DUBAI, November 14. /TASS/. Russia’s state arms seller Rosoboronexport (part of the state tech corporation Rostec) is holding consultations with Middle Eastern states on the conceptual design and technical characteristics of the state-of-the-art Checkmate light tactical fighter jet, Rosoboronexport CEO Alexander Mikheyev told TASS at the Dubai Airshow 2023 on Tuesday.

"The presentations of the Checkmate light tactical aircraft developed by the UAC [United Aircraft Corporation], which took place at the MAKS 2021 [aerospace show] and the Dubai Airshow 2021, have evoked a keen interest from some countries of the Middle East that seek industrial independence and want to work, among other things, in the format of technological partnership. We are holding consultations with them on the conceptual design and technical characteristics of this next-generation aircraft in whose creation they would like to take part. At present, Rostec is preparing production for the assembly of the first models of the fighter," the chief executive said.

"Presently, we have delivered our proposals on the project to our partners," Mikheyev added.

Russia’s new Checkmate fighter

The Checkmate light tactical fighter developed by the Sukhoi Aircraft Company (part of the United Aircraft Corporation within Rostec) was unveiled at the MAKS 2021 international airshow that ran in the suburban town of Zhukovsky outside Moscow. The new combat plane's foreign presentation took place at the Dubai Airshow 2021 in the United Arab Emirates. The new combat plane created by Russia’s state tech giant Rostec at its own initiative is a derivative of the Su-57 fifth-generation fighter.

The new 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 7 tons and will be capable of striking up to six targets at a time.

The Checkmate fighter will be capable of flying at Mach 1.8 (1.8 times the speed of sound) and will have an operating range of 3,000 km. The aircraft will be outfitted with a highly efficient powerplant.

Russia’s latest, cutting-edge fighter is expected to compete with America’s F-35A Lightning II and Sweden’s JAS-39 Gripen. The Checkmate incorporates the latest systems, including its open architecture configuration to meet the customer’s requirements and unique artificial intelligence technologies.