F-35 Lightning II vs. Sukhoi Su-35

The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II is a family of single-seat, single-engine stealth multirole combat aircraft developed by Lockheed Martin, with principal partners Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems. Designed to perform air superiority and strike missions, it also provides electronic warfare and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. The F-35 has three main variants: the conventional takeoff and landing F-35A, the short take-off and vertical-landing F-35B, and the carrier-based F-35C​​.

Production History: The F-35 was the culmination of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program, which merged various combat aircraft programs from the 1980s and 90s. It descends from the Lockheed Martin X-35, which in 2001 won the JSF competition over the Boeing X-32. The program has been supported by the United States, along with NATO and close U.S. allies. Despite the criticism for its size, complexity, and cost, the F-35 first flew in 2006 and entered service with the U.S. Marine Corps F-35B in July 2015, followed by the U.S. Air Force F-35A in August 2016 and the U.S. Navy F-35C in February 2019. Over 1000 units have been produced since 2006​​​​.

Design Features: The F-35 is known for its stealth capabilities, advanced sensor package, and electronic sensors like the Electro-Optical Distributed Aperture System (DAS) and the Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS). The F-35 is designed to replace aging fighter inventories such as the U.S. Air Force F-16s and A-10s, U.S. Navy F/A-18s, and U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harriers and F/A-18s​​​​.

Operational History: The F-35 first saw combat in 2018 with the Israeli Air Force. It is planned to be a cornerstone of NATO and U.S.-allied air power, with the U.S. planning to buy 2,456 F-35s through 2044. The aircraft is expected to operate until 2070. It is designed to provide pilots with unsurpassed situational awareness, positive target identification, and precision strike in all weather conditions​​.

Comparison with Similar Models:

F-35 Lightning II vs. F-22 Raptor

Stealth and Air Superiority: While both aircraft offer advanced stealth capabilities, the F-22 is optimized for air superiority with higher maneuverability and speed. In contrast, the F-35 emphasizes multirole flexibility, with superior sensor fusion and strike capabilities.

Network-Centric Warfare: The F-35 is designed from the ground up for network-centric warfare, with the ability to share information seamlessly with allied forces. The F-22 has significant data link capabilities but does not match the F-35's level of sensor integration and information distribution.

F-35 Lightning II vs. Su-57 "Felon"

Multirole Versatility vs. Air Dominance: The Su-57 is Russia's answer to fifth-generation capabilities, focusing on air dominance with some ground attack capabilities. The F-35, while capable in air-to-air combat, provides a broader multirole function.

Global Deployment and Support: The F-35 has seen widespread adoption among U.S. allies, benefiting from a multinational development program. The Su-57, while a technological showcase for Russia, has not achieved the same level of international deployment.

The Sukhoi Su-35 "Flanker-E" is an advanced multirole fighter aircraft developed from the Su-27. Introduced into service with the Russian Air Force in 2014, the Su-35 is designed to achieve air superiority through superior maneuverability, sophisticated avionics, and formidable firepower. Its capabilities make it one of the most powerful aircraft in the modern aerial combat arena.

Production History: Development of the Su-35 began in the late 1980s as an improvement over the original Su-27, with a focus on upgrading the airframe, propulsion, and avionics. The project saw several iterations, culminating in the Su-35S variant, which features extensive improvements over its predecessors. The aircraft entered serial production in the late 2000s, with the Russian Air Force being the primary operator.

Design Features: The Su-35 employs a reinforced airframe that allows for greater agility and speed, with large canard foreplanes and an updated wing structure to enhance its aerodynamic performance. It is powered by two Saturn AL-41F1S afterburning turbofan engines, equipped with thrust vectoring control, granting it exceptional maneuverability.

Operational History: The Su-35 has been deployed in various operational theaters, showcasing its advanced capabilities. Notably, it has been used in the Syrian conflict, where it performed air superiority and ground-attack missions. The aircraft's performance in combat and training exercises has demonstrated its role as a formidable adversary against contemporary fighter jets.

Comparison with Similar Models:

Su-35 "Flanker-E" vs. Su-30MKI

Technological Upgrades: The Su-35 features significant improvements over the Su-30MKI, including enhanced engines with thrust vectoring, a more advanced radar system, and superior avionics. These upgrades provide the Su-35 with better performance and operational capabilities.

Role and Versatility: While both aircraft are versatile multirole fighters, the Su-35 is optimized for air superiority with additional enhancements for ground and sea attack roles, making it more adept in a wider range of combat scenarios.

Su-35 "Flanker-E" vs. F-15E Strike Eagle

Maneuverability and Performance: The Su-35's thrust-vectoring engines and aerodynamic design give it an edge in maneuverability and close-quarters combat compared to the F-15E, which is more focused on strike missions with its heavy payload capacity and advanced targeting systems.

Avionics and Armament: Both aircraft are equipped with state-of-the-art avionics and capable of carrying a wide range of weaponry. The F-15E has been continuously updated with modern technology, but the Su-35's newer design integrates more recent advancements in radar technology and electronic warfare.