Russia Courts India with Su-75 Checkmate Amid MiG-29 Replacement Push

In a bid to replace India's aging MiG-29 fleet, Russia has intensified its efforts to attract India's interest in its Su-75 Checkmate light fighter jet. The single-engine, lightweight stealth fighter, unveiled in 2021, is being positioned as the ideal successor to the MiG-29s, which India and several other nations are looking to replace.

Russia is particularly focused on India, a long-standing partner with a pressing need to upgrade its fighter jet fleet. A 2021 promotional video for the Checkmate, featuring pilots from potential buyer countries, including India, underscored Russia's strategic marketing approach.

Despite Russia's aggressive sales pitch, India has yet to commit to the Su-75. Several factors might be influencing India's cautious stance. The absence of a functional prototype is a key concern. While Russia claims a 2025 maiden flight for the redesigned Su-75, India may prefer a fighter jet with a proven track record.

Moreover, India is actively pursuing its own indigenous solution, the Tejas MkII, specifically designed to replace its MiG-29, Mirage-2000, and Jaguar fleets. This program aims to fulfill India's requirement for nearly 200 new fighter jets, potentially offering greater long-term benefits in terms of self-reliance and technology transfer.

Russia's renewed push to involve India likely stems from the lack of confirmed international buyers for the Checkmate program. High-profile marketing tactics, such as featuring pilots from potential buyer nations in promotional videos, highlight Russia's eagerness to secure partnerships.

Russia is offering the Checkmate at an attractive price point of $30-35 million per unit, with a cost per flight hour projected to be significantly lower than the Lockheed Martin F-35. The Su-75 boasts impressive specifications, with a designed maximum speed of Mach 1.8, a range of 2,800 km, and a maximum takeoff weight of 26,000 kg.

However, India's commitment to its indigenous defense programs, including the Tejas MkII and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), might influence its decision on the Su-75. With the Tejas MkII expected to replace a significant portion of its fighter fleet by 2035, and the AMCA slated to replace older Su-30MKI squadrons from 2040 onwards, India may prioritize self-reliance and domestic technological development.

While Russia's Su-75 Checkmate offers an attractive proposition on paper, India's decision will likely hinge on a careful evaluation of its operational capabilities, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with its long-term strategic objectives.

 

[PKPRS]

Vikramaditya is a good ship, no doubt. However, her acquisition is an entire saga by itself, and is one where both parties (Russia and India) end up looking bad.

Every deal has a problem, who knows which side caused this problem.

 

[Pink Panther]

Su-75 at 30 Mn $ is that True ...............???

Perfect to replace many jets, not just MIG-29, Mirage, Jaguars, MIG-29 and 36 Rafales.

 

[Sandeep]

What Chinese will using their advance weapons to scare us and slice our land little by little, until we have powerful weapons to scare them we can't do much.

Again they can’t do that because it wouldn’t work. Our troops have fortified their positions even more now and we have the same weapons that they have as well ranging from guns, machine guns, grenades, ATGM, rocket launcher, ATGM, SAM, artillery, mortars, tanks, IFV, drones, jets, helicopters, MBRLS etc. So they can’t even salami slice us as long as we keep a strong defence along the border which we are. China would take heavy losses which they can’t afford to.

 

[PKPRS]

Remember INS Vikramaditya?

Navy chief Admiral Sureesh Mehta indicated that the establishment had spent too much time and effort on the deal for any thought of pulling out at this stage.

He also indicated that the Gorshkov would very much be a part of the navy's dream of operating three aircraft carriers by 2020.

Interestingly, despite the major audit indictment on the deal, the navy chief did not think the price arrived at was too high.

 

[Akshat]

Navy chief Admiral Sureesh Mehta indicated that the establishment had spent too much time and effort on the deal for any thought of pulling out at this stage.

He also indicated that the Gorshkov would very much be a part of the navy's dream of operating three aircraft carriers by 2020.

Interestingly, despite the major audit indictment on the deal, the navy chief did not think the price arrived at was too high.

That’s irrelevant. Point here is that Russia quoted a fake price and then jacked it up once we were all in. So their cheating is what matters. Not everyone is like France after all who deliver amazing equipment at the lowest price and on time.

 

[PKPRS]

its Indian indian navy fault to acquired 30 year old used aircraft carrier buy the new ones and then complain

Navy Chief Admiral Suresh Mehtaon Thursday defended the price being paid by India for the warship.
"I can't comment on the CAG. But you all are defence analysts, can you get me an aircraft carrier for less than $2 billion? If you can, I am going to sign a cheque right now," Mehta told reporters on the sidelines of the 'Naval Self Reliance Seminar' organized by CII.

Navy chief defends Gorshkov deal

Navy Chief Admiral Sureesh Mehtaon Thursday defended the price being paid by India for the warship.

www.ndtv.com

 

[PKPRS]

That’s irrelevant. Point here is that Russia quoted a fake price and then jacked it up once we were all in. So their cheating is what matters. Not everyone is like France after all who deliver amazing equipment at the lowest price and on time.

Then you accept that same happened with your Frenchie Rafale.

 

[Reuben]

I read many articles and came to the conclusion like what others do, there is no way to fly to Russia and go to United factory or Saturn plant to see it in person to believe.

Yes, but your conclusion is incorrect. Malaysia has not ordered Su-57, it is simply exploring the possibility of replacing its aging fighters, and not necessarily with the Felon.

 

[Akshat]

Then you accept that same happened with your Frenchie Rafale.

Oh France delivered Rafale in exactly the agreed upon price. No one can beat them when it comes to professionalism.

 

[Vivian]

Yes, but your conclusion is incorrect. Malaysia has not ordered Su-57, it is simply exploring the possibility of replacing its aging fighters, and not necessarily with the Felon.

You are incorrect, I also read many articles saying this, it seems RMAF told their wish of procuring 1 squadron of 5th gen jet especially Su-57 to the Malaysian Government and they even went to Russia to evaluate it, the latest news is GOVT already approved funding for the procurement and they are supposed to receive the jets starting 2035.

 

[Anonymus]

Unlike the Rafale, the Su-75 doesn't actually exist. Oh, and chances are Russia will want any potential customer(s) to fund the project. So, you do that, and your per unit cost quite possibly doubles yet again, with little guarantee of success.

see Russia will make this jet as they have required tech they don't have to work on any field for mastering of tech

 

[Pad UwU]

And 1/6th???so 180Ml $? Wow, it's no longer 300Ml$?

It'll be a good suicide drone

 

[Pad UwU]

And 1/9th the price of 4th gen Rafale that has old school 3rd gen engine.

They said it's a cheap 5gen that is purpose built.... So we should assume that's is cheap that's why it'll have cheap reliable redesign legacy system to be cheaper

 

[Rajsm]

yes , IAF is more Interested in buying old Fighters & upgrading old jets Jaguar fleet Instead at Half price of old Qatari Mirage-2000 jet Brand New 5th Gen Su-75 is on offer.

Does it really exist. Can Russia produce new ones....with Sanctions ???