Russia has commenced preparations for the production of the first prototypes of the fifth-generation lightweight fighter jets, Checkmate, according to the press service of the state corporation “Rostec,” as reported by RIA Novosti. Checkmate made its international debut at the Dubai Airshow-2021.
Following the debut, feedback was gathered from potential customers, leading to adjustments in the project’s cost and specific technical solutions.
Developed by Sukhoi, a subsidiary of the United Aircraft Corporation under Rostec, the Checkmate fighter jet is Russia’s first single-engine fifth-generation aircraft. It was unveiled in July 2021 at the MAKS-2021 aerospace exhibition, with its international premiere taking place the same year at the Dubai Airshow.
The key features of Checkmate include stealth capabilities, low operating costs, an open architecture, and high cost-effectiveness. The fighter jet is capable of carrying over 7 tons of payload and simultaneously engaging up to six targets. It can reach a speed of 1.8 Mach and has a combat radius of 3,000 kilometers. The production of the first batch of Checkmate fighters is planned for 2026.
Earlier, the Russian Aerospace Forces received upgraded MiG-31 interceptors.
