F-35 vs Su-57
F-35 Lightning II
US 5th gen multi-role stealth fighter by Lockheed Martin
Stealth, intelligence, and coalition warfare
Su-57 Felon
Russia's 5th gen stealth fighter by Sukhoi
Air superiority and high-speed interception
Short Answer
The F-35 Lightning II is the world's most advanced multi-role stealth fighter with 1,000+ delivered and combat-proven in multiple conflicts. The Su-57 Felon is Russia's 5th gen answer with superior speed and maneuverability but only ~30 produced and limited stealth capability.
Our Verdict
The F-35 wins on stealth, sensors, network warfare, and proven combat record. The Su-57 has better raw flight performance but lacks the production numbers, sensor fusion, and allied interoperability that make the F-35 dominant.
Choose F-35 Lightning II if
Stealth, intelligence, and coalition warfare
Choose Su-57 Felon if
Air superiority and high-speed interception
Key Differences at a Glance
Key Differences
F-35 Lightning II
0.001 m² (est.)🏆
Su-57 Felon
0.1-1 m² (est.)
F-35 Lightning II
Mach 1.6
Su-57 Felon
Mach 2.0🏆
F-35 Lightning II
1,000+🏆
Su-57 Felon
~30
F-35 Lightning II
$80M
Su-57 Felon
$35-50M🏆
F-35 Lightning II
AN/APG-81 AESA + DAS🏆
Su-57 Felon
N036 Byelka AESA
F-35 Lightning II
Yes (multiple theaters)🏆
Su-57 Felon
Limited (Ukraine/Syria)
Pros & Cons
F-35 Lightning II
Pros
- Superior stealth (all-aspect RCS)
- Advanced sensor fusion (AN/APG-81 AESA)
- 1,000+ delivered worldwide
- Combat-proven (Syria, Iran)
- Network-centric warfare
- 3 variants (A/B/C) for all services
Cons
- $80M+ unit cost
- Lower top speed (Mach 1.6)
- Single engine
- Maintenance intensive
Su-57 Felon
Pros
- Supermaneuverability (3D thrust vectoring)
- Mach 2.0 top speed
- Long range (3,500 km ferry)
- Internal weapons bay
- Twin engine reliability
Cons
- Only ~30 produced
- Inferior stealth to F-35
- Limited sensor fusion
- No combat allies operating it
- Engine reliability issues
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Frequently Asked Questions
In raw flight performance (speed, maneuverability), yes. In stealth, sensors, and combat-proven capability, the F-35 is significantly superior. The F-35's sensor fusion and allied network give it massive advantages in real combat.
Resources & Learn More
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Wikipedia
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