Russia is trying to sell the low-observable multirole fifth-generation fighter Su-75 "Checkmate" to India, despite not having a single prototype of the aircraft. Moscow hopes that the Su-75 will replace the outdated MiG-29s of the Indian Air Force. This is according to Bulgarian Military.
It is difficult to comment on the capabilities of the Su-75, as there is no verified data on its flight performance characteristics, given the absence of a functional prototype.
Currently, India is equipping its Air Force with its own Tejas Mk1 fighter and preparing the Mk2 modification. The country's current need for new combat aircraft is estimated at 200 units. It is expected that India's fighter fleet will be updated by 30% by 2035.
Can the Su-75 get to India? It is possible, but seems unlikely. India has many other options to consider. Moreover, India is promoting its own AMCA program, which indicates that Moscow may face problems selling the Su-75 "Checkmate."
The Su-75 mock-up was presented in the summer of 2021 at the MAKS-2021 air show. A flight model was planned to be created in 2023. It was expected that production of the pilot batch would begin in 2026, and deliveries in 2027.
Features of the promising Su-75:
- normal aerodynamic configuration with V-shaped tail
- engines: АЛ-41Ф1, изделие-30
- flight range will be up to 2900 km
- take-off weight — 18 t
- combat load — 7400 kg
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