F-22 Raptor vs F-35 Lightning II
F-22 Raptor
US air superiority stealth fighter by Lockheed Martin
Air superiority and air dominance missions
F-35 Lightning II
US multi-role stealth fighter, most produced 5th gen jet
Multi-role strike, ISR, and coalition warfare
Short Answer
The F-22 Raptor is the world's premier air superiority fighter with unmatched speed, altitude, and dogfighting capability. The F-35 is a multi-role stealth fighter optimized for strike, ISR, and network warfare. The F-22 wins the air fight; the F-35 wins everything else.
Our Verdict
Different jets for different missions. F-22 for air dominance, F-35 for multi-role flexibility. The F-35's sensor fusion and versatility make it the future, while the F-22 remains unbeatable in a dogfight.
Choose F-22 Raptor if
Air superiority and air dominance missions
Choose F-35 Lightning II if
Multi-role strike, ISR, and coalition warfare
Key Differences at a Glance
Key Differences
F-22 Raptor
Mach 2.25🏆
F-35 Lightning II
Mach 1.6
F-22 Raptor
Yes (Mach 1.5)🏆
F-35 Lightning II
No
F-22 Raptor
Good
F-35 Lightning II
Best in class🏆
F-22 Raptor
187
F-35 Lightning II
1,000+🏆
F-22 Raptor
$150M+
F-35 Lightning II
$80M🏆
F-22 Raptor
Air Superiority
F-35 Lightning II
Multi-role
Pros & Cons
F-22 Raptor
Pros
- Best air-to-air fighter in the world
- Supercruise (Mach 1.5 without afterburner)
- Supermaneuverability (thrust vectoring)
- Extremely low RCS
- Twin engines
Cons
- $150M+ unit cost
- Only 187 built (production ended 2011)
- Limited ground attack role
- No export allowed
- Aging avionics
F-35 Lightning II
Pros
- Advanced sensor fusion (best in any fighter)
- Multi-role (air, ground, sea)
- 1,000+ produced, 9 allied nations
- STOVL variant (F-35B)
- Continuously upgraded software
Cons
- Slower than F-22 (Mach 1.6)
- Less maneuverable
- Single engine
- Higher maintenance costs
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Frequently Asked Questions
The F-22 would win in a within-visual-range dogfight thanks to supermaneuverability and supercruise. However, modern air combat rarely involves dogfights — the F-35's superior sensors would likely detect and engage the F-22 first at beyond-visual range.
Resources & Learn More
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