Russia's Single-Engine Stealth Fighter Nears Flight Testing Amid Wartime Pressure

Russia is using its presence at the Dubai Airshow to signal that the long-delayed Su-75 Checkmate fighter program remains active. Rostec CEO Sergey Chemezov reported that the first prototype is ‘almost at the stage of flight testing,’ offering the clearest progress report since Sukhoi unveiled a full-scale mockup at the 2021 Dubai Airshow. The Su-75 is positioned as a cost-effective, export-ready platform aimed at countries seeking advanced capability without the higher price of other twin-engine fighters. The program has been slowed by sanctions, supply challenges, and Russia’s need to prioritize existing combat fleets over new development. The first flight is expected to follow bench and ground trials, which are currently underway.