How NATO drills highlight differences between Eurofighter Typhoon and US F-35

The results reflected each jet’s intended role: while the Typhoon excelled in close-in dogfighting scenarios due to its maneuverability, the F-35 was designed for stealth and long-range engagements using advanced sensors. The Typhoon has also performed well against other US fighters in previous exercises.

Radar technology is another key differentiator. The F-35 uses the AN/APG-81 AESA radar system that supports both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions while maintaining low emissions to enhance stealth. According to Lockheed Martin, “The F-35’s AN/APG-81 AESA radar is the most capable in the world. Long-range active and passive air-to-air and air-to-ground modes support a full range of missions.” The Eurofighter Typhoon has evolved from mechanically scanned radars to electronically scanned arrays (Captor-E), offering wider coverage for tracking threats.

Both aircraft can process large amounts of data through secure links with allied platforms. The Typhoon relies on speed and power instead of stealth; its modular design allows ongoing updates to hardware and software.

In terms of armament, both jets carry internal cannons—25 mm GAU-22/A for the F-35 and 27 mm Mauser for the Typhoon—and are equipped with advanced missiles like AIM-120 AMRAAMs for beyond visual range combat.

Production histories differ as well. The Eurofighter has seen several upgrades across different production tranches since its introduction in 2003, with Tranche 4 integrating AESA radar from inception. Partner companies include Leonardo, BAE Systems, and Airbus.

The F-35 program has experienced delays and cost overruns due to its "build-while-test" approach but remains widely produced. Ongoing updates such as Technology Refresh 3 (TR-3) aim to address earlier issues.

According to program sources, nine countries operate or have ordered a total of 729 Eurofighters. In comparison, more than 1,100 F-35s are already delivered across 19 nations—a number expected to reach about 1,200 by late 2025 (https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/products/f-35/f-35-global-presence.html).

Lockheed Martin states: "More than a fighter jet, the F-35 is a force multiplier. Its unmatched ability to gather, process, and share data empowers joint forces, strengthens global partnerships, and keeps pilots ahead of emerging threats—all while helping them return home safely."

Recent procurement decisions reflect shifting priorities: The United Kingdom opted not to purchase additional Tranche-5 Eurofighters in favor of buying more F-35s (https://www.bbc.com/news/business-your-money). This decision could end final assembly work at BAE Systems’ Warton facility unless new export orders are secured before production shifts toward future programs like GCAP/Tempest.

While Kuwait and Qatar continue purchasing Typhoons under their own assembly arrangements (https://www.eurofighter.com/the-aircraft/operators), these orders alone may not sustain all partner nation production lines.