F-35 vs F-22 Fighter Comparison 2026
The F-22 Raptor is a pure air-superiority fighter with superior speed (Mach 2.25 vs Mach 1.6) and maneuverability, while the F-35 Lightning II is a multi-role combat aircraft designed for versatility across air, ground, and naval missions with advanced sensor fusion and lower operational costs.
F-35 Lightning II
5th-generation stealth multirole fighter with advanced sensor fusion and multinational development.
Coalition operations requiring interoperability, multi-mission flexibility, and cost-conscious force structure expansion
F-22 Raptor
Single-engine stealth air superiority fighter designed for dominance in dogfighting and peer-level air combat.
Air dominance missions in denied airspace where speed, maneuverability, and supercruise capability provide decisive tactical advantage
Quick Answer
AI SummaryThe F-22 Raptor is a pure air-superiority fighter with superior speed (Mach 2.25 vs Mach 1.6) and maneuverability, while the F-35 Lightning II is a multi-role combat aircraft designed for versatility across air, ground, and naval missions with advanced sensor fusion and lower operational costs.
Our Verdict
AI-assistedThe F-22 Raptor dominates in pure air-superiority scenarios with unmatched speed, acceleration, and dogfighting capability, making it the premier air dominance fighter. The F-35 Lightning II excels as a multi-role platform with superior sensor fusion, operational flexibility, and international interoperability at lower cost. Choose the F-22 if air-to-air supremacy and supercruise capability are priorities; choose the F-35 if mission versatility, allied coordination, and long-term sustainment costs matter more.
Was this verdict helpful?
Choose F-35 Lightning II if
Best pickCoalition operations requiring interoperability, multi-mission flexibility, and cost-conscious force structure expansion
Choose F-22 Raptor if
Air dominance missions in denied airspace where speed, maneuverability, and supercruise capability provide decisive tactical advantage
Track this comparison
Get notified when prices change, new specs ship, or our verdict updates.
Triggers: price change new spec verdict update
No spam. Stop anytime.
Key Differences at a Glance
- Primary Mission:✓ F-35 Lightning II wins(Multi-role (air combat, ground attack, naval support, electronic warfare) vs Air-superiority fighter)
- Maximum Speed:✓ F-22 Raptor wins(Mach 2.25 (1,500 mph) vs Mach 1.6 (1,190 mph))
- Stealth Technology:5th generation with sensor fusion and integrated avionics vs 5th generation optimized for frontal aspect stealth
Key Facts & Figures
49 numeric metrics compared
| Metric | F-35 Lightning II | F-22 Raptor | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Combat Radius(nautical miles) | 900 nm | 760 nm | |
| Flyaway Cost(USD millions) | $131 million | $361 million | |
| Maximum G-Force(g) | 9g | 9g | |
| Radar Range (Detection)(nautical miles) | 150+ nm (passive targeting) | 200+ nm (APG-77 active array) | |
| Operational Readiness Rate(percent) | 56% | 72% | |
| Unit Flyaway Cost(USD millions) | $130-140 million | — | — |
| Combat Sorties (Total History)(sorties) | ~2,500 sorties (2018-2024) | — | — |
| Operational Service Years(years) | 8 years in combat operations (2018-2026) | — | — |
| First-Look Combat Range Advantage(miles) | 200+ mile detection while remaining undetected | — | — |
| International Operators(nations) | 19 nations | 1 nation (U.S. only) | |
| Supercruise Speed(Mach) | Not capable | Mach 1.5+ | — |
| Unit Acquisition Cost(USD millions) | $165-170M | $350-380 million | |
| Combat Radius (no refueling)(kilometers) | 920 km | — | — |
| Radar Cross Section(m²) | 0.005 m² (frontal) | — | — |
| Internal Weapon Capacity(lbs) | 18,000 lbs | 8,000 lbs | |
| Operational Countries(number of nations) | 13 nations | — | — |
| Service Entry Year(year) | 2015 (U.S. IOC) | — | — |
| Annual Operating Cost Per Aircraft(USD millions) | $9.2 million | $8.2 million/year | |
| Combat Radius (internal fuel)(nautical miles) | 1,200 nm | — | — |
| Operational Nations (2024)(countries) | 15 nations | — | — |
| Life-Cycle Program Cost(USD trillions) | $1.7 trillion | — | — |
| Internal Weapons Capacity(pounds) | 5,700 lbs | 2,000 lbs | |
| Unit Cost (Flyaway)(USD Million) | $77-85M | — | — |
| Combat Radius (Clean)(nautical miles) | 559 nm | — | — |
| Number of Nations Operating(countries) | 19 nations | — | — |
| Development Cost (Total)(USD Billion) | $1.7 trillion (lifecycle) | — | — |
| Maximum Speed(Mach) | Mach 1.6 | Mach 2.25 | |
| Service Ceiling(feet) | 50,000 ft | 65,000 ft | |
| Unit Cost (2024)(USD million) | $131 million | $150 million | |
| Operating Cost per Flight Hour(USD thousands) | $25,000 | $44,000 | |
| Total Planned Production(aircraft) | 2,456 units (projected) | 187 units (completed) | |
| Operational Variants(count) | 3 (conventional, carrier, STOVL) | 1 (air superiority only) | |
| Radar Cross Section (RCS)(m² (square meters)) | 0.001 m² (frontal aspect) | — | — |
| Combat Deployments (Confirmed)(number of operations) | 2 (limited combat ops) | 100+ deployments | |
| Maximum Turn Rate(g-force (gravitational force)) | 5.5 g average | — | — |
| Radar Cross-Section (Frontal)(m²) | 0.001 m² | — | — |
| Operational Service Entry (USAF/USMC)(year) | 2015-2016 | — | — |
| Sensor Types Integrated(count) | 14+ integrated sensors with DAS | — | — |
| Detection Range (4G radar vs 5G stealth)(km advantage) | Detects F/A-18 at 150+ km; undetected until 15 km | — | — |
| Unit Cost (2026 dollars)(USD millions) | $120 million | $165 million | |
| Service Variants Available(count) | 3 variants (A/C/B) | 1 variant (USAF) | |
| Operational Date(year) | 2019 | 2005 | |
| Allied Nations Using Aircraft(countries) | 19+ allied nations | 1 (USA only) | |
| Sustained Turn Rate(degrees per second) | 24.0 deg/sec | 28.5 deg/sec | |
| Maximum Supercruise Speed(Mach) | Mach 1.6+ | Mach 1.6+ | |
| Internal Weapons Payload Capacity(lbs) | 10,000 lbs | 10,000 lbs | |
| Operational Service Entry(year) | 2005 | 2005 | |
| Fuselage Length(meters) | 18.37m | 18.37m | |
| Operational Squadrons (Estimated)(squadrons) | 12+ squadrons | 12+ squadrons |
Sourced from publicly available data ·
Key Differences
7 attributes compared head-to-head
- Multi-role (air combat, ground attack, naval support, electronic warfare)(winner)Primary MissionAir-superiority fighter
- Mach 1.6 (1,190 mph)Maximum SpeedMach 2.25 (1,500 mph)(winner)
- 5th generation with sensor fusion and integrated avionicsStealth Technology5th generation optimized for frontal aspect stealth
- 545 nautical miles (air-to-air)(winner)Combat Radius410 nautical miles
- $131 million (flyaway cost)(winner)Unit Cost (2024)$361 million (program acquisition cost)
- 56% (2023 data)Operational Availability Rate72% (2023 data)(winner)
- 19 partner nations(winner)International Adoption0 partner nations (U.S. only)
- Primary Mission
F-35 Lightning II
Multi-role (air combat, ground attack, naval support, electronic warfare)(winner)
F-22 Raptor
Air-superiority fighter
- Maximum Speed
F-35 Lightning II
Mach 1.6 (1,190 mph)
F-22 Raptor
Mach 2.25 (1,500 mph)(winner)
- Stealth Technology
F-35 Lightning II
5th generation with sensor fusion and integrated avionics
F-22 Raptor
5th generation optimized for frontal aspect stealth
- Combat Radius
F-35 Lightning II
545 nautical miles (air-to-air)(winner)
F-22 Raptor
410 nautical miles
- Unit Cost (2024)
F-35 Lightning II
$131 million (flyaway cost)(winner)
F-22 Raptor
$361 million (program acquisition cost)
- Operational Availability Rate
F-35 Lightning II
56% (2023 data)
F-22 Raptor
72% (2023 data)(winner)
- International Adoption
F-35 Lightning II
19 partner nations(winner)
F-22 Raptor
0 partner nations (U.S. only)
Full Comparison
| Attribute | F-35 Lightning II | F-22 Raptor |
|---|---|---|
| Combat Radius(nautical miles) | 900 nm(winner) | 760 nm |
| Supercruise Speed(Mach) | Not capable | Mach 1.5+ |
| Combat Radius (no refueling)(kilometers) | 920 km | — |
| Combat Radius (Clean)(nautical miles) | 559 nm | — |
| Maximum Speed(Mach) | Mach 1.6 | Mach 2.25(winner) |
Show 2 more attributesService Ceiling(feet) 50,000 ft 65,000 ft Maximum Supercruise Speed(Mach) Mach 1.6+ — | ||
| Flyaway Cost(USD millions) | $131 million(winner) | $361 million |
| Maximum G-Force(g) | 9g | 9g |
| Maximum Turn Rate(g-force (gravitational force)) | 5.5 g average | — |
| Radar Range (Detection)(nautical miles) | 150+ nm (passive targeting) | 200+ nm (APG-77 active array)(winner) |
| Operational Readiness Rate(percent) | 56% | 72%(winner) |
| Unit Flyaway Cost(USD millions) | $130-140 million | — |
| Unit Acquisition Cost(USD millions) | $165-170M(winner) | $350-380 million |
| Annual Operating Cost Per Aircraft(USD millions) | $9.2 million | $8.2 million/year(winner) |
| Life-Cycle Program Cost(USD trillions) | $1.7 trillion | — |
| Unit Cost (Flyaway)(USD Million) | $77-85M | — |
Show 4 more attributesDevelopment Cost (Total)(USD Billion) $1.7 trillion (lifecycle) — Unit Cost (2024)(USD million) $131 million $150 million Operating Cost per Flight Hour(USD thousands) $25,000 $44,000 Unit Cost (2026 dollars)(USD millions) $120 million $165 million | ||
| Combat Sorties (Total History)(sorties) | ~2,500 sorties (2018-2024) | — |
| Sensor Fusion Architecture(null) | Integrated DAS with real-time sensor fusion & AI processing | — |
| Operational Service Years(years) | 8 years in combat operations (2018-2026) | — |
| Operational Service Entry (USAF/USMC)(year) | 2015-2016 | — |
| Operational Date(year) | 2019 | 2005(winner) |
| First-Look Combat Range Advantage(miles) | 200+ mile detection while remaining undetected | — |
| International Operators(nations) | 19 nations(winner) | 1 nation (U.S. only) |
| Operational Countries(number of nations) | 13 nations | — |
| Number of Nations Operating(countries) | 19 nations | — |
| Radar Cross Section(m²) | 0.005 m² (frontal) | — |
| Internal Weapon Capacity(lbs) | 18,000 lbs(winner) | 8,000 lbs |
| Internal Weapons Capacity(pounds) | 5,700 lbs(winner) | 2,000 lbs |
| Internal Weapons Payload Capacity(lbs) | 10,000 lbs | — |
| Service Entry Year(year) | 2015 (U.S. IOC) | — |
| Operational Service Entry(year) | 2005 | — |
| Combat Radius (internal fuel)(nautical miles) | 1,200 nm | — |
| Primary Radar System | AN/APG-81 AESA (1,500+ antenna elements) | — |
| Operational Nations (2024)(countries) | 15 nations | — |
| Total Planned Production(aircraft) | 2,456 units (projected)(winner) | 187 units (completed) |
| Operational Variants(count) | 3 (conventional, carrier, STOVL)(winner) | 1 (air superiority only) |
| Radar Cross Section (RCS)(m² (square meters)) | 0.001 m² (frontal aspect) | — |
| Combat Deployments (Confirmed)(number of operations) | 2 (limited combat ops) | 100+ deployments(winner) |
| Sensor Fusion System(coverage degrees) | 360° DAS (Distributed Aperture System) passive | — |
| Radar Cross-Section (Frontal)(m²) | 0.001 m² | — |
| Sensor Types Integrated(count) | 14+ integrated sensors with DAS | — |
| Detection Range (4G radar vs 5G stealth)(km advantage) | Detects F/A-18 at 150+ km; undetected until 15 km | — |
| Service Variants Available(count) | 3 variants (A/C/B)(winner) | 1 variant (USAF) |
| Allied Nations Using Aircraft(countries) | 19+ allied nations(winner) | 1 (USA only) |
| Sustained Turn Rate(degrees per second) | 24.0 deg/sec | 28.5 deg/sec(winner) |
| Fuselage Length(meters) | 18.37m | — |
| Operational Squadrons (Estimated)(squadrons) | 12+ squadrons | — |
F-35 Lightning IIF-22 RaptorShow 2 more attributes
Show 4 more attributes
Pros & Cons
10 pros·6 cons across both
F-35 Lightning II
Pros
- Sensor fusion and distributed aperture system provides 360° situational awareness
- Multi-role capability reduces need for separate platforms (combat, CAS, SEAD, ISR)
- Longer combat radius of 545 nautical miles enables extended operations
- Significantly lower unit cost ($131M vs $361M) reduces acquisition burden
- Adopted by 19 allied nations enabling real-time data sharing and interoperability
Cons
- Maximum speed of Mach 1.6 limits energy advantage in sustained dogfighting scenarios
- Operational readiness rate of 56% indicates sustained maintenance and logistics challenges
- Single engine limits redundancy compared to twin-engine fighter designs
F-22 Raptor
Pros
- Supercruise capability at Mach 1.5+ without afterburner sustains energy advantage
- Maximum speed of Mach 2.25 provides decisive speed advantage in all engagement scenarios
- Operational readiness rate of 72% demonstrates superior sustainment and reliability
- Integrated avionics with 2,000+ element phased array radar detects targets at extended range
- Twin-engine redundancy and 9g maneuverability provide superior survivability in close-in combat
Cons
- Unit acquisition cost of $361 million is 2.75× higher than F-35, limiting fleet size
- Restricted to U.S. use only due to classified technology—no allied adoption or interoperability
- Shorter combat radius of 410 nautical miles requires more forward positioning and tanker support
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions
The F-22's $361M acquisition cost reflects its development in the 1990s-2000s with cutting-edge air-superiority technology, limited production (187 aircraft total), and stealth optimized primarily for frontal aspects against advanced air threats. The F-35's lower unit cost benefits from larger intended production runs (3,000+ planned), multi-role design spreading development across multiple mission sets, and later manufacturing optimization. F-22's per-unit cost also includes classified technology integration unavailable for export.
Resources & Learn More
Curated sources to dive deeper
Where to Buy
As an affiliate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Learn more about our affiliate disclosure
Wikipedia
- W
F-35 Lightning II on Wikipedia (opens in new tab)
5th-generation stealth multirole fighter with advanced sensor fusion and multinational development.
- W
F-22 Raptor on Wikipedia (opens in new tab)
Single-engine stealth air superiority fighter designed for dominance in dogfighting and peer-level air combat.
Related Comparisons
12 more to explore
F-22 Raptor vs F-35 Lightning II
militaryF-35 Lightning II vs F-22 Raptor
militaryF-35 Lightning II vs Rafale
militaryF-35 Lightning II vs Dassault Rafale
militaryJ-20 vs F-22
militaryF-35 Lightning II vs F-18 Super Hornet
militaryF-35 Lightning II vs Dassault Rafale
militaryF-35 Lightning II vs F/A-18 Super Hornet
militaryF-35 Lightning II vs Rafale
militaryUS Military vs China Military
militaryUSA vs China
countriesWorld War 1 vs World War 2: Causes, Deaths & Key Differences
history
Related Articles
1 article
Explore More
Related comparisons and categories