Ranked: Top 6 US & Russian Fighter Jets – Who Wins Air War?

by Kris Osborn, President, Center for Military Modernization

(Washington DC) 

How would you rank the US F-22, F-35, F-15 and F/A-18 vs Russia’s top Su-27, Su-35 & Su-57 fighter jets?  Air war — Which Force is Better? Why? 

1. F-22 ….. 2. F-35 3……. Su-35 ……..4 Su-27 …….5 Su-57 …..6. F-15 …..7. F/A-18

What do you think of this ranking? Let’s examine

Russian failure in Ukraine

While many perhaps marvel in great surprise at Russia’s apparent failures in Ukraine, including an inability to achieve air superiority. The long-term protracted “stand-off” between Russia and Ukraine has highlighted an extensive list of Russian military problems and deficits, leading some to wonder if the Russian military has largely been a “paper tiger.”  

However, dismissing Russia’s fighter jets might be an entirely misplaced inclination, despite the fact that they have yet to prevail against Ukraine. The reasons for this may seem mysterious, given its overwhelming advantage in terms of fighter jets. Global Firepower.com says Russia has as many at 773 fighter jet, a massive number compared to Ukriaine’s 69. The impact of arriving F-16s may impact this equation, yet it remains to be seen.