ZHUKOVSKY (Moscow region), July 22-RIA Novosti. Potential customers of the latest Checkmate tactical fighter have already managed to sit in its cockpit, Rosoboronexport CEO Alexander Mikheev told reporters, summing up the results of the first days of the MAKS-2021 aerospace salon.
The Checkmate presentation took place on the first day of the salon.
"Naturally, Rosoboronexport's partners were interested in the newest Checkmate light tactical aircraft, first presented by Rostec State Corporation at MAKS-2021. A number of customers were shown it live and even given the opportunity to sit in the cockpit. They highly appreciated its characteristics, " Mikheev said.
Earlier, the head of Rostec, Sergey Chemezov, said that the new Russian fifth-generation fighter is designed primarily for export to the Middle East, Asia, North Africa and Latin America. With an estimated cost of $ 25-30 million, Checkmate will become the main competitor to the French Rafale, Swedish Gripen and American F-35, which cost 2-3 times more expensive.
The first flight of the aircraft is scheduled for 2023, serial production - for 2025.
MAKS-2021 takes place from July 20 to 25 in Zhukovsky, near Moscow. RIA Novosti is the general information partner of the air show, Sputnik agency is the official information partner.
