F-35 Lightning II and Su-57 are among the most advanced fighter jets developed by the United States and Russia. Both aircraft were designed to excel in different areas and play a crucial role in modern aerial warfare. The F-35 stands out with its low radar signature and advanced electronic systems, while the Su-57 offers higher speed, superior maneuverability, and a broader weapons payload. However, when comparing their production numbers, operational success, and technological advancements, there are significant differences between the two.
F-35 Lightning II vs. Sukhoi Su-57
Developed by Lockheed Martin, the F-35 has been in production since 2006 and is currently the most widely used fifth-generation fighter jet in the world. It is actively operated by the U.S. Air Force, Marine Corps, and Navy.
Its first operational deployment took place in 2018 when Israel used it in combat. To date, more than 1,000 units have been produced, and the U.S. plans to acquire over 2,400 F-35s by 2044. Many countries have opted for the F-35, while others, including China, Thailand, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates, were either unable to acquire it due to political reasons or canceled their orders.
On the other hand, the Su-57 is Russia’s first fifth-generation fighter jet. Developed under the PAK FA program, which began in 1999, the aircraft made its first test flight in 2010. However, due to technical issues and production setbacks, its deployment was significantly delayed. The first production model crashed in 2019 before it could be delivered.
By the end of 2020, the Su-57 officially entered service with the Russian Aerospace Forces. So far, only 22 units have been produced, alongside 10 test aircraft. The slow production rate is largely due to Western sanctions and Russia’s prioritization of resources for the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has hindered further development of the Su-57 program.
The F-35 is considered one of the stealthiest fighter jets in existence. Its specially coated airframe and design minimize radar detection, making it difficult for enemy radars to lock onto it. The Su-57 also features stealth-oriented design elements, but it is not as effective as the F-35 in terms of radar cross-section reduction. Additionally, the Su-57’s sensors and radar-absorbing coatings are less advanced compared to its Western counterparts, making it more susceptible to radar detection than the F-35.
In terms of technical specifications, the F-35 measures 51.4 feet in length, with a wingspan of 35 feet and a height of 14.4 feet. Powered by a Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 turbofan engine, the aircraft can reach a maximum speed of Mach 1.6 (approximately 1,287 km/h). It has a range of 1,700 miles and a service ceiling of 50,000 feet. The F-35 features a total of 10 weapon stations—four internal and six external—and is equipped with a 25mm GAU-22/A four-barrel rotary cannon.
The Su-57, in comparison, is a larger aircraft. It has a length of 65 feet, a wingspan of 46 feet, and a height of 15 feet. It is powered by two Saturn AL-41F1 turbofan engines, enabling it to reach speeds of up to Mach 2 (approximately 2,120 km/h). It has a range of 2,200 miles and a service ceiling of 66,000 feet. In terms of armament, the Su-57 surpasses the F-35, with 12 weapon stations—six internal and six external. It is also equipped with a 30mm Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-30-1 autocannon.
One of the biggest advantages of the F-35 is its advanced sensor suite and network-centric warfare capabilities. The aircraft features highly sophisticated radar, infrared, and electronic warfare systems, allowing it to detect threats instantaneously. Moreover, it continuously shares data with other F-35 units and command centers, giving it a significant edge in combat. The Su-57, while equipped with modern avionics, lacks the same level of network integration and electronic warfare sophistication as the F-35.
In terms of production and operational success, the F-35 is far ahead. It is currently used by numerous countries across North America, Europe, and Asia, proving itself in various combat scenarios. Meanwhile, there is no confirmed evidence that the Su-57 has been used in active combat. Although Russia claims to have tested the aircraft in Syria and Ukraine, it remains unclear whether these were actual combat deployments or test flights.
Overall, while the Su-57 is faster and has superior maneuverability, it lags behind in terms of production numbers, stealth capabilities, and electronic warfare systems. The F-35, with its global presence, low radar cross-section, and advanced sensor suite, provides a major advantage in modern air combat. The Su-57 remains an ambitious project aimed at modernizing Russia’s air force, but due to ongoing production challenges, it has yet to reach the same level as the F-35.
F-35 Lightning II vs. Sukhoi Su-57
| Specification | F-35 Lightning II | Sukhoi Su-57 |
|---|---|---|
| Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Length | 51 ft 4 in (15.6 m) | 65 ft 11 in (20.1 m) |
| Wingspan | 35 ft (10.7 m) | 46 ft 3 in (14.1 m) |
| Height | 14 ft 4 in (4.4 m) | 15 ft 1 in (4.6 m) |
| Empty Weight | 49,540 lbs (22,470 kg) | 55,116 lbs (25,000 kg) |
| Maximum Takeoff Weight | 65,918 lbs (29,900 kg) | 77,162 lbs (35,000 kg) |
| Engine | 1 × Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 | 2 × Saturn AL-41F1 |
| Maximum Speed | 1.6 Mach (1,287 km/h) | 2.0 Mach (2,120 km/h) |
| Range | 1,700 miles (2,722 km) | 2,200 miles (3,540 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 50,000 ft (15,240 m) | 66,000 ft (20,100 m) |
| Weapon Stations | 10 (4 internal, 6 external) | 12 (6 internal, 6 external) |
| Cannon | 1 × 25 mm GAU-22/A 4-barrel rotary cannon | 1 × 30 mm Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-30-1 |
