F-22 vs F-35: Fighter Jet Comparison
The F-22 Raptor is a dedicated air superiority fighter optimized for speed and dogfighting, while the F-35 Lightning II is a multi-role stealth fighter designed for versatility across air, land, and naval operations. The F-22 excels in pure fighter performance, whereas the F-35 offers greater flexibility and international compatibility.
F-22
Fifth-generation air superiority fighter with unmatched speed and stealth.
Air forces prioritizing air superiority and requiring the most advanced fighter capabilities.
F-35
Fifth-generation stealth fighter with integrated sensor fusion, advanced avionics, and network-centric warfare capabilities.
Military alliances needing versatile, affordable, interoperable fighter jets across multiple domains.
Quick Answer
AI SummaryThe F-22 Raptor is a dedicated air superiority fighter optimized for speed and dogfighting, while the F-35 Lightning II is a multi-role stealth fighter designed for versatility across air, land, and naval operations. The F-22 excels in pure fighter performance, whereas the F-35 offers greater flexibility and international compatibility.
Our Verdict
AI-assistedThe F-22 remains unmatched in air-to-air combat and speed, making it the world's premier air superiority fighter. The F-35 provides superior versatility, affordability, and interoperability, making it better suited for modern multi-domain operations and coalition warfare. The choice depends on strategic priorities: pure air dominance versus operational flexibility.
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Choose F-22 if
Air forces prioritizing air superiority and requiring the most advanced fighter capabilities.
Choose F-35 if
Best pickMilitary alliances needing versatile, affordable, interoperable fighter jets across multiple domains.
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Key Differences at a Glance
- Primary Role:✓ F-35 wins(Multi-Role Combat Fighter vs Air Superiority Fighter)
- Maximum Speed:✓ F-22 wins(Mach 2.25 vs Mach 1.6)
- Operational Flexibility:✓ F-35 wins(Air, ground, naval operations vs Limited to air combat)
Key Facts & Figures
20 numeric metrics compared
| Metric | F-22 | F-35 | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Combat Radius(nautical miles) | 425+ | 550+ | |
| Mission Roles(count) | 1 (air superiority) | 4+ (air/ground/EW/ISR) | |
| Allied Nations Operated(countries) | 1 (USA only) | 19+ | |
| Time in Service(years) | ~20 years | ~15 years | |
| Platform Variants(types) | 1 (Air Force only) | 3 (AF, Navy, USMC) | |
| Maximum Speed(Mach) | Mach 2.0+ | Mach 1.6 | |
| Unit Cost(millions USD) | $150M+ | $80-100M | |
| Current Active Fleet(aircraft) | ~180 | 344 (2026) | |
| Maximum Speed(Mach) | Mach 2.25 | Mach 1.6 | |
| Combat Range(nautical miles) | 1,840 | 900 nm (combat radius) | |
| Unit Cost(millions USD) | $350 | $130 | |
| Production Numbers(aircraft) | 195 | 1,050+ | |
| Service Entry Year(year) | 2005 | 2015 | |
| Internal Weapons Capacity(lbs) | 14,000 | 18,000 | |
| Operational Variants(variants) | 1 | 3 | |
| Countries Operating(nations) | 1 | 19+ | |
| Max Speed(Mach) | Mach 1.6 | Mach 1.6 | |
| Operating Cost per Flight Hour(USD) | $44,000 | $44,000 | |
| Internal Fuel Capacity(pounds) | 18,250 lbs (F-35A) | 18,250 lbs (F-35A) | |
| Countries Operated(count) | 11 countries | 11 countries |
Sourced from publicly available data ·
Key Differences
8 attributes compared head-to-head
- Air Superiority FighterPrimary RoleMulti-Role Combat Fighter(winner)
- Mach 2.25(winner)Maximum SpeedMach 1.6
- Limited to air combatOperational FlexibilityAir, ground, naval operations(winner)
- Limited production (195 built)Production StatusOngoing production (1000+ built)(winner)
- US onlyInternational AvailabilityNATO allies and partners(winner)
- $350 millionUnit Cost (2026)$130 million(winner)
- Superior agility and supercruise(winner)Dogfighting CapabilityLimited by weight and fuel
- Basic DAS systemSensor Fusion IntegrationAdvanced EOTS and radar fusion(winner)
- Primary Role
F-22
Air Superiority Fighter
F-35
Multi-Role Combat Fighter(winner)
- Maximum Speed
F-22
Mach 2.25(winner)
F-35
Mach 1.6
- Operational Flexibility
F-22
Limited to air combat
F-35
Air, ground, naval operations(winner)
- Production Status
F-22
Limited production (195 built)
F-35
Ongoing production (1000+ built)(winner)
- International Availability
F-22
US only
F-35
NATO allies and partners(winner)
- Unit Cost (2026)
F-22
$350 million
F-35
$130 million(winner)
- Dogfighting Capability
F-22
Superior agility and supercruise(winner)
F-35
Limited by weight and fuel
- Sensor Fusion Integration
F-22
Basic DAS system
F-35
Advanced EOTS and radar fusion(winner)
Full Comparison
| Attribute | F-22 | F-35 |
|---|---|---|
| Combat Radius(nautical miles) | 425+ | 550+(winner) |
| Stealth RCS (Radar Cross Section)(relative) | Very Low (air-combat optimized) | Very Low (multi-role optimized) |
| Radar Cross Section(comparative) | 0.005-0.01 square meters | — |
| Mission Roles(count) | 1 (air superiority) | 4+ (air/ground/EW/ISR)(winner) |
| Allied Nations Operated(countries) | 1 (USA only) | 19+(winner) |
| Sensor Fusion | Advanced (air-dominant) | Advanced (coalition-networked) |
| Sensor Fusion Technology(capability level) | Advanced AI-Driven | — |
| Time in Service(years) | ~20 years | ~15 years(winner) |
| Production Status (2026) | Limited (mature) | Active (growing fleet) |
| Platform Variants(types) | 1 (Air Force only) | 3 (AF, Navy, USMC)(winner) |
| Maximum Speed(Mach) | Mach 2.0+(winner) | Mach 1.6 |
| Maximum Speed(Mach) | Mach 2.25(winner) | Mach 1.6 |
| Combat Range(nautical miles) | 1,840(winner) | 900 nm (combat radius) |
| Max Speed(Mach) | Mach 1.6 | — |
| Internal Fuel Capacity(pounds) | 18,250 lbs (F-35A) | — |
| Unit Cost(millions USD) | $150M+ | $80-100M(winner) |
| Unit Cost(millions USD) | $350 | $130(winner) |
| Current Active Fleet(aircraft) | ~180 | 344 (2026)(winner) |
| Dogfighting Capability | Superior (optimized) | Moderate (weight-limited) |
| Production Numbers(aircraft) | 195 | 1,050+(winner) |
| Service Entry Year(year) | 2005(winner) | 2015 |
| Internal Weapons Capacity(lbs) | 14,000 | 18,000(winner) |
| Operational Variants(variants) | 1 | 3(winner) |
| Countries Operating(nations) | 1 | 19+(winner) |
| Operating Cost per Flight Hour(USD) | $44,000 | — |
| Countries Operated(count) | 11 countries | — |
F-22F-35Pros & Cons
10 pros·4 cons across both
F-22
Pros
- Supercruise capability without afterburner
- Superior turn rate and dogfighting agility
- Fastest operational fighter aircraft
- Advanced sensor fusion with DAS
- Proven air combat effectiveness
Cons
- Limited to US military use only
- Restricted production numbers and high cost
F-35
Pros
- Three variants (A/B/C) for different operational needs
- Advanced sensor fusion and situational awareness
- Affordable compared to F-22
- Available to NATO and allied nations
- Superior ground attack and naval capabilities
Cons
- Lower speed and dogfighting performance
- Complex logistics and training requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions
The F-22 was designed primarily as an air superiority fighter with maximum speed as a key requirement. It features more powerful engines relative to its weight and is optimized for high-speed performance. The F-35, designed as a multi-role fighter, prioritizes other capabilities like payload capacity and sensor fusion, resulting in lower maximum speed.
Resources & Learn More
Curated sources to dive deeper
Where to Buy
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Wikipedia
- W
F-22 on Wikipedia (opens in new tab)
Fifth-generation air superiority fighter with unmatched speed and stealth.
- W
F-35 on Wikipedia (opens in new tab)
Fifth-generation stealth fighter with integrated sensor fusion, advanced avionics, and network-centric warfare capabilities.
- W
5th-generation fighters (opens in new tab)
The relationship and history between these two
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