F-35 Lightning II vs Dassault Rafale

The F-35 is a stealth-optimized multirole fighter designed for 5th-generation air dominance with advanced sensor fusion, while the Rafale is a highly maneuverable 4.5-generation fighter emphasizing combat flexibility and proven operational track record. The F-35 costs significantly more ($165M+ per unit) but offers superior stealth and sensor integration, whereas the Rafale is more affordable ($95-120M per unit) and has demonstrated combat effectiveness across multiple nations.