When discussing the world’s most advanced fighter jets, the conversation inevitably turns to the F-22 Raptor and the F-35 Lightning II. 

Both are products of Lockheed Martin’s cutting-edge design, built with stealth, speed, and lethality in mind. 

But they were never meant to serve the same purpose. As geopolitical tensions grow and aerial warfare evolves, it’s only natural to ask: which jet is better? And more importantly—how have they each fared in combat and drills?

Born of Different Doctrines

The F-22 Raptor was the first fifth-generation fighter to enter service, developed in the 1990s as a direct response to advanced Soviet threats. 

Its design centers around air dominance—pure dogfighting power with unrivaled speed, agility, and stealth. 

In contrast, the F-35 Lightning II was conceived as a more affordable, flexible platform for the U.S. and its allies. 

It comes in three variants—conventional takeoff (F-35A), short takeoff/vertical landing (F-35B), and carrier-based (F-35C)—and serves as a multi-role combat aircraft.

Their divergent missions shape every aspect of their design. The F-22 is a scalpel. The F-35 is a Swiss army knife.

Stealth and Situational Awareness

Stealth is one of the most debated aspects in this comparison. Both jets are stealthy, but not equally so. 

The F-22 has superior stealth characteristics in air-to-air configurations, thanks to its shape and internal weapons bays. 

The F-35’s stealth is optimized for a wider range of missions, including air-to-ground strikes and electronic warfare, but sacrifices a bit of stealth edge in favor of sensors and versatility.

Where the F-35 pulls ahead decisively is in sensor fusion. Its Distributed Aperture System, advanced radar, and helmet-mounted display allow pilots to “see” the battlefield with 360-degree awareness. 

It doesn’t just engage threats—it predicts them. In that sense, the F-35’s brain is often more lethal than its brawn.

Speed, Agility, and the Art of the Dogfight

There is no denying the F-22’s dominance in aerial maneuvers. With its twin engines, thrust-vectoring capability, and supercruise (sustained supersonic flight without afterburners), the Raptor is built to out-fly anything in the sky. 

It can kill before it’s seen and outmaneuver almost any adversary. In simulated dogfights, the F-22 has an impressive track record—even “killing” F-35s in training engagements thanks to superior agility.

The F-35, by comparison, was not designed to win close-range dogfights. That said, it has surprised many during training drills. 

In Red Flag and other exercises, its stealth, sensors, and first-shot kill capability have often allowed it to eliminate enemies before getting close. In modern aerial warfare, seeing first often matters more than turning tight.

Combat Experience: Boots on the Ground, Jets in the Sky

Here’s where the F-35 breaks away. It is combat-proven. Since its first operational deployment in 2018, the F-35 has conducted strikes in the Middle East, flown deterrence missions in the Pacific, and supported NATO operations in Europe. 

It is used by more than 15 allied nations, making it the backbone of Western airpower.

The F-22, though deadly, has a more limited combat record. It has conducted precision strikes against ISIS and flown patrol missions in contested airspace, but has seen fewer missions due to its small fleet and highly specialized role.

Recent drills near China have hinted at the future of air combat: one where F-22s and F-35s complement rather than compete. 

Reports from simulated engagements suggest the F-22 often dominates in close-range fights, while the F-35 provides electronic warfare support and battlefield intelligence. 

It’s not one or the other—it’s the combination that gives an edge.

Cost and Strategic Value

If price were no object, every air force would want the F-22. But with only 187 built and production halted in 2012, it remains a rare asset. It costs roughly $150 million per unit and is complex to maintain. It’s a pure warfighter, not a fleet workhorse.

The F-35, on the other hand, has been produced in much larger numbers—more than 1,000 units and counting. 

Its unit cost is now around $80 million for the F-35A, with operating costs gradually decreasing. 

Its design prioritizes ease of maintenance and integration with global partners, making it more sustainable in large-scale deployments.

Final Thoughts: Which Is Better?

There is no simple winner. The F-22 is unmatched in aerial combat. It is the ultimate expression of speed, stealth, and fighter agility. 

But the F-35 is more versatile, combat-proven, and globally integrated. It is the future of networked warfare.

If your mission is air dominance in hostile skies with peer adversaries, the F-22 is your fighter. If your goal is to dominate the entire battlespace—air, land, sea, and cyber—the F-35 is the jet for the job.