F-35 vs Su-57: Complete Comparison (2026) | Comparison
The F-35 Lightning II is the world's most advanced multi-role stealth fighter with 1,000+ delivered and combat-proven in multiple conflicts. The Su-57 Felon is Russia's 5th gen answer with superior speed and maneuverability but only ~30 produced and limited stealth capability.
F-35 Lightning II
US 5th gen multi-role stealth fighter by Lockheed Martin
Stealth, intelligence, and coalition warfare
Su-57 Felon
Russia's 5th gen stealth fighter by Sukhoi
Air superiority and high-speed interception
Quick Answer
AI SummaryThe F-35 Lightning II is the world's most advanced multi-role stealth fighter with 1,000+ delivered and combat-proven in multiple conflicts. The Su-57 Felon is Russia's 5th gen answer with superior speed and maneuverability but only ~30 produced and limited stealth capability.
Our Verdict
AI-assistedThe F-35 wins on stealth, sensors, network warfare, and proven combat record. The Su-57 has better raw flight performance but lacks the production numbers, sensor fusion, and allied interoperability that make the F-35 dominant.
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Choose F-35 Lightning II if
Stealth, intelligence, and coalition warfare
Choose Su-57 Felon if
Best pickAir superiority and high-speed interception
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Key Differences at a Glance
- Stealth (RCS):✓ F-35 Lightning II wins(0.001 m² (est.) vs 0.1-1 m² (est.))
- Top Speed:✓ Su-57 Felon wins(Mach 2.0 vs Mach 1.6)
- Units Produced:✓ F-35 Lightning II wins(1,000+ vs ~30)
Key Facts & Figures
5 numeric metrics compared
| Metric | F-35 Lightning II | Su-57 Felon | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Speed(Mach) | 1.6 | 2.0 | |
| Combat Radius(km) | 1,093 | 1,500 | |
| Units Produced | 1,000+ | ~30 | |
| Stealth (RCS)(m²) | 0.001 (est.) | 0.1-1 (est.) | |
| Unit Cost(USD) | $80M | $35-50M |
Sourced from publicly available data ·
Key Differences
6 attributes compared head-to-head
- 0.001 m² (est.)(winner)Stealth (RCS)0.1-1 m² (est.)
- Mach 1.6Top SpeedMach 2.0(winner)
- 1,000+(winner)Units Produced~30
- $80MUnit Cost$35-50M(winner)
- AN/APG-81 AESA + DAS(winner)SensorsN036 Byelka AESA
- Yes (multiple theaters)(winner)Combat ProvenLimited (Ukraine/Syria)
- Stealth (RCS)
F-35 Lightning II
0.001 m² (est.)(winner)
Su-57 Felon
0.1-1 m² (est.)
- Top Speed
F-35 Lightning II
Mach 1.6
Su-57 Felon
Mach 2.0(winner)
- Units Produced
F-35 Lightning II
1,000+(winner)
Su-57 Felon
~30
- Unit Cost
F-35 Lightning II
$80M
Su-57 Felon
$35-50M(winner)
- Sensors
F-35 Lightning II
AN/APG-81 AESA + DAS(winner)
Su-57 Felon
N036 Byelka AESA
- Combat Proven
F-35 Lightning II
Yes (multiple theaters)(winner)
Su-57 Felon
Limited (Ukraine/Syria)
Full Comparison
| Attribute | F-35 Lightning II | Su-57 Felon |
|---|---|---|
| Max Speed(Mach) | 1.6 | 2.0(winner) |
| Combat Radius(km) | 1,093 | 1,500(winner) |
| Units Produced | 1,000+(winner) | ~30 |
| Stealth (RCS)(m²) | 0.001 (est.) | 0.1-1 (est.) |
| Unit Cost(USD) | $80M | $35-50M |
F-35 Lightning IISu-57 FelonPros & Cons
11 pros·9 cons across both
F-35 Lightning II
Pros
- Superior stealth (all-aspect RCS)
- Advanced sensor fusion (AN/APG-81 AESA)
- 1,000+ delivered worldwide
- Combat-proven (Syria, Iran)
- Network-centric warfare
- 3 variants (A/B/C) for all services
Cons
- $80M+ unit cost
- Lower top speed (Mach 1.6)
- Single engine
- Maintenance intensive
Su-57 Felon
Pros
- Supermaneuverability (3D thrust vectoring)
- Mach 2.0 top speed
- Long range (3,500 km ferry)
- Internal weapons bay
- Twin engine reliability
Cons
- Only ~30 produced
- Inferior stealth to F-35
- Limited sensor fusion
- No combat allies operating it
- Engine reliability issues
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questions
In raw flight performance (speed, maneuverability), yes. In stealth, sensors, and combat-proven capability, the F-35 is significantly superior. The F-35's sensor fusion and allied network give it massive advantages in real combat.
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