F-22 Raptor vs Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon
Fighters ยท ๐บ๐ธ United States vs ๐จ๐ณ China
The F-22 remains the benchmark air-superiority stealth fighter: supercruise, thrust vectoring and a tiny radar signature. Production ended in 2011, and exports were always banned.
China's long-range stealth fighter is built to push adversary tankers and AWACS far from its shores with the very-long-range PL-15 missile. Fleet size is growing fast.
Key differences
- Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon flies farther: 5,500 vs 2,960 km (+86%).
- Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon is cheaper: ~$110M vs ~$143M per unit.
- Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon is far more numerous: 250+ built vs 187+.
- Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon is the newer design (entered service 2017 vs 2005).
Specifications side by side
| F-22 Raptor | Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon | |
|---|---|---|
| ๐บ๐ธ United States | Country of origin | ๐จ๐ณ China |
| 2005 | In service since | 2017 |
| 2,410 km/h | Top speed | 2,470 km/h |
| 2,960 km | Range | 5,500 km |
| 19.7 t | Weight | 17 t |
| 1 | Crew | 1 |
| 20mm M61A2 cannon, AIM-120, AIM-9, internal bays | Armament | Internal bays: PL-15, PL-10; no cannon |
| ~$143M | Unit cost | ~$110M |
| 187+ | Units built | 250+ |
Tables compare stated specifications; real combat outcomes depend on crew training, situation, support and rules of engagement โ not stats alone.