F-35 Lightning II vs Su-57 Felon
Western sensor fusion vs Russian stealth contender
F-35A Lightning II
United States · In service 2016
The F-35A is the conventional-takeoff variant of the Joint Strike Fighter program, designed as an affordable fifth-generation multi-role fighter. Its sensor fusion, stealth, and networked warfare capabilities make it the backbone of allied air forces worldwide.
Su-57 Felon
Russia · In service 2020
Russia's first fifth-generation fighter, the Su-57 combines high maneuverability with an internal weapons bay and advanced sensors. Production has been slow, with only a handful delivered to the Russian Aerospace Forces as of 2025.
The Matchup
The F-35 and Su-57 represent competing visions of fifth-generation air combat. The F-35 prioritizes sensor fusion, networking, and stealth, while the Su-57 emphasizes maneuverability and kinematic performance. How do these philosophies compare?
Performance Radar
Rating Breakdown
Specifications
| Specification | F-35A Lightning II | Su-57 Felon |
|---|---|---|
| Max Speed | Mach 1.6 (1,200 mph) | Mach 2.0 (1,320 mph) |
| Combat Radius | 670 mi (1,093 km) | 930 mi (1,500 km, estimated) |
| Service Ceiling | 50,000 ft | 65,600 ft |
| Max G | +9.0 | +9.0 |
| Thrust/Weight | 0.87 | 1.02 (estimated) |
| Internal Weapons | 4x AIM-120 AMRAAM or 2x 2,000 lb JDAM | 4-6x R-77M or R-37M AAMs |
| RCS (estimated) | 0.001 m² (frontal) | 0.1–0.5 m² (Western estimates) |
| Unit Cost | $80M (LRIP Lot 15, 2023) | $35–50M (estimated) |
| Engine | 1x Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 | 2x Saturn AL-41F1 (interim) |
| Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Length | 51.4 ft | 65.9 ft |
| Wingspan | 35 ft | 46.4 ft |
| Supercruise | - | Mach 1.6 (estimated, with Izdeliye 30 engine) |
Strengths & Weaknesses
F-35A Lightning II
Strengths
- + Best-in-class sensor fusion and situational awareness
- + Low-observable design across multiple bands
- + Massive international operator base ensures long-term support
- + Continuous Block upgrades with TR-3 and Block 4
Weaknesses
- - Lower top speed and kinematic performance than F-22
- - Single-engine design limits sustained energy in a dogfight
- - Ongoing sustainment cost challenges
- - Internal weapons bay limits payload in stealth configuration
Su-57 Felon
Strengths
- + Exceptional range and internal fuel capacity
- + High maneuverability with 3D thrust vectoring
- + Multiple radar arrays for wide-angle detection
- + Long-range R-37M missile capability
Weaknesses
- - Questionable stealth shaping compared to F-22/F-35
- - Interim engines; full-spec Izdeliye 30 engine still in development
- - Very low production numbers as of 2025
- - Limited combat record and uncertain systems maturity
Verdict
The F-35 holds decisive advantages in stealth, sensor fusion, and combat-proven maturity. The Su-57 offers superior kinematics but suffers from minimal production numbers, questionable stealth performance, and unproven systems integration.