The prototype of the Russian Checkmate fighter was delivered to the UAE to participate in the Dubai Airshow … The aircraft will be demonstrated at the Dubai Airshow. This is reported by TASS with reference to Rostec.
The state corporation noted that the prototype of the fighter was delivered to the UAE on an An-124 Ruslan transport aircraft. Checkmate will be shown abroad for the first time. As part of the Dubai Airshow, they plan to hold a number of presentations for the press and airshow participants.
Earlier, Rostec CEO Sergei Chemezov said that the cost of a Checkmate flight hour would be seven times lower than that of the American fifth generation F-35 fighter Lightning II. He noted that the F-35 is Checkmate's main competitor.
In October, Rosoboronexport CEO Alexander Mikheev noted that foreign air forces are showing interest in the Russian fighter. According to him, the need for aircraft of this class exists in many countries.
The prototype of the Checkmate light fighter was presented at the International Aviation and Space Salon 2021 (MAKS-2021) in July. Chemezov then stressed that the cost of the plane would be from $ 25 to $ 30 million. According to him, the plane will be able to carry more than seven tons of weapons.