Russia to launch production of new Su-75 stealth fighter

The prototype of the single-engine light stealth fighter Su-75 Checkmate is now being assembled at the Yuri Gagarin Aviation Plant in Komsomolsk-on-Amur.

One of the executives at the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) confirmed that the plant has officially moved from the design phase to hands-on production of experimental aircraft based on the Su-57 platform.

Project background

The Su-75 was first unveiled at the 2021 Dubai Airshow (MAKS-2021) as a fifth-generation single-engine stealth fighter aimed at both domestic and export markets. It was marketed as a more affordable alternative to the Su-57 and Western fighters such as the F-35, Gripen E, and Rafale, featuring stealth shaping, modular architecture, and compatibility with modern avionics and beyond-visual-range (BVR) weapon systems.

Initial flight tests were planned for 2023, but Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, international sanctions, and shortages of Western microelectronics and composites delayed the project. Officials projected prototype production to begin in 2024, test flights in 2025, and serial production by 2027.

Technical updates

Recent patents and technical documents suggest notable design revisions since 2021, including a larger wing area, a redesigned central fuselage for increased internal volume (possibly for fuel or weapons bays), and plans for two-seat and unmanned variants.

UAC also mentioned modular avionics packages, electronic warfare (EW) systems, and sensor upgrades, as well as a “virtual co-pilot” option for manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) operations.

If Russia confirms the start of prototype production and performs flight demonstrations, it would mark a key milestone for its struggling aerospace industry. However, no official press releases from Rostec or the Russian Ministry of Defense have yet verified the move.

Russian air defense forces reportedly shot down one of their own aircraft over occupied Crimea during a drone interception attempt.