Russia is bringing in a new stealth fighter that could be a promising rival. The price tag is promised to be about a third of that of an American F-35.
Experts say its low cost could tempt countries with tight defense budgets. However, ongoing sanctions and delays may still raise the final price or slow final delivery.
Foreign Dependence
Breaking Defense has reported that Moscow relies on foreign buyers—not its air force—to pay for this new plane. Sales videos target countries in Asia and South America.
The RAND Corporation says pinning hopes on overseas money is risky, as future sales could get tangled in international politics and shifting alliances. Still, in the spirit of developing an advanced jet quickly, Russia may not have a choice.
Chasing Competitors
This isn’t the first attempt at building a rival to U.S. stealth jets with another plane, but RAND notes that only about 30 were delivered in two decades.
Aviation Week says this new fighter shares some engines and tech from older projects to reduce time and cost. Russia needs to prove it can now move faster and compete globally.
Sanctions Delays
Reuters explains that Western sanctions have cut Russia off from important components like chips and materials it needs for sophisticated military jets.
Bulgarian Military confirms that those shortages have delayed the new plane’s first test flight by at least two years. Homegrown replacements are being tried, but they are costly and slow, making potential buyers nervous about late deliveries.
Su-75 Checkmate
The official name of the fighter jet was revealed at the MAKS air show near Moscow on July 20, 2021: the “Su-75 Checkmate.”
According to FlightGlobal, company leader Yury Slyusar insisted this was “more than just a mock-up. ” The jet boasted stealth features like hidden weapons bays and radar-absorbing skin. If it can compete with U.S. fighters, this ambitious jet could have a fitting name.
African Buzz
At the Russia–Africa summit in 2023, Nigerian officials told Military Africa they were “keen” on the new fighter.
Nigeria currently has an outdated fleet of aircraft and sees this as a possible leap in air power. Still, Russian officials said it was “too early to talk contracts,” showing how uncertain deals remain.
Factory Hopes
Chief designer Sergei Korotkov told RIA Novosti that two Su-75 prototypes are being built. After Gulf investors backed out, many Russian aerospace jobs now depend on exports.
RAND warns that, under such pressure, workers and officials may be overly optimistic about timelines—and nobody’s sure when the jet will truly fly.
Belarus Boost
Army Recognition reports that Russia and Belarus began serious talks about building the Su-75 together and moving stealth jets close to NATO’s borders earlier in the year.
Belarus’s Dmitry Pantus called it a “deepened partnership.” Vietnam News notes that the plan could sidestep sanctions and allow for expanding production, but it’s already prompted extra NATO patrols near the Baltic.
Market Shifts
Eurasian Times reports that Russia’s usual aircraft customers have spent $22 billion on Western jets since 2018.
According to National Interest, the Su-75’s better price could return them. However, this hinges on Russia’s ability to deliver on its promises. DefenceSecurityAsia highlights growing competition from local jets in India and Brazil, forcing buyers to reconsider the risks and rewards.
India’s Offer
The Week says Russia offered India “near-exclusive production rights” to build Su-75s locally, sweetening the pot with factory jobs.
The nation is showing interest but cautious after past delays with joint Russian jets. Ex-Air Marshal Anil Chopra called the idea “tempting but risky.” Experts agree that the project may stall without a big order from India.
Gulf Out
Other nations are worried about U.S. repercussions. BulgarianMilitary found that the UAE, fearing a U.S. backlash might hurt its chances of buying F-35s, cut off funding for the project.
Global Defense Corp quotes an Emirati official saying Russia offered “no credible test schedule.” 19FortyFive calls this a “major warning” for other backers, pushing the Su-75 to search for new partners.
Engineers Unite
Chief Korotkov said that in 2024, UAC will put engineers from different companies on the Su-75 to speed up progress after staff losses.
Kommersant reports that civilian plane projects are now facing delays due to this reshuffle. This “all hands” push shows how crucial exports like the Su-75 are to Russia’s whole aerospace industry.
Design Changes
Aviation Week found that new patents refine the Su-75, with longer tail fins and new air intakes, fixing early radar-detection problems.
AviacionLine confirms current prototypes use these changes. However, every new design change means that there will be further delays. National Interest warns buyers that they may go elsewhere if the jet isn’t ready to fly soon.
Doubts Remain
After four years, there is still no working prototype of the Su-75, prompting RAND analyst John Parachini to call the project “vapor marketing.”
Defence Blog reports that factories still lack the machinery needed for tight stealth tolerances. Critics say that, without test flights, Russia can’t truly claim the Su-75 will “challenge U.S. air dominance.”
Who Will Buy?
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told Reuters that the Pentagon is “watching Russia’s export push.” Army Recognition reports two Su-75 prototypes may start tests soon, but insiders doubt they’ll fly this year.
19FortyFive says a real launch might shake up markets—but another delay would damage Russia’s reputation even more.
