By Olawale Abaire, Warrior Editorial Fellow
In advanced military aviation, two stealth fighter jets stand out: the American F-35 Lightning II and the Russian Sukhoi Su-57. These two aircraft represent attempts by each country to engineer an advanced stealth fighter.
The F-35, a product of Lockheed Martin since 2006, has seen widespread service, with over 1,000 units already serving in multiple countries. Various branches of the US armed forces have plans to acquire more of these aircraft. The F-35 first saw combat when the Israeli Air Force deployed it in 2018.
The Su-57, manufactured by the United Aircraft Corporation, is a twin-engine stealth multirole fighter aircraft. It’s the result of the PAK FA program, initiated in 1999 as an alternative to the MFI Mikoyan Project. Despite some technical and structural issues that led to delays and a crash of the first production aircraft, the Su-57 finally entered service with the Russian Aerospace Forces in December 2020.
Both aircraft are leaders in their field, but they have differences in capability. The F-35 specializes in low radar cross-section operations, while the Su-57 embodies stealth and can fire at specific angles. The F-35 has seen widespread demand worldwide, while the Su-57 offers unmatched speed and offensive power.
F-35 Lightning II
The F-35 is expected to remain in active service up to 2070, with various United States armed forces planning to acquire over 2,400 F-35s through 2044.
The F-35A, with its conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) capability, empowers the U.S. Air Force and its allies to command the skies at any time and place. This agile, versatile, and high-performance multirole fighter, capable of pulling 9g, seamlessly blends stealth, sensor fusion, and an unprecedented level of situational awareness.
The F-35A’s state-of-the-art sensor suite is engineered to collect, integrate, and disseminate more information than any fighter in history, providing operators with a decisive edge over adversaries. Its formidable processing power, open architecture, advanced sensors, and flexible communication links make the F-35A an essential asset in future homeland defense, Joint and Coalition irregular warfare, and major combat operations.
At the F-35 Factory
Additionally, F-35A equipped with the Electro-Optical Targeting System, an internally mounted system that provides extended range detection and precision against ground targets, plus long-range detection of air-to-air threats.
Several international militaries operate the F-35, including Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, Israel, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, South Korea, Singapore, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The F-35 uses the latest in stealth technology, avionics, and weaponry, making it the most survivable and lethal fighter jet ever built.
Sukhoi Su-57
The Su-57, on the other hand, has seen limited production due to sanctions and Russia’s focus on the conflict with Ukraine. The Su-57 is set to be the first aircraft in Russian military service to utilize stealth technology. It took its maiden flight in 2010, and the first production aircraft are slated for delivery in 2020. The fighter is engineered to have supercruise, supermaneuverability, stealth, and advanced avionics capabilities to outperform prior generation fighter jet. The Su-57 is intended to replace the MiG-29 and Su-27 in the Russian Air Force.
Meanwhile, an advanced clean-sheet design engine, currently designated the izdeliye 30, is in the final stages of development and is expected to be available after mid-2020. The aircraft is projected to have a service life of up to 35 years.
While the Su-57 supports a daunting suite of air-to-air and anti-ship missiles, the F-35 doesn’t lag behind its Russian counterpart. In fact, it outnumbers the Su-57 in terms of unique weapons options available to both jet fighters. The F-35’s advanced systems provide unparalleled situational awareness, making it a more formidable fighter in potential engagements.
While both the F-35 and the Su-57 have their strengths, the F-35 appears to have an edge in terms of stealth capabilities and the number of unique weapons options. However, the Su-57’s speed and advanced features make it a formidable opponent. As emerging threats and technological advancements continue to evolve, the balance of power could shift. Therefore, continuous development and upgrades are crucial for maintaining superiority in the ever-changing landscape of aerial warfare.
OLAWALE ABAIRE is a Warrior researcher, writer and analyst who has written many published nonfiction books
