Head of the state corporation “Rostech” Sergey Chezovov called the advantage of the Russian light tactical aircraft (LTS) Checkmate in front of the American F-35 Lightning II fighter. During the Dubai Airshow 2021, he noted the cost and combat load of the aircraft. It is reported by RIA Novosti.
“To competitors, I would take JF-17, J-10, F-16, but only F-35 can boast of comparable opportunities. Nevertheless, our plane is more cost-effective – both from the point of view of the cost of the car and from the side The cost of the summer hour. At the same time, he can take on board a record amount of weapons. Therefore, I think that the aircraft has good export prospects, “Chemezov said.
The head of the state corporation added that the cost of the aircraft will be from 30 to $ 35 million. According to him, it is necessary to create three prototypes of the fighter that will be used during testing. This will raise the fighter into the sky in 2023.
Earlier, the head of the United Aircraft Building Corporation (UAC) Yuri Slyusar said that the plant in Komsomolsk-on-Amur began production of Checkmate. He stressed that at the same time produce several aircraft.
Polish Edition Defence24 Noted that Checkmate will become a serious blow to the United States. According to the author of the material, the plane may cause interest in the countries of the Persian Gulf.