Russia’s Su-75 “Checkmate” was unveiled as a bold rival to America’s F-35: a cheap, stealthy, next-generation fighter that would restore Moscow’s aviation prestige. Years later, it still hasn’t flown. From lavish marketing and big promises to delays, sanctions, and war-driven setbacks, this is the story of a jet that exists mostly on paper—and what its failure reveals about Russia’s wider military struggles. And it all began with one spectacular air show reveal.
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