. It thus begs the question of whether the Su-75 will be a fifth-generation fighter at that point.

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Assume for the moment that the Su-57 Felon’s stealth technology and engine issues have already been resolved by the Russians. However, a significant issue with the avionics of this aircraft—and probably the Su-75 Checkmate as well—remains unresolved. The problem is with the absolute azimuth sensors.

As of now, we are aware that only American F-35 fighter jets have this equipment installed. The Su-75 is not known to have a complete set of accurate azimuth sensors, according to verified information. Russian research and development have not yet attained their full potential in this area of modern avionics.

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