The F-22 Raptor remains renowned for its dominance in air superiority exercises. It is regarded as one of the most lethal aircraft in this role, with ongoing upgrades expected to keep it competitive into the next decade. The F-35 Lightning II stands out for its versatility across multiple mission profiles. The different variants—Air Force’s F-35A, Marine Corps’ STOVL F-35B, and Navy’s carrier-based F-35C—are tailored for distinct roles but share common technological advancements.
An Israeli pilot recently commented on the platform’s performance: "the F-35 is the best plane technologically now in the world." The pilot also described how the jet enhances situational awareness for fourth-generation fighters.
China has rapidly advanced its own capabilities. Its mainstay is the Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon, which boasts a significant operational range and an export ban similar to that imposed on America’s top fighters. China unveiled its second fifth-generation jet—the Shenyang J-35—in late 2024 along with new production facilities in 2025. The J-35 is expected to be marketed for export and naval use.
Russia faces more difficulties maintaining competitiveness in this field. The Su-57 Felon entered service after India withdrew from joint development over concerns about meeting requirements. Only Algeria has agreed to purchase the Su-57 so far, with deliveries anticipated later this year. Although active in Ukraine since 2022, the Su-57 has not significantly influenced combat operations against enemy air defenses.
Countries such as Turkey (Kaan), South Korea (KF-21 Boramae), and India (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) are developing their own fifth-generation-like platforms but have yet to reach operational status or global influence comparable to existing American or Chinese jets.
Experts highlight that producing a stealthy-looking fighter is less challenging than building one that truly integrates advanced sensors and computing power necessary for modern warfare. Professor Justin Bronk explains: "it is incredibly difficult and unbelievably expensive to sustain the production of a weapons system that works as a low-observable fighter." He emphasizes that critical advantages lie in integration between weapons systems and sensors—a result of decades-long investments by nations like the United States.
The popularity of American jets reflects their technological edge; about 20 countries have purchased or ordered the F-35 despite high acquisition and maintenance costs. The U.S. has refused sales to at least seven other countries due to security concerns or policy restrictions.
Meanwhile, Russia’s Su-57 has found limited international interest following India’s exit from co-development efforts. China maintains an export ban on its J-20 but may offer alternatives like the J-35 going forward.
Continuous investment ensures U.S.-made fighters remain at the forefront globally; increased adoption allows further improvements through feedback from real-world use and greater financial resources devoted to research and development.
"the F-35 is the best plane technologically now in the world," an Israeli pilot told The War Zone.
Bronk says that the integration of systems in the F-35 is where one sees the "unbearable weight (...) of sustained tens of billions of dollars every year for decades on the American side in multiple programs."
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