Create a free starter account, or log in.

Get access to four free articles per month, as well as our Decisive Edge Newsletters and Daily News Bulletin.

Email Address

Password

Forgot your password? Reset by clicking here

Create a Password

[[ req.met ? '✓' : '•' ]] [[ req.text ]]

Re-enter Password

Passwords do not match

First Name

Last Name

Country

Confirm your account

Please enter the four-digit pin below that has been emailed to you.

Didn't receive the pin yet?

This pin expires in 20 minutes.

[[ error ]]

By creating an account, you agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Stay informed with Shephard's award-winning journalism. Unlock unlimited access and in-depth analysis with a corporate or individual subscription.

Explore your options here

Checkmate marks latest Russian move in AI-centric fighter design

21st July 2021 - 11:08 GMT | by Leonid Nersisyan in Moscow

RSS

A prototype of Checkmate was rolled out for display on 20 July at the MAKS-2021 aviation show in Moscow. (Photo: Sukhoi)

There was razzmatazz at MAKS-2021 as Sukhoi lifted the lid on Checkmate with the export market in mind.

To much fanfare, the new Russian fifth-generation Checkmate Light Tactical Aircraft (LTA) was unveiled on 20 July at the MAKS-2021 International Aviation and Space Salon in Moscow.

A prototype of the prospective single-engine Sukhoi aircraft was demonstrated first to Russian President Vladimir Putin and then to industry experts and journalists.

The aircraft has an aerodynamic design with a horizontal tail, an under-fuselage air intake and avionics similar to those on the Su-57.

The design of the aircraft also includes a V-shaped all-moving tailfin and a single Izdelie 30 engine (which is also in development for the Su-57) with thrust

Already have an account? Log in

Want to keep reading this article?

Author

Leonid Nersisyan

Leonid Nersisyan is a defence analyst and research fellow at APRI Armenia. He is a …

Read full bio

More from Air Warfare

Italy moves to procure third batch of 29 AW249 helicopters

The €1.22 billion (US$1.41 billion) follow-on order for the additional helicopters will complement the 19 AW249 already ordered by Italy.
October Drone Digest: Growing desire for CCAs and new VTOL technology unveiled

During October 2025, several countries and organisations signalled their intention to acquire loyal wingman uncrewed aircraft systems — designated by the US Air Force as Collaborative Combat Aircraft — or to study the capability further, while various new uncrewed helicopters were showcased.
Australia starts upgrade programme for P-8A Poseidon fleet

The upgrades will work to strengthen the country’s maritime surveillance and anti-submarine capabilities, with one more aircraft due to be delivered by 2026.
Textron firms up potential bid for US Navy Undergraduate trainer contract

The company has said it would assemble its Beechcraft M-346N aircraft at its east Wichita campus with significant investment placed to modernise the hub if it wins the contract.
Airbus to position Eurofighter Typhoon for Portugal’s F-16 replacement requirement

The MoU with AED Cluster Portugal will see the two organisations work together on studies to create a pitch to replace the country’s current F-16 fleet.
PGZ and Anduril to work on Polish variant of Barracuda-500M missile

The memorandum of understanding signed also included a wider strategic plan to co-develop autonomous air systems for the Polish Armed Forces.