US 5th-gen multi-role stealth fighter, most produced
Multi-role stealth operations, allied interoperability, and network-centric warfare
China's 5th-gen stealth fighter by Chengdu
Air superiority and long-range interception in the Pacific theater
The F-35 Lightning II is the world's most advanced multi-role stealth fighter with 1,000+ delivered across 18 nations. China's J-20 Mighty Dragon is a large stealth interceptor/air superiority fighter with ~250 produced. The F-35 leads in stealth, sensors, and allied interoperability. The J-20 has advantages in speed, range, and payload capacity.
The F-35 wins on stealth technology, sensor fusion, network warfare, and massive allied ecosystem. The J-20 is a formidable air superiority platform with longer range and faster speed, but its true stealth and sensor capabilities remain unproven against Western systems. The F-35's combat-proven track record and 18-nation alliance give it a decisive strategic advantage.
Choose F-35 Lightning II if
Multi-role stealth operations, allied interoperability, and network-centric warfare
Get notified when prices change, new specs ship, or our verdict updates.
Triggers: price change new spec verdict update
No spam. Stop anytime.
| Metric | F-35 Lightning II | J-20 Mighty Dragon | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top Speed(Mach) | Mach 1.6 | Mach 2.0+ | -20% |
| Combat Radius(km) | 770 km | ~1,100 km | -30% |
| Service Ceiling(ft) | 50,000 ft | 66,000 ft |
US Military vs China Military
military
USA vs China
countries
Japan vs China
countries
WW1 vs WW2
history
India vs China
countries
Russia vs USA
countries
UK vs USA
countries
India vs Pakistan
countries
Ancient Greece vs Ancient Rome
history
Germany vs France
countries
South Korea vs Japan
countries
Roman Empire vs Ottoman Empire
history
Choose J-20 Mighty Dragon if
Air superiority and long-range interception in the Pacific theater
| -24% |
| Units Delivered | 1,000+ | ~250 | +300% |
| Operators | 18 nations | 1 (China) | +1700% |
| Unit Cost(USD) | $80M | $100-120M (estimated) | -27% |
| Length(m) | 15.7 m | 20.5 m | -23% |
| Wingspan(m) | 10.7 m | 13.0 m | -18% |
All figures sourced from publicly available data. Last updated May 2026.
F-35 Lightning II
World-leading (0.001m² RCS est.)🏆
J-20 Mighty Dragon
Advanced but likely inferior
F-35 Lightning II
Mach 1.6
J-20 Mighty Dragon
Mach 2.0+🏆
F-35 Lightning II
~770 km (internal fuel)
J-20 Mighty Dragon
~1,100 km (estimated)🏆
F-35 Lightning II
1,000+🏆
J-20 Mighty Dragon
~250
F-35 Lightning II
18 nations🏆
J-20 Mighty Dragon
China only
F-35 Lightning II
Proven in multiple conflicts🏆
J-20 Mighty Dragon
None
F-35 Lightning II
Best in class (DAS + EOTS + APG-81)🏆
J-20 Mighty Dragon
Unknown capability
F-35 Lightning II
~2,500 kg
J-20 Mighty Dragon
~4,000 kg (estimated)🏆
In raw flight performance (speed, range, ceiling), the J-20 has advantages due to its larger size and twin engines. However, the F-35's stealth, sensor fusion, and proven combat capability make it the more effective overall weapons system. Air combat in 2026 is decided by who detects first, not who flies fastest.
Dive deeper with these curated resources
As an affiliate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Learn more
| Attribute | F-35 Lightning II | J-20 Mighty Dragon |
|---|---|---|
| Stealth (RCS) | ~0.001 m² (estimated) | Unknown (likely 0.01-0.1 m²) |
| Top Speed(Mach) | Mach 1.6 | Mach 2.0+ |
| Service Ceiling(ft) | 50,000 ft | 66,000 ft |
| Combat Radius(km) | 770 km | ~1,100 km |
| Internal Weapons | 4x AIM-120 + 2x AIM-9X | 6x PL-15 (estimated) |
| Units Delivered | 1,000+ | ~250 |
| Operators | 18 nations | 1 (China) |
| Unit Cost(USD) | $80M | $100-120M (estimated) |
| Length(m) | 15.7 m | 20.5 m |
| Wingspan(m) | 10.7 m | 13.0 m |
Side-by-side comparison of numeric attributes