Dubai. November 14th. INTERFAX - Deliveries of the new fifth-generation light fighter Checkmate will be discussed with the countries of the Middle East at the air show in the UAE, said the head of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation Denis Manturov.
"Checkmate is our new topic, we have already launched an initiative on MAX this year. And this is the first presentation in foreign markets, for a reason in the Emirates: we are counting on this market. A possible partnership will be discussed with our colleagues from the Middle East, but also, of course, with delivery to those countries that will be interested in this," Manturov told reporters at the Dubai Airshow-2021.
The fifth-generation Checkmate single-engine fighter developed by Sukhoi (part of the Rostec State Corporation UAC) It was presented to Russian President Vladimir Putin on July 20 at the MAKS-2021 air show. It is planned that the new aircraft will take to the air in 2023, and serial deliveries will begin in 2026. In the future, two-seat and unmanned versions will be created on its basis.
According to the developers, Checkmate is able to overcome up to 3 thousand km, accelerate to two sound speeds and carry 7,400 kg of combat load. It will be able to simultaneously attack up to six air, sea and ground targets, including attack drones and fifth-generation foreign aircraft.
The head of Rostec, Sergey Chemezov, estimated the cost of the new aircraft at $ 25-30 million. To reduce the cost, Checkmate will be unified with Su-35 and Su-57 fighters, said Denis Manturov, head of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation.
The volume of fighter deliveries for the next 15 years is estimated at 300 vehicles. It will compete with the American F-35 Lightning II and the Swedish JAS-39 Gripen.
