Check or raise? (Opinion)
Sukhoi unveiled a prototype of Checkmate at the MAKS 2021 air show in July. (Photo: Rostec)
Sukhoi has ambitious plans for Checkmate, its new fighter aircraft design. However, questions remain over whether the company will be able to achieve its export goals, especially considering the poor track record of its previous fifth-generation jet.
It is less than a month since Sukhoi unveiled its Checkmate light tactical fighter at the MAKS air show in Zhukovsky and there is still much disquiet about who will buy it. Now the fanfare – including an inspection of the aircraft by Russian President Vladimir Putin – has subsided, interest turns to whether a new fifth-generation jet, with a noticeably modest price tag of $25 million to $30 million, can convince export customers to place orders.
Banking on such business looks to be a huge risk for Sukhoi, which does not need reminding that the Su-57, first launched
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 2 free stories per week
- Daily news round-up email service
- Access to all Decisive Edge email newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
You may also like
More from Air Warfare
-
![Saab partners with Helsing to get AI on Gripen E aircraft]()
Saab partners with Helsing to get AI on Gripen E aircraft
Titled ‘Project Beyond’ the AI systems provided by the partnership will work to enhance the Gripen E fighter’s capabilities, automating other tasks and allowing fighter pilots to focus on accomplishing their missions.
-
![“We need GCAP” to face evolving threats says RAF chief]()
“We need GCAP” to face evolving threats says RAF chief
The UK Royal Air Force’s (RAF’s) chief of the air staff discussed the current state of the RAF and its need to be “match fit” for a changing warfare threat.
-
![UAE receives first additional A330 MRTT]()
UAE receives first additional A330 MRTT
The arrival of this aircraft boosts the UAE’s fleet of tankers up to four, following its order for an additional two aircraft in 2021.
-
![Gray Eagle UAS makes first ship-to-shore journey]()
Gray Eagle UAS makes first ship-to-shore journey
The Gray Eagle short take-off and landing (STOL) UAS has a different engine, wings, control surfaces and landing gear to earlier Gray Eagles, and is a production variant of the demonstrator Mojave UAS.
-
![Collins Aerospace wins $19 million contract to upgrade RAF CH-47 Chinooks]()
Collins Aerospace wins $19 million contract to upgrade RAF CH-47 Chinooks
The Chinook cockpit upgrade will enhance the UK RAF’s Chinooks’ collaboration with the US and improve operational effectiveness and safety, Collins have claimed.
