Russia’s fifth-generation Su-75 Checkmate fighter may take to the skies for the first time as early as 2026. The aircraft was first unveiled as a mock-up at the MAKS air show in August 2021, and is now being readied for flight trials.

Analysts argue that the Su-75 combines serious export potential with clear appeal for the Russian Aerospace Forces. They describe the aircraft as low-observable, highly manoeuvrable and capable of high speeds, with an all-role design that allows it to be used both in air-to-air combat and in strike missions. In Russian service, the Su-75 is expected to replace the MiG-29, while on the global arms market it is positioned to compete with modern 4++ generation fighters and aircraft such as the F-16.

A similar role in the Soviet era was played by the MiG-21 and MiG-23: those fighters were produced in the thousands and for many years formed the backbone of the USSR’s front-line aviation.

Earlier, Sergei Bogdan, head of the flight service at Sukhoi, stated that, once the refinement work is completed, the Su-75 will make its first flight in early 2026. Rostec chief Sergei Chemezov has also said that the aircraft is being prepared for bench tests. Sukhoi is targeting the prospective fighter at export markets including India, countries of the Middle East, the Asia-Pacific region and Latin America.