Detailed analysis of the F-35, Su-57, and J-20: technologies, performance, doctrines, and industrial realities of fifth-generation fighter jets.

Industrial and strategic rivalry between major powers

Since the 2000s, 5th generation fighter jets have been central to the quest for air superiority in American, Russian, and Chinese military doctrine. Three models are operational (or declared as such): the F-35 Lightning II developed by Lockheed Martin, the Sukhoi Su-57 produced in Russia, and the Chengdu J-20 designed in China. Each is distinguished by its technological choices, its degree of industrial maturity, and its strategic role.

The fifth-generation concept is based on several cumulative criteria: integrated stealth, sensor fusion, advanced data links, multi-role capability, and network-centric combat computer-based avionics. But in reality, these standards are not uniform. While the United States imposes strict criteria with the F-22 and then the F-35, Russian and Chinese definitions are often more flexible, sometimes opportunistic.

The stakes are not only technological: they affect production capabilities, military budgets, operational logistics, and international alliances. Behind each model lies a political narrative, industrial compromises, and performance that sometimes differs greatly from official communications. This article rigorously compares the three main fifth-generation fighter jets, without euphemisms or concessions.

The F-35 Lightning II: a systemic approach to air combat

The F-35 Lightning II is a stealth multirole fighter aircraft developed by the United States as part of the Joint Strike Fighter program. It comes in three versions: F-35A (conventional), F-35B (short takeoff and vertical landing), and F-35C (carrier-based). More than 1,000 units have been delivered to date.

Stealth and sensors

The F-35 is designed around passive stealth. Its radar cross section (RCS) is less than 0.005 m² in the frontal axis, thanks to a smooth airframe, concealed air intakes, and radar-absorbing coating. It incorporates advanced sensor fusion, combining AESA AN/APG-81 radar, DAS (Distributed Aperture System) infrared sensors, and EOTS (Electro-Optical Targeting System). The aircraft is capable of detecting a non-stealth aircraft at a distance of more than 150 km, while remaining difficult to detect itself.

Performance and doctrine

Power is provided by the Pratt & Whitney F135 engine, producing 191 kN of thrust with afterburner. It has a range of 2,200 km and a maximum speed of Mach 1.6 (1,975 km/h). However, the F-35 is not a pure air superiority fighter: it is designed for network warfare, stealth penetration and multi-sensor combat.

Costs and limitations

The unit cost is around €75 million, but long-term ownership costs (maintenance, parts, software) are high. The ALIS maintenance system, replaced by ODIN, has experienced numerous difficulties. Logistical autonomy remains problematic without US support.

The Sukhoi Su-57: between technological showmanship and industrial limitations

The Sukhoi Su-57 (NATO code: Felon) is presented by Russia as a fifth-generation fighter jet. However, its development has been slow: to date, fewer than 30 units have been produced, several of which are still in the evaluation phase.

Design and engine

The Su-57 retains a silhouette similar to that of the Su-27, with visible moving surfaces and an imposing size (20.1 meters long and 14 meters wide). Its N036 Byelka X-band radar is coupled with side radars and an OLS-50 infrared sensor. It is currently powered by Saturn AL-41F1 engines with 147 kN of thrust, pending the second-stage Izdeliye 30 engine, which is expected to deliver more than 176 kN of thrust.

Relative stealth

The Su-57 is not a stealth aircraft in the Western sense. Its estimated SER exceeds 0.1 m², with unconcealed air intakes and less effective absorbent materials. Russia is focusing instead on maneuverability, with thrust vectoring and high agility at low speeds, but this does not provide real protection against modern long-range missiles.

Cost and production

The unit cost exceeds $50 million, but this figure is uncertain given the small production run. Production remains artisanal, limited by Russian industrial capabilities and Western sanctions. The Su-57 is not currently exported by any country. Russia plans to field 76 by 2028, but this goal is considered unrealistic.

The Chengdu J-20: an emerging power seeking credibility

The Chengdu J-20 is the first fifth-generation fighter jet to be operational in Asia. Produced by China, it aims to compete with Western standards and project Beijing’s military influence in the Indo-Pacific region.

Design and equipment

The J-20 adopts a canard-delta configuration, which is uncommon for a stealth fighter, raising questions about its radar signature. It is 20.4 meters long and has a maximum weight of 34 tons. It is equipped with a Type 1475 AESA radar, infrared sensors, and a networked electronic warfare system. Data fusion appears to be inferior to that of the F-35, but developments are progressing rapidly.

Engine and range

Initially equipped with Russian AL-31 engines, the J-20 is now partly powered by Chinese WS-10C engines, pending the future WS-15. Performance remains uneven: insufficient thrust to maintain sustained supersonic speeds without afterburners (supercruise), and a range inferior to that of the F-35 (approximately 1,700 km).

Production and ambitions

China is said to have produced more than 250 units of the J-20, making it the second largest fifth-generation program in terms of volume after the F-35. The unit cost is estimated at $60 million, with accelerated production. The J-20 is a regional deterrent, but it still depends partially on imported technologies. Its export remains blocked, probably due to internal strategy.

A direct comparison of capabilities

Model	Stealth (SER)	Range (km)	Thrust (kN)	Cost (€)	Production
F-35	< 0.005 m²	2,200	191	75 M	>1,000
Su-57	> 0.1 m²	1,700	147	43 M	~30
J-20	0.05–0.1 m²	1,700	~140	60 M	>250

The F-35 dominates in terms of stealth, systems integration, and standardization. The Su-57 favors a design inherited from the 4th generation, with an emphasis on maneuverability. The J-20, although less technologically mature, shows growing industrial capacity.

Between operational reality and political rhetoric

Fifth-generation fighter jets cannot be compared solely on the basis of technical brochures. The F-35 remains the only model that has been deployed on a large scale, is interoperable with allies, and is used in operations. The Su-57 suffers from major industrial limitations. The J-20 represents a growing challenge, but is still technologically incomplete.

For an analyst or military professional, evaluation is not based solely on specifications: it must also take into account maintenance, the supply chain, doctrine compatibility, and network warfare capability. It is only when these conditions are met that these aircraft truly become credible players in contemporary fighter aviation.

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