DUBAI, November 14. /TASS/. Russia needs to launch the serial production of the Checkmate light tactical fighters before accepting orders from other countries, Director General of the Rosoboronexport state arms seller (part of the Rostec state corporation) Alexander Mikheyev told TASS on the sidelines of the Dubai Airshow 2021.

"Rosoboronexport presented the Checkmate light tactical fighter to a number of its foreign partners at the MAKS 2021 airshow. They highly appreciated the concept. However, orders will be accepted and pre-contract work will begin only after the fighter takes to the skies and its serial production is launched," he pointed out, adding that Russia expected "quite a high demand for the aircraft."

The United Aircraft Corporation (part of the Rostec) presented a new light tactical fighter named Checkmate at the MAKS 2021 airshow. The Checkmate incorporates the most advanced systems, including an open architecture configuration to meet the customer’s requirements and unique artificial intelligence technologies. The single-engine fighter is based on stealth technology and is outfitted with an inboard compartment for airborne air-to-air and air-to-surface armaments. The fighter will carry a payload of over seven tonnes and will be capable of striking up to six targets at a time. The aircraft will be capable of flying at Mach 1.8 and will have an operating range of 3,000 km. The new fighter is expected to take to the skies in 2023.