Checkmate and Okhotnik face trouble despite positive spin from Rostec
Checkmate was unveiled at the MAKS-2021 event in Moscow in July 2021. (Photo: Russian MoD)
Western sanctions, imposed on Russia amid its invasion of Ukraine, mean that Rostec will struggle to bring its much-vaunted Checkmate and Okhotnik programmes to fruition.
During the meeting last month with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Rostec CEO Sergey Chemezov discussed the S-70 Okhotnik UCAV and the Checkmate light fifth-generation fighter aircraft — two much-hyped programmes that may yet suffer from the broader repercussions of the ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
Chemezov claimed that serial production of the Okhotnik heavy UCAV will begin in 2023.
‘The first flying prototype was rolled out in 2021 and we will begin serial-producing and delivering it to the [Russian] defence ministry in 2023,’ he said in an official statement after the meeting.
‘As its specific feature, the Okhotnik has a flat
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![India’s AMCA fifth-gen fighter roadmap firms up with private sector push]()
India’s AMCA fifth-gen fighter roadmap firms up with private sector push
As a major shortfall in Indian fighter jet capability looms, New Delhi is looking to spread risk and accelerate delivery of its fifth-generation combat aircraft.
-
![USAF plans major CCA expansion with new suppliers and billions in funding]()
USAF plans major CCA expansion with new suppliers and billions in funding
US Air Force leaders say open architecture and broader industry participation will help deliver affordable autonomous wingmen capable of overwhelming future adversaries.
-
![Airbus unveils expansion of uncrewed portfolio with new CCA and helicopter platforms]()
Airbus unveils expansion of uncrewed portfolio with new CCA and helicopter platforms
The manufacturer is betting heavily on the demand for uncrewed systems, revealing the uncrewed H145M – known as the U145 – and the U760 Ravenstorm at ILA Berlin 2026 as the two latest additions to its expanding UAV offering.
-
![FCAS future fighter jet collapse: where does Europe’s next-generation air power go next?]()
FCAS future fighter jet collapse: where does Europe’s next-generation air power go next?
While the New Generation Fighter pillar of the Franco-German-Spanish programme is now officially dead in the water, Germany’s ambition to develop a sixth-generation fighter jet remains – with the country serving as a financially attractive potential partner for other programmes.
