# Checkmate: Nigeria eyes Su-75 stealth fighter jet

- Link: https://www.military.africa/2023/07/checkmate-nigeria-eyes-su-75-stealth-fighter-jet/
- Published: 2023-07-28T21:11:54+01:00
- Author: Ekene Lionel

In a bid to bolster its airpower capabilities, Nigeria has expressed keen interest
in acquiring Russian fighters, including the highly coveted fifth-generation Checkmate.
Dmitry Shugaev, director of Russia’s Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation(
FSVTS) revealed.

Details of this development surfaced during the ongoing the [Russia-Africa Forum](http://military.africa/tag/russia-africa-summit/)
which is underway in St. Petersburg, Russia’s cultural capital, on July 27-28. The
first day of the event featured speeches by the Russian President, African leaders
and prominent political figures on the prospects for Russia-Africa cooperation.

This move comes after Russia’s Rosoboronexport state arms seller last year acknowledged
requests for the [fifth-generation Su-57E and Su-75 fighter from five countries in the Asia-Pacific region, Africa](https://www.military.africa/2021/07/african-countries-interested-in-russias-sukhoi-su-57-felon-stealth-fighter/),
and Europe at the MAKS 2021 international aerospace show.

> [African countries interested in Russia’s Sukhoi Su-57 “Felon” stealth fighter](https://www.military.africa/2021/07/african-countries-interested-in-russias-sukhoi-su-57-felon-stealth-fighter/)

While the specific customer’s identity was undisclosed at the time, subsequent indications
point to Nigeria as one of the contender for the Su-75, along with other African
nations like Egypt, Algeria, and Morocco. In recent times, these North African countries
have expressed their desires to [acquire advanced fifth-generation stealth fighter jets](https://www.military.africa/2022/01/f-35-vs-su-57-stealth-aircraft-arms-race-in-north-africa/),
aiming to elevate their airpower capabilities.

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Among these advanced aircraft, the state-of-the-art Su-75 Checkmate fighter has 
especially captured Nigeria’s attention and piqued its interest.

The Su-75, also known as the Checkmate, represents the pinnacle of Russia’s aerospace
technology, boasting stealth capabilities and advanced avionics. With its unrivaled
agility and cutting-edge weaponry, the aircraft promises a paradigm shift in air
warfare and would be a game-changer for any air force operating it.

Sergei Chemezov, head of Rostec, estimates each Checkmate jet to cost around $ 25-
30 million. To reduce its cost, the jet will reportedly be fitted with AL-41F engine,
Irbis-E phased array radar, avionics and cockpit of Su-35 aircraft. The Checkmate
will not be fitted with EW or self-protection suite to attract budget friendly customers.

Russia began aggressively marketing it’s new Su-75 stealth “Checkmate” fighter jet
which Sukhoi unveiled on July 20 during the MAKS 2021 aviation show, to African 
and Asian countries.

> _“Judging by the visits by delegations to the pavilion at MAKS Airshow, (we know
> that) the interest (in the Checkmate) is very great. And, of course, we will now
> carry this plane to exhibitions in Africa if they return to their usual offline
> mode,” _Yuri Slyusar, head of state-owned United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), said
> in an interview with the Vedomosti newspaper at the time.

Russia is currently targeting countries of African countries for potential export
of it stealth aircraft. Russian previously depended on Indian funds to develop Su-
57 and the development of Su-57 was hindered by Indian withdrawal from the program.
The Western sanctions also hinder development of the Russian aircraft and foreign
sales of the aircraft.

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At the heart of Nigeria’s pursuit for enhance air power capabilities lies the recently
introduced Su-75 Checkmate stealth fighter jet. This state-of-the-art aircraft has
garnered significant attention from both African and Asian countries, including 
Nigeria, seeking to enhance their air defence capabilities.

During the negotiations with Nigeria at the ongoing Russia-Africa Forum, Dmitry 
Shugaev unveiled the African nation’s strong inclination towards procuring modern
fighter jets.

Described as being unique for its class, the weapons load of the Su-75 Checkmate
is stated as 7,400kg (16,314lb), which will include stores carried on five internal
hardpoints (located within three weapons bays) as well as six more pylons located
externally.

For the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), which currently operates a fleet of 14 Chinese
[Chengdu F-7Ni Airguard](https://www.military.africa/2022/10/nigerias-f-7ni-airguards-returns-from-maintenance-in-china/)
fighter jets and three Pakistani-made [JF-17 Thunder](https://www.military.africa/2021/05/nigeria-inducts-jf-17-thunder-fighter-jets-at-57th-anniversary/)
air superiority fighters, the acquisition of the Su-75 Checkmate would represent
a substantial leap forward. The advanced technology, enhanced maneuverability, and
superior stealth features of the Checkmate could provide Nigeria with a significant
airpower boost, granting the country a competitive edge in the region.

While the competition for these advanced fighter jets remains intense, the decision
by Nigeria to explore Russian options signifies a strategic shift in its military
modernization efforts. As the security landscape in Africa continues to evolve, 
nations recognize the importance of equipping their defence forces with cutting-
edge technology to respond effectively to evolving threats.

According to Shugaev, it is too early to talk about contracts. At the same time,
partners are actively looking at Russian models of aviation equipment.

However, Nigeria, like other African nations, faces budgetary constraints and competing
priorities, which could pose challenges in acquiring such high-end military assets.
The acquisition process involves not only the procurement of the fighter jets but
also the establishment of comprehensive training programs, maintenance infrastructure,
and logistics support to ensure the aircraft’s optimal performance and longevity.

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> [F-35 Vs Su-57; new stealth aircraft arms race in North Africa](https://www.military.africa/2022/01/f-35-vs-su-57-stealth-aircraft-arms-race-in-north-africa/)

Nonetheless, with the geopolitical landscape witnessing [increased competition among global powers for influence in Africa](https://www.military.africa/2022/01/f-35-vs-su-57-stealth-aircraft-arms-race-in-north-africa/),
Nigeria’s pursuit of advanced fighter aircraft sends a clear message of its determination
to safeguard its territorial integrity and national interests.

The successful acquisition of fifth-generation fighter jets would not only elevate
Nigeria’s military capabilities but also reflect the nation’s commitment to enhancing
regional security and stability.

The decision to [explore fifth-generation aircraft ](https://www.military.africa/2022/01/f-35-vs-su-57-stealth-aircraft-arms-race-in-north-africa/)
demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to maintaining a strong defense posture in a rapidly
evolving security environment. The outcome of these negotiations holds the potential
to reshape Africa’s air warfare landscape, ushering in a new era of advanced military
capabilities on the continent.

Nevertheless, Moscow also disclosed that it has partially fulfilled the contract
for the supply of [12 Mi-35 combat helicopters](https://www.military.africa/2021/12/nigeria-turns-to-rosoboronexport-for-mi-35p-phoenix-upgrade/)
ordered by Nigeria in October 2019.

Outside military equipment, Nigeria intends to discuss with Russian nuclear agency
Rosatom plans of construction of a nuclear power plant in the country, government
spokesman Gabriel Aduda told Sputnik on Friday.

“We would speak with Rosatom on the issue of a nuclear power plant in Nigeria. We
already have an intergovernmental agreement that has been on for a while. And we
are gonna project a development agreement. I think it is time for us to be looking
in that direction as well,” Aduda said on the sidelines of the Russia-Africa summit.

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