{"id":"cmnf7qrkp007t84w6w9a3wkfe","slug":"f-35-vs-f-22","title":"F-35 Lightning II vs F-22 Raptor","shortAnswer":"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.","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)"},{"label":"Stealth Sensor Fusion","winner":"b","entityAValue":"Passive radar; limited sensor networking","entityBValue":"Distributed Aperture System (DAS) with full sensor fusion and real-time allied data-link"},{"label":"Operational Service Entry","winner":"a","entityAValue":"2005","entityBValue":"2015 (IOC)"}],"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.","category":"military","entities":[{"id":"cmqpt6gh000au73at205w4n2y","slug":"f-22-raptor","name":"F-22 Raptor","shortDesc":"U.S. Air Force air-superiority fighter optimized for dominance in beyond-visual-range and dogfighting engagements.","imageUrl":"https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1e/F-22_Raptor_edit1_%28cropped%29.jpg/330px-F-22_Raptor_edit1_%28cropped%29.jpg?utm_source=en.wikipedia.org&utm_campaign=api&utm_content=thumbnail","entityType":"technology","position":0,"pros":["Supersonic cruise (Mach 1.82) without afterburner; fastest combat jet in production history","Exceptional agility with thrust-vectoring engines; supermaneuverability in dogfight scenarios","Operational since 2005; mature avionics and combat-proven in Middle East operations","Unmatched air-to-air detection range (>100 nautical miles in some modes)","Advanced Pratt & Whitney F119 engines with 65,000 lbf combined thrust"],"cons":["Prohibitively expensive ($142M/unit); only 187 aircraft built due to cost and Congressional budget constraints","Cannot be exported to allies; severely limits interoperability and coalition operations","Limited ground-attack capability; requires external stores that compromise stealth profile"],"bestFor":"Air forces requiring air dominance against peer adversaries in contested airspace with unlimited budgets; U.S. Air Force homeland and forward-deployed operations."},{"id":"cmqoogbs700fm3w9aww661w8h","slug":"f-35-lightning-ii","name":"F-35 Lightning II","shortDesc":"Multi-role 5th-generation fighter designed for air combat, ground strike, and allied network integration across 19+ nations.","imageUrl":"https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/61/F-35A_flight_%28cropped%29.jpg/330px-F-35A_flight_%28cropped%29.jpg?utm_source=en.wikipedia.org&utm_campaign=api&utm_content=thumbnail","entityType":"technology","position":1,"pros":["Multi-role capability: dogfighting, ground attack, close air support, and ISR from single platform","Exportable to 19+ allied nations; drives NATO interoperability and collective defense","Superior combat radius (680 miles) and mission flexibility with internal/external stores","Distributed Aperture System (DAS) + sensor fusion; real-time data-link with allies and ground forces","Lower unit cost ($82M) enables larger fleet deployments; 1,000+ aircraft in production pipeline"],"cons":["Subsonic cruise speed (Mach 1.6); slower than F-22 in intercept scenarios against fast bogeys","Development delays and cost overruns totaled $100B+ through 2023; program complexity remains high","Cannot match F-22's instantaneous turn rate; relies on sensor fusion and net-centric advantage rather than raw maneuverability"],"bestFor":"Allied air forces requiring modern, networked multi-role capability; missions spanning air defense, ground support, and coalition operations; forces prioritizing fleet size and interoperability over single-mission dominance."}],"attributes":[{"id":"gen-attr-0-1792221281252","name":"Maximum Speed","slug":"maximum-speed","unit":"Mach","values":[{"winner":true,"entityId":"cmqpt6gh000au73at205w4n2y","valueText":"Mach 2.25","valueNumber":2.25,"valueBoolean":null},{"winner":false,"entityId":"cmqoogbs700fm3w9aww661w8h","valueText":"Mach 1.6","valueNumber":1.6,"valueBoolean":null}],"category":"Performance","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":true},{"id":"gen-attr-1-1792221281252","name":"Combat Radius","slug":"combat-radius","unit":"miles","values":[{"winner":false,"entityId":"cmqpt6gh000au73at205w4n2y","valueText":"590 miles","valueNumber":590,"valueBoolean":null},{"winner":true,"entityId":"cmqoogbs700fm3w9aww661w8h","valueText":"680 miles","valueNumber":680,"valueBoolean":null}],"category":"Range & Endurance","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":true},{"id":"gen-attr-2-1792221281252","name":"Unit Cost (2024 USD)","slug":"unit-cost-2024-usd-","unit":"million USD","values":[{"winner":false,"entityId":"cmqpt6gh000au73at205w4n2y","valueText":"$142 million","valueNumber":142,"valueBoolean":null},{"winner":true,"entityId":"cmqoogbs700fm3w9aww661w8h","valueText":"$82 million","valueNumber":82,"valueBoolean":null}],"category":"Economics","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":false},{"id":"gen-attr-3-1792221281252","name":"Total Aircraft Produced (through 2025)","slug":"total-aircraft-produced-through-2025-","unit":"aircraft","values":[{"winner":false,"entityId":"cmqpt6gh000au73at205w4n2y","valueText":"187 aircraft","valueNumber":187,"valueBoolean":null},{"winner":true,"entityId":"cmqoogbs700fm3w9aww661w8h","valueText":"1,100+ aircraft (planned 2,400+ across all partners)","valueNumber":1100,"valueBoolean":null}],"category":"Production","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":true},{"id":"gen-attr-4-1792221281252","name":"Engine Thrust (Combined)","slug":"engine-thrust-combined-","unit":"lbf","values":[{"winner":true,"entityId":"cmqpt6gh000au73at205w4n2y","valueText":"65,000 lbf (Pratt & Whitney F119)","valueNumber":65000,"valueBoolean":null},{"winner":false,"entityId":"cmqoogbs700fm3w9aww661w8h","valueText":"43,000 lbf (Pratt & Whitney F135)","valueNumber":43000,"valueBoolean":null}],"category":"Power","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":true},{"id":"gen-attr-5-1792221281252","name":"Operational Service Entry Date","slug":"operational-service-entry-date","unit":"year","values":[{"winner":true,"entityId":"cmqpt6gh000au73at205w4n2y","valueText":"2005","valueNumber":2005,"valueBoolean":null},{"winner":false,"entityId":"cmqoogbs700fm3w9aww661w8h","valueText":"2015","valueNumber":2015,"valueBoolean":null}],"category":"Timeline","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":false},{"id":"gen-attr-6-1792221281252","name":"Primary Radar Mode Detection Range","slug":"primary-radar-mode-detection-range","unit":"nautical miles","values":[{"winner":true,"entityId":"cmqpt6gh000au73at205w4n2y","valueText":">100 nautical miles (AN/APG-77v1)","valueNumber":100,"valueBoolean":null},{"winner":false,"entityId":"cmqoogbs700fm3w9aww661w8h","valueText":"90+ nautical miles (AESA with distributed aperture system)","valueNumber":90,"valueBoolean":null}],"category":"Sensors","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":true},{"id":"gen-attr-7-1792221281252","name":"Allied Export Authorization (2025)","slug":"allied-export-authorization-2025-","unit":"nations","values":[{"winner":false,"entityId":"cmqpt6gh000au73at205w4n2y","valueText":"0 (U.S. only)","valueNumber":0,"valueBoolean":null},{"winner":true,"entityId":"cmqoogbs700fm3w9aww661w8h","valueText":"19+ allied nations","valueNumber":19,"valueBoolean":null}],"category":"Interoperability","dataType":"number","higherIsBetter":true}],"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."},{"question":"Will the F-22 remain in service longer than the F-35?","answer":"Both aircraft are planned to remain operational into the 2050s. The F-22 (187 units) is being modernized with block upgrades and avionics refreshes by the U.S. Air Force. The F-35 (1,000+ units across 19+ nations) will serve as the backbone of coalition air forces through mid-century. The F-35's larger fleet and multinational sustainment infrastructure suggest it will have longer total operational longevity across allied forces."},{"question":"Why is the F-22 more expensive than the F-35?","answer":"The F-22 costs $142 million per unit vs. $82 million for the F-35 (2024 pricing). The F-22's higher cost stems from: (1) fewer aircraft produced (187 vs. 1,100+), which amortizes development across smaller volume; (2) unique exotic materials and engine technology; (3) early 5th-gen development costs not yet realized through economies of scale. The F-35's lower unit cost is driven by large international orders and established production infrastructure."}],"relatedComparisons":[{"slug":"f-16-vs-f-15","title":"F-16 vs F-15: performance, cost and mission comparison","category":null},{"slug":"usa-vs-china","title":"USA vs China","category":"countries"},{"slug":"ww1-vs-ww2","title":"World War 1 vs World War 2: Causes, Deaths & Key Differences","category":"history"},{"slug":"apache-vs-ka-52","title":"AH-64 Apache vs Kamov Ka-52 Alligator","category":"military"},{"slug":"patriot-vs-s-300","title":"Patriot vs S-300 Air Defense Systems","category":"military"},{"slug":"m1-abrams-vs-t-90","title":"M1 Abrams vs T-90","category":"military"},{"slug":"eurofighter-typhoon-vs-gripen","title":"Eurofighter Typhoon vs Gripen","category":"military"},{"slug":"us-military-vs-china-military","title":"US Military vs China Military","category":"military"},{"slug":"marines-vs-army","title":"US Marines vs US Army","category":"military"},{"slug":"cia-vs-nsa","title":"CIA vs NSA","category":"military"},{"slug":"china-vs-taiwan","title":"China vs Taiwan","category":"countries"},{"slug":"south-korea-vs-japan","title":"South Korea vs Japan","category":"countries"}],"relatedBlogPosts":[{"slug":"most-advanced-fighter-jets-in-2026-a-comprehensive-ranking","title":"Most Advanced Fighter Jets in 2026: A Comprehensive Ranking","excerpt":"In 2026, the world's most advanced fighter jets represent the pinnacle of military aviation technology, combining stealth capabilities, sensor fusion, and AI-driven systems. From the F-22 Raptor to China's J-20, we break down the jets that dominate modern air combat.","category":"technology"},{"slug":"most-advanced-fighter-jets-in-2026-top-5-global-air-superiority-leaders","title":"Most Advanced Fighter Jets in 2026: Top 5 Global Air Superiority Leaders","excerpt":"As of 2026, the world's most advanced fighter jets represent the cutting edge of military aviation, featuring 5th-generation stealth technology, AI-assisted targeting, sensor fusion, and hypersonic weapon integration. Discover which aircraft lead the global air superiority race and what makes them the most formidable combat platforms ever built.","category":"technology"},{"slug":"national-guard-vs-active-duty-which-military-path-is-right-for-you-2026","title":"National Guard vs. Active Duty Military: Which Path Is Right for You in 2026?","excerpt":"Active duty is the right choice if you want full-time military service, immediate deployment experience, housing on or near base, and a clear military career track. The National Guard is the right choice if you want part-time service (one weekend per month, two weeks in summer), to maintain a civilian career alongside military service, and state-level deployment with occasional federal activation. Pay, benefits, and education assistance differ significantly: active duty provides full housing allowance, healthcare, and regular pay; the Guard provides part-time pay, reduced benefits, and the same GI Bill access after federal deployment.","category":"military"},{"slug":"sweden-vs-norway-which-scandinavian-country-is-better-to-live-in-2026","title":"Sweden vs Norway: Which Scandinavian Country Is Better to Live In?","excerpt":"Norway has a higher GDP per capita ($108,000 vs Sweden's $60,000), a larger sovereign wealth fund ($1.7 trillion), and pays higher average wages — driven by its oil wealth. Sweden has a larger economy, more diversified industry (Spotify, IKEA, H&M, Volvo, Ericsson), a stronger tech sector, and more English-friendly cities for internationals. For quality of life, both countries consistently rank in the top 5 globally. Norway is the better choice for high-paying jobs in energy, maritime, and finance. Sweden is the better choice for tech workers, internationals, and those who prefer a more cosmopolitan urban environment (Stockholm vs Oslo). Norway is more expensive; Sweden's cost of living is 10–15% lower.","category":"countries"},{"slug":"mexico-vs-usa-cost-of-living-economy-quality-of-life-2026","title":"Mexico vs USA: Cost of Living, Economy, and Quality of Life Compared in 2026","excerpt":"Mexico's cost of living is approximately 50–60% lower than the US average, making it one of the most attractive relocation destinations for American remote workers and retirees. Mexico City's monthly cost for a comfortable lifestyle is $1,500–$2,500 USD; the equivalent in a comparable US metro area is $3,500–$6,000+. The US leads Mexico on GDP per capita ($80,000 vs $12,000), life expectancy (76 vs 75 years), and institutional quality (healthcare, rule of law, infrastructure). Mexico leads on cost of living, food quality (particularly fresh produce), weather in many regions, and real estate value. The best places to live in Mexico for US expats include Mexico City, Oaxaca, San Miguel de Allende, Mérida, and Puerto Vallarta.","category":"countries"}],"metadata":{"metaTitle":"F-35 vs F-22: Fighter Comparison 2025","metaDescription":"F-22 Raptor vs F-35 Lightning II: speed, cost, role & capability comparison. Which fighter jet wins?","publishedAt":"2026-03-31T22:53:22.585Z","updatedAt":"2026-10-20T12:16:40.947Z","isAutoGenerated":true,"isHumanReviewed":false,"viewCount":0,"status":"published","visitorTableSaved":true},"quickAnswer":{"tldr":"The F-22 Raptor wins in pure air-superiority performance with Mach 2.25 speed and unmatched dogfighting agility, but the F-35 Lightning II wins for modern air forces with 40% lower cost, multinational export capability, and superior multi-role mission flexibility and allied network integration.","keyFact":"As of 2025, 1,100+ F-35 aircraft are in production or service across 19 allied nations, while only 187 F-22 Raptors were ever built due to export restrictions and cost constraints; F-35 production continues at full rate while F-22 production ended in 2011.","winnerName":"F-35 Lightning II (for most allied air forces); F-22 Raptor (for U.S. air-dominance role)","winnerReason":"F-35's 40% lower unit cost ($82M vs. $142M), export to 19+ allied nations, and real-time sensor fusion across coalition assets outweigh F-22's raw speed advantage in modern contested airspace where network advantage prevails over single-aircraft performance."},"citationStats":{"sources":[{"url":"https://www.militaryfactory.com/aircraft/compare-aircraft-results.php?aircraft1=20&aircraft2=23","name":"militaryfactory.com"},{"url":"https://wingsovercamarillo.com/f-22-vs-f-35/","name":"wingsovercamarillo.com"},{"url":"https://www.facebook.com/vrsradio/posts/as-of-today-july-2026-there-is-not-an-aircraft-in-foreign-nations-that-can-beat-/1618781166412325/","name":"facebook.com"},{"url":"https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/products/f-35.html","name":"lockheedmartin.com"},{"url":"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lockheed_Martin_F-35_Lightning_II","name":"en.wikipedia.org"}],"sourceCount":5,"dataPointCount":18,"lastResearched":"2026-10-20T12:16:40.945Z","reviewsAnalyzed":null,"preferenceEntity":null,"preferencePercent":null}}