Sukhoi Unveils Loyal Wingman Version: Sukhoi’s Light Tactical Aircraft (LTA), better known as the Su-75 “Checkmate”, has attracted global attention not just as a sleek, export-oriented stealth fighter but now as the basis for a loyal-wingman, uncrewed variant. This concept shows Russia’s ambition to combine manned and unmanned systems, enabling more flexible, risk-sharing air operations. The so-called loyal wingman is intended to fly alongside piloted Su-75s (and perhaps other fighters) to perform roles that reduce risk to human pilots while amplifying combat effectiveness.
What Is the Su-75 “Checkmate”?
The Su-75 Checkmate is a single-engine, fifth-generation stealth aircraft created by Sukhoi, a part of the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC). In contrast to heavy, expensive, twin-engine stealth fighters, the Checkmate is an economically priced and export-friendly product, thus, a country can have access to the latest stealth technology without the need to top-tier platforms.
Some of the major design features are a V-tail, diverterless supersonic inlets, and internal weapon bays, which are all new technology that allow the aircraft to be less visible to radar and keep stealth.
Besides that, UAC also mentioned the Checkmate might be variant of a two-seat trainer and an entirely unmanned version.
First of all, the news speaks about the assembly of a prototype to be started in 2025 and then the flight tests will be conducted shortly after.
The Loyal-Wingman Variant: What We Know So Far
A loyal-wingman version of the Su-75 by Sukhoi, is not simply an idea illustrated in the album of design patents filed by UAC, it has been quite clearly indicated. These patents speak about an unmanned, fully or semi-autonomous aircraft derived from the Su-75 type of the plane. The loyal-wingman version carries on the stealth characteristics of the Su-75 but eliminates the cockpit, thus emphasizing its uncrewed nature.
Embracing the idea of networked communications to form a manned-unmanned “wing” in combat, which is a system to allow the drone to scout ahead, suppress enemy defenses, or engage in risky missions, thereby supporting human pilots from a safer distance, Sukhoi seems to intend the UAV to operate in concert with piloted fighters.
Challenges and Uncertainties
Though the idea of a loyal-wingman is fascinating, it is confronted with various difficulties. First of all, the readiness of the technology is still a matter of debate: for the most part, what is referred to are patents and concept designs, not actual flying prototypes. The performance of the autonomous Su-75 units in reality, particularly in a situation of a provoked environment, is still doubtful.
Wait and see!
Sukhoi Su-75 “Checkmate” LTS, short for Light Tactical Aircraft in Russian single-engine, 5th generation stealth fighter aircraft under development by Sukhoi for export and for Russian Aerospace Forces. First flight planned 2023. pic.twitter.com/clxj7TVL8T
— Chris Bolton (@CcibChris) November 14, 2021
Besides that, it is a highly technical and costly issue to come up with reliable autonomous control systems, secure data links, and AI decision-making for combat drones. Besides technical difficulties, it’s possible that the project would face funding constraints. With the Russian aerospace and defense budgets being two of the most serious competing priorities, the loyal-wingman project might be in danger of receiving insufficient funds.
Moreover, success in the export market is far from being certain in the case of geopolitical risk. The sanctions, political risk, or lack of potential customers may prevent large-scale production. In addition, doctrine and command-control issues may arise: during combat, who is in control of the drones, and how decisions by autonomous operation are carried out, are difficult questions.
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Comparison with Other Loyal-Wingman Projects
Sukhoi’s LTA wingman idea is part of a global shift toward integrating unmanned aerial systems with manned fighters. For example, Russia is already developing the S-70 Okhotnik-B, a stealth UAV that can operate with Su-57 fighters, showcasing a similar manned-unmanned teaming strategy.
Other countries have related programs like Australia’s Loyal Wingman concept, the U.S.’s collaborative combat aircraft programs, and similar UCAV initiatives in Europe all reflect a future where drones play a central role in air combat. In this broader context, Sukhoi’s efforts are not isolated but very much part of a larger evolution in military aviation.
Sukhoi Unveils Loyal Wingman Version: Current Status and Future Outlook
As of now, the loyal-wingman version of the Su-75 remains conceptual, but the patents and public hints from UAC indicate that Sukhoi is serious about it. Meanwhile, the main Su-75 prototype assembly is expected to start in 2025.
If developed successfully, this loyal-wingman could become a key pillar in Russia’s future air combat architecture offering both export appeal and strategic capability.
