F-35 Lightning II vs Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon
Fighters ยท ๐บ๐ธ United States vs ๐จ๐ณ China
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.
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 is faster: 2,470 vs 1,930 km/h (+28%).
- Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon flies farther: 5,500 vs 2,200 km (+150%).
- F-35 Lightning II is cheaper: ~$82M vs ~$110M per unit.
- F-35 Lightning II is far more numerous: 1,100+ built vs 250+.
Specifications side by side
| F-35 Lightning II | Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon | |
|---|---|---|
| ๐บ๐ธ United States | Country of origin | ๐จ๐ณ China |
| 2015 | In service since | 2017 |
| 1,930 km/h | Top speed | 2,470 km/h |
| 2,200 km | Range | 5,500 km |
| 13.3 t | Weight | 17 t |
| 1 | Crew | 1 |
| 25mm GAU-22/A cannon, internal bays for AIM-120, AIM-9X, JDAM, JSM | Armament | Internal bays: PL-15, PL-10; no cannon |
| ~$82M | Unit cost | ~$110M |
| 1,100+ | Units built | 250+ |
Tables compare stated specifications; real combat outcomes depend on crew training, situation, support and rules of engagement โ not stats alone.