F-35 vs. Su-57: Stealth Fighter Comparison – West vs. Russia
The F-35 Lightning II and Su-57 Felon represent the pinnacle of stealth fighter technology from the West and Russia. Both are fifth-generation jets designed for air dominance, precision strikes, and advanced sensor warfare.
But how do they really compare? Is Russian stealth a match for American technology? And which jet would win in a real conflict?
In this detailed comparison, we break down their stealth, sensors, weapons, performance, and combat readiness—to reveal who leads in the stealth fighter race.
Overview: F-35 vs. Su-57
| Feature | F-35 Lightning II (USA) | Su-57 Felon (Russia) |
|---|---|---|
| First Flight | 2006 | 2010 |
| Operator | 17+ countries (USA, UK, Israel, Japan, etc.) | Russia, limited export |
| Units Built | Over 900 (and growing) | ~20 operational (as of 2024) |
| Variants | F-35A (CTOL), F-35B (STOVL), F-35C (carrier) | Single variant, limited upgrades |
The F-35 is the most widely used stealth fighter in the world. The Su-57 is Russia’s answer—but remains scarce and unproven in high-intensity combat.
Stealth and Design
F-35: Built for Invisibility
- Full stealth design: angled surfaces, internal weapons bays, radar-absorbing materials.
- Very low radar cross-section (RCS)—comparable to a small bird.
- Engine nozzles shielded to reduce infrared signature.
The F-35’s stealth is battle-tested—used by Israel in strikes against Iranian targets in Syria and the Middle East.
Su-57: Partial Stealth
- Aerodynamic design improves stealth, but less refined than the F-35.
- Gaps in panel alignment and exposed engine blades increase radar detection.
- Weapons often carried externally, defeating stealth advantage.
Experts estimate the Su-57’s RCS is 10–100 times larger than the F-35’s—making it easier to detect.
Verdict: F-35 wins decisively in stealth.
Avionics and Sensor Systems
F-35: The Flying Computer
- AN/APG-81 AESA radar: Long-range detection and tracking.
- DAS (Distributed Aperture System): 360° infrared vision—pilots can “see through” the floor.
- EO/IR and EW suite: Detects, jams, and identifies threats automatically.
- Sensor fusion: Combines radar, infrared, and electronic data into one display.
The F-35 acts as a battlefield node, sharing real-time data with other jets, drones, and ground units.
Su-57: Capable but Less Integrated
- N036 Byelka AESA radar with 5 antenna arrays.
- Infrared search and track (IRST) and electronic warfare systems.
- No full sensor fusion—data is less automated and harder to process.
The Su-57 relies more on pilot input and lacks the F-35’s networked warfare edge.
Verdict: F-35’s avionics are generations ahead.
Weapons and Combat Capability
| System | F-35 | Su-57 |
|---|---|---|
| Air-to-Air Missiles | AIM-120D AMRAAM, AIM-9X Sidewinder | R-77-1, R-74M, R-37M (long-range) |
| Air-to-Ground | JDAM, SDB, JASSM, Storm Shadow | Kh-38, Kh-59, Kh-101 (nuclear-capable) |
| Internal Bay Capacity | 2x air-to-air + 2x air-to-ground | 4x air-to-air or 6x small munitions |
| Future Weapons | Next-gen AIM-260, hypersonic trials | Hypersonic Kh-47M2 Kinzhal (under development) |
- The F-35 can carry Western precision-guided weapons with GPS and stealth integration.
- The Su-57 can launch long-range R-37M missiles (300+ km), a threat to tankers and AWACS.
- However, internal stealth payload of the Su-57 is limited, and many missions require external racks.
Edge: F-35 for versatility; Su-57 for long-range missile potential.
Speed, Range, and Maneuverability
| Metric | F-35 | Su-57 |
|---|---|---|
| Top Speed | Mach 1.6 (supercruise at Mach 1.2) | Mach 2.0 (supercruise at Mach 1.3–1.5) |
| Range | ~2,200 km (combat radius ~1,000 km) | ~3,500 km (claimed) |
| Engine | 1x Pratt & Whitney F135 | 2x Saturn AL-41F1 (planned: AL-51F “Product 30”) |
| Thrust Vectoring | No (F-35B has lift fan) | Yes—enhances dogfight agility |
- The Su-57 is faster, longer-ranged, and more agile—especially in close combat.
- The F-35 sacrifices raw speed for stealth and electronics.
- But in real combat, first detection usually wins—and the F-35 sees first.
Dogfight myth: Maneuverability matters less today. Beyond-visual-range (BVR) combat means the jet that detects and shoots first has the advantage.
Real-World Deployment and Numbers
- F-35:
- Used in combat by Israel, USA, and UK.
- Over 900 built, with 1,500+ on order.
- Proven in strikes against air defenses and high-value targets.
- Su-57:
- Deployed in Syria for testing (limited combat).
- Used in Ukraine conflict for long-range missile launches (not air superiority).
- Only ~20 operational units—production is slow due to sanctions and cost.
The F-35 is a global, combat-proven platform. The Su-57 remains a prototype in practice.
Strengths and Weaknesses
F-35 Strengths
✅ Full stealth design
✅ Unmatched sensor fusion and networking
✅ Global support and upgrades
✅ Proven in real combat
F-35 Weaknesses
❌ Limited agility in dogfights
❌ High maintenance cost (~$30,000/hour)
❌ Single engine (vulnerability in combat)
Su-57 Strengths
✅ High speed and supercruise
✅ Superior maneuverability
✅ Long-range missile capability
✅ Twin-engine reliability
Su-57 Weaknesses
❌ Poor stealth execution
❌ Limited production and availability
❌ No full sensor fusion
❌ Unproven in high-threat environments
Conclusion: Who Has the Edge?
In a one-on-one engagement, the F-35 holds a clear advantage—not because it’s faster or more agile, but because it sees first, hides better, and connects smarter.
The Su-57 has strong potential, especially with future engines and weapons, but today it falls short in stealth, electronics, and combat readiness.
Final verdict:
- In BVR combat: F-35 wins 8 out of 10 times.
- In dogfight: Su-57 has an edge, but modern warfare rarely gets that close.
- In real war: Numbers, logistics, and networked warfare favor the F-35.
The future may bring upgraded Su-57Ms or sixth-gen rivals—but for now, the F-35 dominates the stealth fighter era.
FAQ
Q: Has the Su-57 ever shot down an F-35?
A: No. There has been no direct combat between them. The F-35 avoids high-risk zones where Su-57s operate.
Q: Can the Su-57 detect the F-35?
A: Only at shorter ranges—its radar and IRST may spot the F-35 if it’s not fully stealthy (e.g., weapons bay open).
Q: Why is the F-35 more popular than the Su-57?
A: It’s more reliable, better supported, and integrated with NATO systems. Plus, Russia can’t produce Su-57s at scale.
Q: Will the Su-57 ever match the F-35?
A: Only with next-gen engines, better stealth, and AI integration—still years away.
Destacado: “Stealth isn’t just about shape—it’s about staying invisible until it’s too late for the enemy to react.”
