Vadim Bazykin, a celebrated pilot of the Russian Federation, discussed the new Russian fifth-generation fighter Checkmate on Tsargrad.tv, describing it as a nimble, cost-effective counterpart to the heavier Su-57. He emphasized that its value lies in its affordability, thanks to a single-engine design, while still offering substantial payload capacity. The aircraft is designed to be discreet in the aerial battlespace and multifunctional enough to serve multiple mission profiles. It can be configured as a carrier-based system and can carry a full load of missiles when required. The avionics suite, he noted, has progressed to a higher level of sophistication, enhancing situational awareness and interoperability with modern weapons and networks.
The pilot highlighted growing interest from both American and European defense circles in Checkmate, signaling broad international curiosity about Russia’s latest air capability. Rostec confirmed that preparations for producing the initial Checkmate samples have begun in Russia. A full-scale mock-up was showcased in 2021, and officials have projected that the fighter will achieve flight in 2025. Industry observers expect the single-engine, lower-cost model to find demand in potentially strategic markets such as the Middle East, parts of Asia, and North Africa, with careful market tailoring expected to follow. The broader context involves Russia’s ongoing program to sustain a capable export-focused defense sector while addressing varied regional requirements.
In parallel, Rostec noted a rise in foreign interest in Russian military equipment, reflecting a trend toward diversification in global defense procurement. TheCheckmate program represents an important element of Russia’s broader strategy to offer competitive, versatile air platforms that can operate across diverse theaters and mission sets, while maintaining feasible production scales and export potential. Observers continue to monitor developments, including timelines for flight testing, structural testing, and the maturation of its deck- and land-based configurations, as well as potential alliances and support frameworks that could accompany future sales and deployments.