F-22 Raptor vs. F-35 Lightning II: The Ultimate Fighter Jet Showdown

The F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II are two of the most advanced fighter jets ever built, each representing the pinnacle of modern military aviation. While both aircraft are stealth-capable, multi-role fighters, they were designed with very different objectives in mind. The F-22 is an air superiority fighter, dominating the skies with unmatched speed, agility, and stealth, while the F-35 is a versatile, next-generation stealth multirole aircraft, designed for air-to-air, air-to-ground, and electronic warfare missions.

This article dives deep into the capabilities, differences, and strengths of both aircraft, breaking down their technology, combat performance, weaponry, and operational roles. If you’ve ever wondered which fighter jet reigns supreme, this is the ultimate comparison of the F-22 Raptor vs. F-35 Lightning II.

Design and Development

F-22 Raptor: The King of Air Superiority

• Developed by: Lockheed Martin and Boeing
• First Flight: 1997
• Service Entry: 2005
• Primary Role: Air superiority, stealth dominance

The F-22 Raptor was developed under the Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF) program in the 1980s and 1990s to replace the F-15 Eagle. The goal was to create an unrivaled air superiority fighter that could dominate enemy aircraft and maintain air dominance. Its extreme maneuverability, supercruise capability, and low radar cross-section made it the most advanced stealth fighter in the world when it entered service.

F-35 Lightning II: The Most Versatile Fighter Jet

• Developed by: Lockheed Martin
• First Flight: 2006
• Service Entry: 2015
• Primary Role: Multirole fighter, strike missions, electronic warfare

The F-35 Lightning II was born out of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program, with the goal of creating a single, cost-effective fighter that could serve in multiple roles for the U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps, as well as allied nations. Unlike the F-22, the F-35 was built with versatility in mind, featuring advanced sensors, network-centric warfare capabilities, and stealth technology.

Speed and Maneuverability

F-22 Raptor

• Maximum Speed: Mach 2.25 (1,500 mph / 2,414 km/h)
• Supercruise: Mach 1.8 (without afterburners)
• Thrust-to-Weight Ratio: 1.08
• Thrust Vectoring: Yes, for superior agility

The F-22 is one of the most maneuverable jets ever built, thanks to its thrust-vectoring nozzles, which allow it to change direction mid-flight with extreme precision. Its ability to supercruise at Mach 1.8 means it can fly at supersonic speeds without relying on fuel-guzzling afterburners, giving it an edge in speed, endurance, and combat engagements.

F-35 Lightning II

• Maximum Speed: Mach 1.6 (1,200 mph / 1,931 km/h)
• Supercruise: No
• Thrust-to-Weight Ratio: 0.87
• Thrust Vectoring: Only in the F-35B variant (for vertical takeoff and landing)

While the F-35 is stealthy and technologically advanced, it is not as fast or maneuverable as the F-22. The lack of supercruise means it relies on afterburners to reach supersonic speeds, reducing fuel efficiency. However, its advanced sensors and situational awareness compensate for its lower speed.

Stealth Capabilities

Both aircraft utilize stealth technology, but the F-22 Raptor has the advantage in radar evasion.

F-22 Raptor Stealth Advantages:

• Smaller Radar Cross-Section (RCS) than the F-35
• Advanced radar-absorbing materials (RAM)
• Internal weapons bay for minimal radar signature
• Designed for deep penetration into enemy airspace

F-35 Lightning II Stealth Features:

• Stealthy but larger RCS than F-22
• Designed for networked warfare rather than pure stealth combat
• Carries external weapons in high-threat missions (which increases radar signature)

While both jets are difficult to detect, the F-22 is virtually invisible to enemy radar, making it superior in stealth-based dogfights and air superiority missions.

Avionics and Sensor Systems

The F-35 outshines the F-22 in terms of sensor fusion and situational awareness.

F-22 Raptor Avionics:

• AN/APG-77 AESA Radar (detects threats over 241 km away)
• Advanced Electronic Warfare (EW) suite
• Superior jamming and radar tracking
• Helmet-Mounted Display (HMD) for targeting

F-35 Lightning II Avionics:

• AN/APG-81 AESA Radar with superior ground attack capabilities
• Distributed Aperture System (DAS) for 360° threat detection
• Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS) for enhanced strike missions
• Helmet-Mounted Display (HMD) allows pilots to see “through” the aircraft

The F-35’s cutting-edge sensor fusion allows it to dominate network-centric warfare, providing real-time battlefield awareness and communication with other assets, including drones and warships.

Weapons and Payload

F-22 Raptor Armament:

• Air-to-Air Dominance: 6x AIM-120 AMRAAM, 2x AIM-9 Sidewinders
• Air-to-Ground: Limited ground strike capability
• Internal M61 Vulcan Cannon
• Internal Weapons Bay for stealth combat

F-35 Lightning II Armament:

• Air-to-Air: 4x AIM-120 AMRAAM, 2x AIM-9X Sidewinders
• Air-to-Ground: Precision-guided bombs, JDAMs, cruise missiles
• Close-Air Support: Gatling gun (F-35A), external weapon mounts

The F-35 is far more versatile in strike missions, while the F-22 is optimized for air-to-air superiority.

Additional Considerations: Maintenance and Cost

Another crucial aspect in comparing these aircraft is their maintenance and cost-effectiveness. The F-22 is expensive to maintain, with high operational costs due to its specialized stealth coatings and complex airframe. On the other hand, the F-35 was designed for affordability and ease of maintenance, making it more practical for long-term deployment and sustainment in multiple countries.

Combat Experience and Deployment

While both aircraft are highly capable, the F-35 has seen more active combat deployment. Due to its versatility, it has been used in real-world missions, including airstrikes and intelligence-gathering operations. The F-22, although dominant in air-to-air combat, has seen limited action, primarily used for deterrence and high-level defense missions.

Future Upgrades and Evolution

The F-22 program is nearing its end, with upgrades focused on maintaining its relevance in modern warfare. Meanwhile, the F-35 is continuously evolving, with software upgrades, new weapon integrations, and improved electronic warfare capabilities, ensuring its dominance in future conflicts.

Conclusion: Which Fighter is Superior?

The F-22 Raptor is unmatched in air superiority, speed, and stealth, making it the best fighter in a pure dogfight scenario. However, the F-35 Lightning II is the more versatile aircraft, excelling in strike missions, electronic warfare, and next-generation battlefield connectivity.

If air dominance is the goal, the F-22 is king. If multi-role versatility and technology integration are needed, the F-35 is the future of warfare.