F-22 Raptor - The US No 1 for Air Superiority
Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor is unmatched in dogfights and stealth. It features supercruise ability (flying supersonic without afterburners) and extreme agility.
Lockheed Martin | 5th Generation | USAF only
Top speed: Mach 2.25 (~1,500 mph / 2,410 km/h)
Supercruise: Mach 1.8+ without afterburner — unique among U.S. fighters
Stealth: Lowest radar cross-section of any operational fighter
Key strengths: Thrust vectoring for unmatched maneuverability, AN/APG-77 AESA radar, internal weapons bays (6× AIM-120 + 2× AIM-9)
Status: Entered service 2005; ~187 built; production ended 2011; never exported
Role: Air dominance — designed to defeat any enemy aircraft.
Exclusively USAF Only
The F-22 is exclusively operated by the U.S. Air Force only and has never been sold to any other country, including close allies. Allies tried & were rejected, such as Japan, Australia, and Israel all formally requested to buy F-22s — Japan even proposed a custom variant — but all were turned down.
The F-22 has seen operational use over Syria, against targets in the Middle East, and more recently in operations related to Iran (as of 2026). No F-22 has ever been hit, damaged, or shot down by enemy air defenses or enemy aircraft.
However, several F‑22s have been destroyed in crashes due to mechanical failure, pilot error, or maintenance mistakes — not enemy action. So the F-22's famous reputation hasn't really been tested in a conventional fighter-vs-fighter war yet.
That's actually one of the interesting things about the F-22: its combat record is real, but its legendary air-to-air capability has never been tested against an equally sophisticated enemy fighter in a publicly documented engagement.
Price & Quantity
Unit cost: ~$334 million per plane — far pricier than F-35 (~$80–100M). The U.S. alone covered every expense, unlike F-35, it spreads costs across 15+ partner nations; F-22 had zero external buyers.
F-22 Raptor was designed in the 1980s–90s to defeat massed Soviet advanced fighters. Soviet Union collapsed in 1991; by the time F-22 entered service (2005), the U.S. was fighting Iraq & Afghanistan — insurgencies with no air-to-air opponents.
The original plan was enormous — roughly 750 F-22s were envisioned at one point. But the number was repeatedly reduced. Eventually, the U.S. bought only 187 operational production F-22s.
F-22 was extremely specialized, extremely capable, extremely expensive while F-35 is less specialized for air-to-air combat, but much more versatile and much cheaper to operate at large scale.Because of that, the Pentagon chose to have fewer F-22s and build large numbers of F-35s.
Production Ended in 2011
Once the U.S. decided to stop buying F-22s, Lockheed Martin's specialized production system was shut down. The final F-22 came off the assembly line in December 2011.
And once you destroy/disassemble a specialized production ecosystem, restarting it isn't like reopening a factory next week.
You have to recreate specialized tooling, suppliers, trained workers, manufacturing processes, components, engineering documentation, testing infrastructure. That's why "Why don't they just start making F-22s again?" is actually a much harder question than it sounds.
Officials argued "No nation will have a comparable jet for decades — why build hundreds?" That assessment looked correct in 2009, but surprisingly China's J-20 flew just two years later. The U.S. bet on the F-35 as the cheaper, more versatile future fleet — a bet that looked smart until the J-20 appeared and the threat landscape shifted again.
| J-20 | Su-57 | F-22 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operational | 2017 | 2020 | 2005 |
| Est. built | 300+ and accelerating | ~32–42 (slow due to sanctions) | 187 (fixed) |
| Production | Mass production ongoing | Slow/trickling | Permanently closed |
| Status | Primary concern | Secondary threat | Fleet aging, no reinforcements |
The Chengdu J-20 (Mighty Dragon)
The Chengdu J-20 (Mighty Dragon) — specifically the WS-15‑powered J‑20A variant — is China's most powerful fighter aircraft as of late 2026.
J‑20A variant with indigenous WS‑15 engine delivers greater thrust, supercruise, and improved stealth vs earlier models, whereas the J‑20S is the world's only operational twin‑seat 5th‑gen fighter, configured to command loyal wingman drones and networked formations.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Twin‑engine, fifth‑generation stealth air‑superiority fighter |
| Status | Operational since 2017; J‑20A (WS‑15) & J‑20S (two‑seat) entered service Sep 2025 |
| Estimated fleet | ~350–500; production ~100–120/year |
| Primary mission | Long‑range air superiority; designed for the Western Pacific theatre |
| Key armament | PL‑15 long‑range AAM (~200–300 km), PL‑10 short‑range, precision strike munitions |
| Max speed | ~Mach 2.0+; supercruise capability with WS‑15 |
| Range | ~3,400 km ferry; ~1,200+ km combat radius — critical in the region |
The J-20A is regarded by analysts as China's most advanced tactical-combat aircraft. It combines low-observable stealth, AESA radar, advanced sensors and long-range air-to-air missiles.
Only operated by the Chinese military
As of 2026, China has not sold the J-20 or any of its operational J-20-family stealth fighters to another country. The J-20 remains an aircraft operated by the Chinese military.
The biggest reason is technology sensitivity. The J-20 contains technologies China considers strategically important and therefore China is cautious about allowing another country to operate the J-20.
Where the J-20 has been used
The J-20 has been actively used by China's military, but it has not been used in a confirmed real war or shot at enemy aircraft in combat as far as publicly available evidence shows.
Its operational use has mainly been patrols, interceptions, training, and major military exercises.
J-20s have conducted combat patrols over the East China Sea. In 2022, U.S. Pacific Air Forces commander Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach confirmed that U.S. aircraft had encountered Chinese J-20s operating there.
China has also used J-20s for "alert patrols" and training in the South China Sea. Chinese state media described these as routine training missions. So the J-20 isn't simply sitting at an airbase—it is being used operationally around China's maritime approaches.
| Category | F‑22 Raptor | J‑20A (WS‑15) | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Origin / Status | USA; operational since 2005; production ended 2011 (187 built, ~150 combat‑capable) | China; operational since 2017; WS‑15 variant entered service 2025; ~350–500 built, ~100–120/year | J‑20 — numbers & ongoing production |
| Top Speed | Mach 2.25 | ~Mach 2.0 | F‑22 |
| Supercruise | Mach 1.7+ (no afterburner) | Mach 1.8 (WS‑15) | Roughly equal |
| Combat Radius (internal fuel) | ~850 km (460 nm) | ~1,100–1,200+ km | J‑20 — critical in Pacific distances |
| Engines | 2× F119; 156 kN thrust each; 2D thrust vectoring (±20° pitch) | 2× WS‑15; ~180 kN thrust each; thrust vectoring rolling out | F‑22 — mature vectoring; J‑20 has higher thrust |
| Stealth / RCS | ~0.0001–0.001 m²; all‑aspect design | ~0.025–0.1 m²; optimized frontal; canards/rear nozzles increase side/rear signature | F‑22 — substantially lower RCS, especially from sides/rear |
| Radar | AN/APG‑77 AESA; ~200+ km detection | Type 1475/KLJ‑5 AESA; larger aperture, ~200+ km+ detection | Effectively equal — J‑20 may have longer forward range |
| Sensors | AESA + ALR‑94 EW; no IRST/EOTS (no passive thermal detection) | AESA + EOTS/IRST — passive long‑range thermal tracking; helmet‑mounted display standard | J‑20 — passive detection ability F‑22 lacks |
| Primary Weapons | 6× AIM‑120D (~160 km) + 2× AIM‑9X; 20mm cannon | 4× PL‑15 (~200–300 km) + 2× PL‑10; no internal gun | J‑20 — longer‑range missiles; F‑22 — more missiles + gun |
| Data Links / Networking | Older 1990s‑era architecture; cannot fully share data with F‑35 | Modern native networked design; J‑20S twin‑seat variant commands drone swarms | J‑20 — newer, more open architecture |
| Maneuverability | World‑class; thrust vectoring gives edge in close combat | Highly agile but no full vectoring yet; designed to avoid close fight | F‑22 — superior within visual range |
| Combat Experience | Limited strikes in Syria (2014–); no air‑to‑air kills | None — no combat missions | F‑22 |
| Strategic Design Goal | Pure air superiority — dominate anywhere | Long‑range penetrator — kill tankers/AWACS before they support US fighters | Different roles, not direct apples‑to‑apples |
Sukhoi Su-57 “Felon”
Russia's most powerful fighter plane is the Sukhoi Su-57 “Felon” — Russia's only operational fifth-generation stealth fighter and currently the most advanced fighter in the Russian inventory. Russia continues to upgrade it, and new upgraded aircraft were delivered to the Russian Aerospace Forces in September 2026.
The Su-57 is unusual because Russia designed it to combine stealth, very high maneuverability, long-range weapons and substantial strike capability rather than focusing exclusively on stealth.
Its onboard systems are designed to let it operate independently or exchange information with other aircraft and ground systems.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Generation | 5th‑generation stealth multirole fighter |
| Max Speed | Mach 2.0 (~2,130 km/h) |
| Combat Radius | ~1,500 km (unrefueled) |
| Sensors | N036 Byelka AESA radar suite, 101KS Atoll IRST, full sensor fusion |
| Stealth | Shaped airframe, radar‑absorbent materials, internal weapon bays |
| Maneuverability | 2D/3D thrust‑vectoring nozzles; supermaneuverable; supercruise capable |
| Weapons | R‑77M, R‑37M long‑range AAMs; precision‑strike munitions; up to 10 t payload |
| Fleet Status (2026) | ~24–42 total (prototypes + production); low‑rate series production ongoing |
And Russia is still upgrading it
This is important because the Su-57 you see today isn't necessarily the final version.
In December 2025, a Su-57 began flight testing with Russia's new Product 177 fifth-generation engine. The engine is reported to produce about 16,000 kgf of afterburning thrust, while improving fuel consumption and service life.
Russia also began flight testing a two-seat Su-57D in May 2026. This version is intended not only for training but potentially for controlling and coordinating groups of manned and unmanned aircraft.
Sold To Other Countries?
Algeria is the first foreign operator
The first known foreign customer is Algeria, which received the export version called the Su-57E. Russia confirmed in November 2025 that it had delivered two Su-57s to an unnamed foreign customer; Algeria had already been widely reported as the buyer, and Su-57s were subsequently filmed flying in Algeria.
Russia's manufacturer, UAC, has also said Algeria has ordered at least 10 Su-57Es, although the exact final number has not been publicly confirmed.
These Are The Only 5th Generation Fighter Planes Today & Owned Only By 3 Countries
| # | Aircraft | Country | In Service Since | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | F‑22 Raptor | 🇺🇸 USA | 2005 | Not exported; production closed |
| 2 | F‑35 Lightning II | 🇺🇸 USA | 2015 | 3 variants (A/B/C); operated globally |
| 3 | J‑20 Mighty Dragon | 🇨🇳 China | 2017 | Air superiority |
| 4 | Su‑57 Felon | 🇷🇺 Russia | 2020 | Multirole; slow production |
| 5 | J‑35 | 🇨🇳 China | Sep 2025 | Carrier‑based + land variants; ~50+ built |
There are five distinct, fully operational 5th‑gen fighter designs in the world right now: F‑22, F‑35, J‑20, Su‑57, J‑35. And China is the only country besides the U.S. with two operational 5th‑gen types.
According to Western analysts, The United States has by far the most fifth‑generation fighter planes in the world — more than all other nations combined.
| Rank | Country | Aircraft | Approx. Operational Fleet |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 🇺🇸 United States | F‑22 Raptor (~180) + F‑35A/B/C (~850+) | 1,030+ |
| 2 | 🇨🇳 China | J‑20 Mighty Dragon (~300–500) + J‑35 (entering service) | 300–500 |
| 3 | 🇦🇺 Australia | F‑35A | 72 |
| 4 | 🇯🇵 Japan | F‑35A/B | 55 |
| 5 | 🇳🇴 Norway | F‑35A | 52 |
| 6 | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | F‑35B | 47 |
| 7 | 🇮🇹 Italy | F‑35A/B | 47 |
| 8 | 🇷🇺 Russia | Su‑57 Felon | ~25 (range: 20–30) |
| — | Others | F‑35 (Israel, Netherlands, S. Korea, etc.) | ~200 total across 15+ nations |
| 🇺🇸 F‑22 Raptor | 🇺🇸 F‑35 Lightning II | 🇨🇳 J‑20 Mighty Dragon | 🇷🇺 Su‑57 Felon | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Role | Air superiority, deep penetration | Multirole / networked strike | Long‑range air superiority, Pacific | Multirole, supermaneuverable |
| Entered Service | 2005 | 2015 | 2017 | 2020 |
| Max Speed | Mach 2.25 (~2,410 km/h) | Mach 1.6 (~1,930 km/h) | Mach 2.0+ (~2,130 km/h) | Mach 2.0 (~2,130 km/h) |
| Supercruise | ✅ Yes (Mach 1.72 sustained) | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (WS‑15 variant) | ✅ Yes (improving with new engines) |
| Combat Radius | ~850 km | ~1,100 km (A) | ~1,200+ km | ~1,500 km |
| Stealth / Est. Frontal RCS | Excellent — ~0.0001 m² | Excellent — ~0.00015 m² | Very Good — ~0.01–0.05 m² | Good — ~0.1–1.0 m² |
| Radar | AN/APG‑77 AESA | AN/APG‑81 AESA + 360° DAS | Type 1475 AESA | N036 Byelka AESA (5 arrays) |
| Maneuverability | Outstanding — 2D thrust vectoring | Good — conventional | Very Good — canards | Exceptional — 3D thrust vectoring |
| Key Weapons | AIM‑120D, AIM‑9X | AIM‑120D, AIM‑260, standoff | PL‑15 (~300 km), PL‑21 | R‑37M (~400 km), hypersonic capable |
| Operational Fleet (2026) | ~180 | ~850 (US) / 1,300+ global | 300–500 | ~25–30 |
| Unit Cost | ~$150M | ~$78–82M (F‑35A) | ~$110–120M | ~$40–50M |
| Export | ❌ Never exported | ✅ Global program | ❌ Not for export | ✅ Offered for export |
| Strengths | Best stealth + supercruise; unrefuted air dominance | Best sensors, networking, mass production | Largest fleet outside US; long range | Unmatched agility; long‑range missiles |
| Weaknesses | No upgrades; short legs; production closed 2011 | Slower; no supercruise; single engine | Limited operational data; engine maturation | Slow production; weaker stealth materials |
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