F-35 Lightning II vs F-22 Raptor
Fighters ยท ๐บ๐ธ United States vs ๐บ๐ธ United States
The F-35 is the most-produced 5th-generation stealth fighter, built in three variants for air force, marines and navy. Its core strength is sensor fusion and data-sharing rather than raw speed.
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.
Key differences
- F-22 Raptor is faster: 2,410 vs 1,930 km/h (+25%).
- F-22 Raptor flies farther: 2,960 vs 2,200 km (+35%).
- F-35 Lightning II is cheaper: ~$82M vs ~$143M per unit.
- F-35 Lightning II is far more numerous: 1,100+ built vs 187+.
- F-35 Lightning II is the newer design (entered service 2015 vs 2005).
Specifications side by side
| F-35 Lightning II | F-22 Raptor | |
|---|---|---|
| ๐บ๐ธ United States | Country of origin | ๐บ๐ธ United States |
| 2015 | In service since | 2005 |
| 1,930 km/h | Top speed | 2,410 km/h |
| 2,200 km | Range | 2,960 km |
| 13.3 t | Weight | 19.7 t |
| 1 | Crew | 1 |
| 25mm GAU-22/A cannon, internal bays for AIM-120, AIM-9X, JDAM, JSM | Armament | 20mm M61A2 cannon, AIM-120, AIM-9, internal bays |
| ~$82M | Unit cost | ~$143M |
| 1,100+ | Units built | 187+ |
Tables compare stated specifications; real combat outcomes depend on crew training, situation, support and rules of engagement โ not stats alone.