F-22 vs F-35: Which is Better: The debate between the F-22 Raptor and the F-35 Lightning II has stirred the aviation and defense world for years. Both aircraft are marvels of modern engineering, built by Lockheed Martin, and represent the pinnacle of 5th-generation fighter technology. However, each serves a distinct role and offers unique advantages. So, which is truly the better jet? Let’s explore their characteristics, roles, capabilities, and differences to gain a deeper understanding.
Table of Contents
Key Points and Summary
The F-22 Raptor and the F-35 Lightning II are two of the most advanced fighter jets in the world, but they were designed for very different purposes. The F-22 Raptor is a dedicated air superiority fighter, built to dominate the skies by outmatching enemy aircraft in speed, stealth, and agility. It excels in air-to-air combat, with unmatched maneuverability and radar evasion capabilities that make it nearly invisible to enemy sensors. However, the F-22 has limited ground attack and electronic warfare capabilities, as its design focus was strictly on achieving air dominance.
In contrast, the F-35 Lightning II was built as a versatile, multi-role fighter capable of performing a wide range of missions. It is slower and less agile than the F-22, but it offers superior sensor fusion, data-sharing abilities, and electronic warfare features. The F-35 is also equipped for ground strikes, reconnaissance, and intelligence gathering in addition to air combat, making it a more flexible and adaptable platform. Unlike the F-22, which is used exclusively by the United States Air Force, the F-35 has been exported to numerous allied nations, making it a vital component of joint military operations worldwide.
When comparing their characteristics, the F-22 holds the edge in speed, maneuverability, and air combat dominance, but the F-35 is superior in versatility, technology, and operational flexibility. Their weapons load-outs reflect this difference — the F-22 focuses on air-to-air missiles for dogfights, while the F-35 carries a wider range of precision bombs and electronic warfare equipment for varied mission types.
In essence, these two jets were not built to replace each other, but to complement one another in modern combat scenarios. The F-22 remains the world’s best air superiority fighter, while the F-35 is designed to handle multiple roles, making it more suitable for today’s complex and multi-dimensional warfare environments.
Therefore, deciding which jet is “better” depends on the specific mission requirements. For air combat and air dominance, the F-22 Raptor is unmatched. For flexibility, multi-role missions, and future warfare scenarios, the F-35 Lightning II leads the way. Each is the best at what it was designed to do — making the comparison less about which is better and more about which is better for a specific combat need.
The Characteristics of Both Planes (F-22 vs F-35: Which is Better?)
F-22 Raptor
- Role: Air Superiority Fighter
- First Flight: 1997
- Top Speed: Mach 2.25
- Range: 1,840 miles (2,960 km) with 2 external fuel tanks
- Stealth: Very high, optimized for evading radar detection
- Maneuverability: Exceptional, superior dogfighting capabilities
- Cost per Unit: ~$150 million
- Production: Discontinued after 187 units
The F-22 is designed to dominate the skies. Its combination of speed, stealth, and agility makes it nearly unmatched in air-to-air combat.
F-35 Lightning II
- Role: Multi-Role Stealth Fighter
- First Flight: 2006
- Top Speed: Mach 1.6
- Range: 1,380 miles (2,220 km)
- Stealth: Excellent, with a focus on all-aspect low observability
- Maneuverability: Good but less agile than the F-22
- Cost per Unit: ~$80 million (varies by variant)
- Production: In full-scale production, over 900 units delivered
The F-35 shines as a versatile and technologically advanced fighter, designed to perform air-to-ground strikes, intelligence gathering, and electronic warfare in addition to air combat.
| Feature | F-22 Raptor | F-35 Lightning II |
|---|---|---|
| Role | Air superiority (air-to-air) | Multi-role (air-to-air, air-to-ground, ISR) |
| Speed | Faster (Mach 2.25) | Slower (Mach 1.6) |
| Stealth | Superior frontal stealth | Superior overall stealth coverage |
| Maneuverability | Unmatched | Good, but less than F-22 |
| Weapons Capacity | 8 internal missiles | 4 internal weapons (more with external pylons) |
| Sensor Suite | Advanced but older | Next-gen sensors, data fusion |
| Cost | More expensive | Less expensive per unit |
| Production | Discontinued | Active, international sales |
What Are Their Different Roles? (F-22 vs F-35: Which is Better?)
F-22 Raptor: The Sky Dominator
The F-22 was designed purely for air superiority — to control the skies and engage enemy fighters before they even know it’s there. It excels in dogfights, intercept missions, and maintaining air dominance over contested regions. However, it lacks robust ground attack capability and electronic warfare features.
F-35 Lightning II: The Multi-Role Master
The F-35 is a jack-of-all-trades. It was built to handle everything: air-to-air, air-to-ground, electronic warfare, and intelligence-gathering missions. Its integrated sensor suite and ability to “network” with other assets make it the core of modern joint operations. It’s also available in three variants — conventional (F-35A), carrier-based (F-35C), and short takeoff/vertical landing (F-35B).
Different Weapons Load-out
F-22 Raptor Load-out:
- AIM-120 AMRAAM (Air-to-Air Missiles)
- AIM-9 Sidewinder (Short-Range Air-to-Air)
- M61A2 20mm Cannon
- Limited air-to-ground bombs (not its main mission focus)
F-35 Lightning II Load-out:
- AIM-120 AMRAAM
- AIM-9X Sidewinder
- GBU-12/31 JDAM (Precision Bombs)
- Small Diameter Bombs
- M61A2 20mm Cannon (F-35A only)
- Vast potential for future weapons upgrades (e.g., hypersonic missiles, directed energy weapons)
While the F-22 is a pure fighter, the F-35 can handle a mix of air and ground missions effectively.
| Feature | F-22 Raptor | F-35 Lightning II |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Mission | Air Superiority | Multi-role Stealth Fighter |
| Speed | Mach 2.25 | Mach 1.6 |
| Combat Radius | ~800 km | ~1,100 km |
| Stealth | Superior frontal stealth | All-aspect stealth, optimized for multi-role operations |
| Maneuverability | Superior dogfighting | Good; optimized for strike and ISR |
| Weapons Load | Air-to-air focus | Air-to-air and air-to-ground |
| Avionics/Sensors | Advanced (older gen) | State-of-the-art fusion sensors |
| Unit Cost | ~$150 million | ~$80 million |
| Operational Use | US Air Force only | Used by 15+ countries |
| Production | Discontinued (187 built) | Active, over 900 units |
Final Thoughts
So, which is better?
- In pure air combat — the F-22 Raptor is unmatched. Its speed, stealth, and agility make it the king of the skies when facing other fighters.
- In versatility, modern combat, and future readiness — the F-35 Lightning II takes the crown. Its multi-role capabilities, advanced sensors, and adaptability make it the backbone of allied air forces for decades to come.
Ultimately, the “better” plane depends on the mission:
- Need to dominate enemy fighters in a dogfight? The F-22 wins.
- Need to strike targets, gather intel, suppress defenses, and link with drones? The F-35 is superior.
For most air forces around the world today, the F-35’s flexibility and technology make it the more valuable overall platform — but no fighter can match the raw aerial prowess of the F-22.
FAQ
Q1: Why was the F-22 discontinued?
Due to its high cost and the end of the Cold War, the U.S. decided to cap production and shift to the more affordable and versatile F-35.
Q2: Can the F-35 dogfight like the F-22?
The F-35 is capable but not designed for close-range dogfights like the F-22. Its strength lies in stealth, sensors, and beyond-visual-range engagement.
Q3: Which jet is used internationally?
Only the U.S. uses the F-22. The F-35, however, is used by over 15 allied nations including the UK, Israel, Japan, and Australia.
Q4: Is the F-22 still the best air superiority fighter?
Yes — even after nearly two decades, no operational fighter matches its air-to-air combat capabilities.