Russia May Show Static Prototype of Su-75 5th-Gen Jet at Aero India 2025, Offers ToT and Local Production to Secure Indian Market

Russia is set to make a strong pitch for its advanced fighter jets at Aero India 2025. The nation has confirmed that its Su-57E, the export version of its fifth-generation stealth fighter, will not only be on display but will also take to the skies for aerial demonstrations, showcasing its capabilities to potential buyers.

Adding to the excitement, sources indicate that Russia will also unveil a static prototype of the Su-75 Checkmate, its single-engine fifth-generation fighter aircraft currently in development. While not yet ready for flight, the display will allow a close-up look at the Checkmate's design and features.

In a move aimed squarely at the Indian market, Russia has offered to set up a production line for the Su-75 Checkmate in India. This proposal aligns with India's "Make in India" initiative, promising technology transfer and local manufacturing. Such a partnership could significantly boost the Indian Air Force (IAF) and contribute to India's growing defence export ambitions.

Russia clearly sees India as a key potential customer for the Su-75, capitalizing on the long-standing defence cooperation between the two countries. Securing an Indian order would be a major win for the program and provide valuable feedback for further development.

Rostec, the Russian state corporation behind the Su-75, is actively marketing the aircraft to Argentina, India, Vietnam, and Iran, nations looking to modernize their air forces with stealth capabilities. Interest has also been noted from several African countries, indicating a wider potential market for the Su-75, particularly where cost-effectiveness is a major factor.

However, the Su-75 program faces challenges. Still under development, it has experienced delays and technical hurdles. Its success will depend on overcoming these obstacles and demonstrating its performance during flight trials.

With competition from established fifth-generation fighters like the US F-35 and China's J-20 and J-35A, Russia will need to emphasize the Su-75's unique advantages, such as lower cost, easier maintenance, and adaptability.

India, meanwhile, is pursuing its own fifth-generation fighter program with the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). While the IAF has not officially expressed interest in the Checkmate, the offer of local production and technology transfer could be a compelling proposition if it aligns with India's long-term fighter acquisition strategy.

 

[R. Singh]

IAF team should check Su-75 to confirm it will not be another flying coffin ! If found ok join Su-75 joint development program hoping Russia wont' ditch India as it did in Su-57/FGFA program !

 

[Phantom]

It will be placed right next to Tejas MK2, TEDBF and AMCA scale models.

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

It will be placed right next to Tejas MK2, TEDBF and AMCA scale models.

I dont think there is even a scale model for TEDBF or AMCA yet

 

[Phantom]

I dont think there is even a scale model for TEDBF or AMCA yet

I think they have a small toy like model they tested for the Aerodynamics.

 

[Anant]

Ah, so they pulled out the mockup from storage.

Oh, and it is not a "static, non-flying prototype". It is a mockup. A static prototype is built considerably ahead in the project development process than a mockup.

As for the markets they are apparently targeting, they can write off Argentina, an likely India. Argentina cannot afford the aircraft anyways, and is now a staunch US ally under Milei. India doesn't need to bankroll another Russian project. Russia has already attempted to (and partially succeeded in) scamming us once under FGFA. They may have better luck with Vietnam and Iran.

 

[P.K Senapati]

India can consider single engined stealth fighter Su75 with Al51 engine production line in india as a make in India project.It is at final stage of developmentand may go for flight test on 2026.
It does not affect twinengined AMCA which takes time.

 

[sanket]

Three stealth fighters in one Aero-Show. Good, always offer what you have best. Rafale is most likely being purchased for engine deal under MRFA, timeline similar to what MRFA first jet to roll out by 2030. Nice option to relook at under MRFA purchasing 114 jet 4.5 Gen / Twin Engine stealth or single-engine stealth.

 

[sanket]

It will be placed right next to Tejas MK2, TEDBF and AMCA scale models.

Love to see all 3 stealth Fighter side by side especially F-35, Su-57E & Su-75

 

[Rinku Pandey]

Great strategy by Russia to sell more junk. Availability rate of Su-30MKI is only 55% to 60%. That means out of 270 odd Su-30MKI only 170 are available at any given point in time.

 

[Dredd]

Great strategy by Russia to sell more junk. Availability rate of Su-30MKI is only 55% to 60%. That means out of 270 odd Su-30MKI only 170 are available at any given point in time.

it's not that bad, our Mig29K availability is approx 25%.

 

[Sandeep]

Great strategy by Russia to sell more junk. Availability rate of Su-30MKI is only 55% to 60%. That means out of 270 odd Su-30MKI only 170 are available at any given point in time.

That figure has improved a lot in the last 10 years to over 75%. Most were down because the corrupt jihadi party didn’t order any critical parts or components from Russia on time.

 

[Surendra Barsode]

India should focus only on Tejas II, TEDBF and AMCA!! Nothing else is required. Period.

 

[Sandeep]

There’s no harm in having a close look at the technology and its capabilities. We can check their jet and we might get some good ideas that we can implement on our AMCA or make any upgrades that we might need to make. It would be even better if we can get to fly on the jet to test it’s technology and capabilities.

 

[rocky]

There’s no harm in having a close look at the technology and its capabilities. We can check their jet and we might get some good ideas that we can implement on our AMCA or make any upgrades that we might need to make. It would be even better if we can get to fly on the jet to test it’s technology and capabilities.

That was the plan in FGFA but Russia scammed us off 300 million dollars

 

[Nahian Ramim]

If India decides to rely on its indigenous programme, then India will see their first 5th-gen fighter not before 2040, assuming everything's alright. But with India having a bad track record of reliability and delivery issues, it may be even longer. And no matter what happens, these Su-75s are going to be in service before AMCA anyways. Could be a good and cheap replacement for the MiG-29s, while Tejas Mk2 (assuming it will enter service, or even the Mk1A) could replace the Mirage 2000 and Jaguars. Buying Su-57 will be near impossible because of freedom countries' possible sanctions.

 

[kumar]

After sinking 400 million dollars on FGFA, where they did not even allow our pilots to fly SU-57, they want us to fund SU-75. Let them fly the plane and compete against the best in the market first.

 

[मित्र]

Great strategy by Russia to sell more junk. Availability rate of Su-30MKI is only 55% to 60%. That means out of 270 odd Su-30MKI only 170 are available at any given point in time.

It was 48% in 2014 and improved to ~70% now with better spare availability and indigenous contents.

BTW it still have vetter availability than f35's 55%