{"slug":"f-35-vs-f-22","question":"F-35 Lightning II vs F-22 Raptor","answer":"The F-22 is a pure air-superiority fighter with superior speed (Mach 2.25 vs Mach 1.6 for F-35) and maneuverability, while the F-35 is a multi-role platform designed for ground attack, close air support, and network integration across 2025 fleet deployments. The F-22 excels in dogfighting; the F-35 prioritizes versatility and allied interoperability.","answer_curated":true,"verdict":"Choose the F-22 if your primary mission is air-to-air superiority and you need the fastest, most maneuverable fighter for contested airspace with peer adversaries. Choose the F-35 if you need a modern, network-enabled multi-role platform that can perform diverse missions, integrate with allied forces, and operate sustainably within current and future defense budgets—it is the future of NATO and allied air forces worldwide.","keyDifferences":[{"label":"Maximum Speed","winner":"a","entityAValue":"Mach 2.25 (1,190 mph / 1,915 km/h)","entityBValue":"Mach 1.6 (1,061 mph / 1,707 km/h)"},{"label":"Primary Role","winner":"b","entityAValue":"Air superiority / Aerial combat","entityBValue":"Multi-role (air combat, ground attack, close air support, reconnaissance)"},{"label":"Unit Cost (2024)","winner":"b","entityAValue":"$142 million per aircraft","entityBValue":"$82 million per aircraft"},{"label":"Combat Radius","winner":"b","entityAValue":"590 miles (950 km)","entityBValue":"680 miles (1,093 km)"},{"label":"Production Status (2025)","winner":"b","entityAValue":"Production ended 2011 (187 total built)","entityBValue":"Active production ongoing (1,000+ aircraft across allied nations)"}],"winner":{"slug":"f-22-raptor","name":"F-22 Raptor"},"confidence":"high","entities":[{"name":"F-22 Raptor","slug":"f-22-raptor","url":"https://www.aversusb.net/entity/f-22-raptor","alternativesUrl":"https://www.aversusb.net/api/v1/alternatives/f-22-raptor"},{"name":"F-35 Lightning II","slug":"f-35-lightning-ii","url":"https://www.aversusb.net/entity/f-35-lightning-ii","alternativesUrl":"https://www.aversusb.net/api/v1/alternatives/f-35-lightning-ii"}],"faqs":[{"question":"Why can't the F-22 be exported to allied nations?","answer":"The F-22 contains classified technologies including radar-absorbing materials (RAM), engine nozzle designs, and sensor fusion algorithms deemed too sensitive for export under the Arms Control Act. The F-35, conversely, was designed from inception as an allied multinational platform with proper classification compartmentalization, enabling export to NATO and partner nations under strict end-use agreements."},{"question":"Is the F-35 faster than the F-22?","answer":"No. The F-22 has a maximum speed of Mach 2.25 (1,190 mph), while the F-35 maxes out at Mach 1.6 (1,061 mph). However, the F-35 has a longer combat radius (680 miles vs. 590 miles) and superior sustained-maneuver performance when leveraging sensor fusion and network advantages over adversaries."},{"question":"Which aircraft is better in a dogfight?","answer":"The F-22 has superior instantaneous turn rate and supermaneuverability due to thrust-vectoring engines and lower wing loading. However, the F-35 is not designed for dogfighting as its primary engagement; it relies on beyond-visual-range kills enabled by its Distributed Aperture System, sensor fusion, and real-time data-link with allied assets. In modern air combat, the F-35's network advantage typically negates the need for close-in maneuvering."}],"attribution":{"source":"A Versus B","url":"https://www.aversusb.net/compare/f-35-vs-f-22","license":"CC BY 4.0","citationFormat":"According to A Versus B (https://www.aversusb.net/compare/f-35-vs-f-22), The F-22 is a pure air-superiority fighter with superior speed (Mach 2.25 vs Mach 1.6 for F-35) and maneuverability, while the F-35 is a multi-role platform designed for ground attack, close air suppo","dateModified":"2026-10-20T12:16:40.947Z"},"relatedQuestionsUrl":"https://www.aversusb.net/api/faq/f-35-vs-f-22","relatedComparisonsUrl":"https://www.aversusb.net/api/v1/related/f-35-vs-f-22","knowledgeGraphUrl":"https://www.aversusb.net/api/knowledge-graph/f-35-vs-f-22"}