Summary and Key Points: India is considering expanding its fleet of Russian-designed MiG-29s, with plans to upgrade its existing aircraft and acquire additional MiG-29 UPG variants. Meanwhile, Russia is reportedly pushing India to consider adopting the Su-75 "Checkmate," a fifth-generation stealth fighter that remains unproven and has struggled to find international buyers.

-Despite the Su-75's advanced features, its uncertain production timeline and lack of a prototype make it a risky option.

-India's decision may hinge on its own Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft program and the reliability of proven platforms like the MiG-29.

India Buying More MiG-29s – But Could it Adopt Su-75 Checkmate?

The Indian Air Force operates numerous Russia-designed aircraft. Models include the Sukhoi Su-30MKI, the Mikoyan MiG-21, and the Mikoyan MiG-29. India remains second behind only Russia in aircraft designed and/or built in the former Soviet Union.

New Delhi's MiG-21s are at the end of their service lives, and for years India has looked to upgrade its air force with a modernized variant of the MiG-29. In 2020, India sought to acquire twenty-one MiG-29 UPGs, which would add a fourth squadron of the fighters, while plans also called for upgrading around two dozen of its oldest MiG-29s to the UPG standard.

"Overall, India has acquired a substantial number of MiG-29s over the years, with estimates suggesting that the Indian Air Force operates around 60 to 70 of these aircraft. This enduring relationship underscores the strategic importance of the MiG-29 in India’s defense arsenal," Bulgarian Military reported. 

Russia Pushing the Su-75 Checkmate Instead

Though India is one of the MiG-29’s largest operators, there are now reports that Moscow is pressuring New Delhi to consider the Sukhoi Su-75 instead.

Potentially complicating matters is the fact that India is currently developing its own advanced combat aircraft via its Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft program.

Russia is determined to find an international partner for the Su-75 “Checkmate.” Moscow has failed to find buyers in the Middle East and may once again be turning its gaze toward its largest export customer.

The Sukhoi Aircraft Company, a subsidiary of Rostec’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), first unveiled the Checkmate light tactical fighter at the MAKS 2021 air show outside Moscow. The export model was then introduced at the Dubai Airshow 2021 in the United Arab Emirates. Since that time, Rostec has tried to line up international partners but found no takers.

After numerous failed attempts to woo customers, Moscow may be hoping that India will express new interest in the Checkmate.

The bargain-basement fifth-generation aircraft wasn't presented at this week's Army 2024 Military-Technical Forum arms show in Russia. Perhaps UAC sees the writing on the wall. 

The aircraft was scheduled to take its maiden flight last year, which would have put it on track to reach initial production in 2026. That first flight didn't happen, and it is unclear what UAC’s production timeline is now. Moscow's latest attempt to sell the aircraft, if it is indeed happening, could be a final, desperate move for the Checkmate. 

The Checkmate – What We Know

The Su-75, a derivative of the Sukhoi Su-57 "Felon," reportedly incorporates the latest systems, including an open architecture configuration to meet each customer’s requirements, as well as unique artificial intelligence technologies.

UAC claimed the single-engine stealth fighter would be outfitted with an inboard compartment for air-to-air and air-to-surface armaments, while it could carry a payload of over 7 tons and would be capable of striking up to six targets at a time.

Since a prototype has not even been built, the Su-75 seems little more than vaporware. Moscow may have a little more luck with the Su-57, which was offered at the Army 2024 arms fair. But even that aircraft has barely moved beyond the prototype stage. 

Perhaps Russia should stick with the older MiG-29s – at least it has shown it can build them. 

Author Experience and Expertise: Peter Suciu 

Peter Suciu is a Michigan-based writer. He has contributed to more than four dozen magazines, newspapers, and websites with over 3,200 published pieces over a twenty-year career in journalism. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, politics, and international affairs. Peter is also a Contributing Writer for Forbes and Clearance Jobs. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu. You can email the author: [email protected].

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