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Rafale vs Su-57: 4.5 Gen vs 5th Gen Fighter Jet Comparison

Rafale vs Su-57: 4.5 Gen vs 5th Gen Fighter Jet Comparison

The Dassault Rafale and Sukhoi Su-57 represent two distinct generations of air combat evolution. The Rafale, developed by France’s Dassault Aviation, is a highly versatile 4.5-generation multirole fighter renowned for its agility, precision, and combat record in operations from Libya to the Indo-Pacific.

The Su-57 “Felon,” Russia’s flagship 5th-generation stealth fighter, aims to rival Western air superiority platforms with cutting-edge radar evasion, thrust-vectoring engines, and advanced avionics. This Rafale vs Su-57 comparison highlights how these aircraft differ in design philosophy—one optimized for proven multirole flexibility, the other for future stealth dominance—and why both play pivotal roles in shaping modern air warfare strategy.

Detailed Comparison

Design Philosophy and Role

The Rafale was designed as a “universal” combat platform capable of performing air superiority, deep strike, reconnaissance, and nuclear deterrence missions. It emphasizes aerodynamic performance and sensor fusion without relying heavily on stealth coatings. In contrast, the Su-57 was conceived as Russia’s response to Western stealth fighters, incorporating internal weapon bays, radar-absorbent materials, and a radar cross-section reduction profile for survivability in contested environments.

Avionics and Sensors

Rafale’s Thales RBE2 AESA radar, Spectra electronic warfare suite, and data fusion capabilities make it one of the most advanced 4.5-gen jets operational today. The Su-57 features the N036 Byelka AESA radar and IRST (Infrared Search and Track) system for multi-band target tracking and stealth detection. While the Su-57 theoretically offers broader sensor coverage, Rafale’s combat-proven reliability and integration with NATO systems give it a distinct operational edge.

Engines and Performance

Rafale is powered by twin Snecma M88-2 turbofan engines, offering a maximum speed of Mach 1.8 and exceptional agility at low altitudes. The Su-57 uses Saturn AL-41F1 engines (and future Izdeliye 30 versions), achieving Mach 2+ speeds and supermaneuverability via 3D thrust vectoring. The Russian fighter’s raw power surpasses Rafale’s, but Rafale’s engine reliability and ease of maintenance make it a more dependable platform in sustained operations.

Stealth and Survivability

The Su-57’s design integrates internal weapon bays and stealth shaping, though it reportedly falls short of U.S. stealth levels. The Rafale relies more on electronic warfare countermeasures (SPECTRA) and radar cross-section management rather than full stealth—offering a balanced defense-offense tradeoff for real-world missions.

Weapons and Combat Capability

Rafale’s METEOR BVRAAM, SCALP cruise missile, and Exocet anti-ship capabilities make it a versatile striker. The Su-57 can carry R-77M, K-77M, and Kh-59MK2 precision munitions internally or externally, maintaining flexibility in both stealth and high-payload modes.

Performance Verdict

The Rafale and Su-57 excel in different doctrines. Rafale dominates as a combat-proven, multirole fighter with superior interoperability, reliability, and a strong export track record across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Its advanced sensors, low maintenance footprint, and electronic warfare edge make it ideal for nations seeking an operationally flexible, NATO-compatible aircraft.

The Su-57, meanwhile, remains an ambitious project blending stealth, supermaneuverability, and long-range capability into a future-oriented design. However, limited production numbers, evolving engine technology, and the absence of large-scale combat deployment temper its current reputation.

In summary, Rafale wins in real-world versatility and dependability, while the Su-57 holds theoretical superiority in stealth and raw performance—a reflection of France’s refined engineering versus Russia’s pursuit of next-generation dominance.

	Dassault Rafale Fighter Jet SU-57 Felon Stealth Fighter

Price
Our Rating	8.0 8.0
Manufacturer	Dassault Aviation Sukhoi
Category	Fighter Jets Fighter Jets

General Information

Name	Dassault Rafale Su-57 Felon
Manufacturer	Dassault Aviation Sukhoi (UAC)
Country of Origin	France Russia
Type / Role	Multirole Fighter Stealth Air Superiority / Multirole Fighter
Generation	4.5 Fifth
Status	In service In limited service
First Flight	July 4, 1986 January 29, 2010
Introduction / In Service Since	2001 2020
Number Built	240+ ~25 (as of 2025)
Operators	France, India, Egypt, Qatar, Greece, Indonesia Russian Aerospace Forces

Dimensions & Structure

Length	15.27 m 20.1 m
Wingspan	10.9 m 14.1 m
Height	5.3 m 4.6 m
Wing Area	45.7 m² 78.8 m²
Empty Weight	10,600 kg ~18,000 kg
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)	24,500 kg 35,000 kg
Internal Weapons Bay	None Yes (2 main, 2 side)
External Hardpoints	14 6

Performance

Maximum Speed	Mach 1.8 (2,223 km/h) Mach 2.0
Range	3,700 km 3,500 km
Combat Radius	1,000–1,850 km 1,500 km
Service Ceiling	50,000 ft 20,000 m
Rate of Climb	305 m/s 330 m/s
Thrust-to-Weight Ratio	1.13 ~1.15
G Limits	+9 / -3.6 +9

Powerplant

Engine Type	Snecma M88-2 Turbofan Saturn AL-41F1 (future Izdeliye 30)
No. of Engines	2 2
Thrust (each)	16,500 lbf 142 kN with afterburner
Thrust Vectoring	No Yes (3D)
Fuel Capacity	4,700 kg (internal) ~10,300 kg

Armament

Gun	GIAT 30mm cannon 30mm GSh-30-1 cannon
Missiles (Air-to-Air)	MICA, Meteor R-77, R-74M, R-37M
Missiles (Air-to-Ground)	SCALP-EG, AM39 Exocet Kh-38, Kh-59MK2
Bombs	Paveway, AASM KAB-250/500 guided bombs
Hardpoints	14 10 (internal + external)
Payload Capacity	9,500 kg 10,000 kg

Avionics & Systems

Radar	Thales RBE2 AESA N036 Byelka AESA
Radar Range	200+ km 400+ km
Electronic Warfare (EW) System	SPECTRA Suite L402 Himalayas suite
Targeting System	Thales Damocles / TALIOS Pod IRST + radar fusion
Helmet Display	Integrated HMD Integrated HMS
Navigation	GPS/INS GLONASS-based INS
Autopilot / AI Assistance	Semi-Automated Partial autonomy
Communication	Secure Datalink, SATCOM Encrypted data link

Stealth & Technology

Radar Cross Section (RCS)	~1 m² Estimated 0.3–0.5 m²
Stealth Features	Radar-absorbent materials Internal bays, radar-absorbing composites
Infrared Signature Reduction	Yes Engine shielding, cooling design
Sensor Fusion	Full Multi-source integration
Networking Capabilities	NATO-compatible datalink Limited data-link interoperability

Variants

Special Export Versions

Rafale EH/IH (India), Rafale EM/QM (Egypt/Qatar) Su-57E (Export Variant)

Operational History

Major Conflicts / Deployments	Libya, Mali, Iraq, Syria Syria (testing), Ukraine (limited combat)
Notable Operators	France, India, Egypt Russia
Combat Proven?	Yes Limited
Mission Types	Air superiority, strike, reconnaissance, deterrence Air superiority, strike, reconnaissance

Cost & Program

Unit Cost	$85–115 million ~$45–50 million (estimated)
Development Cost	~$45 billion ~$10 billion (PAK FA program)
Program Name	Rafale Program PAK FA (T-50)
Funding Countries	France Russia

Additional Information

Upgrades Planned	F4 & F5 standard upgrades New radar, Izdeliye 30 engines
Future Replacement	Next-Gen Fighter (FCAS) None planned (Su-57M modernization)
Export Restrictions	Minimal (case-by-case) Controlled by Russian government
Notable Achievements	Combat-proven multirole success Russia’s first fifth-gen stealth jet
Competitors	Eurofighter Typhoon, F/A-18E/F, Gripen E F-22 Raptor, F-35 Lightning II, J-20 Mighty Dragon

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