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F-35 Lightning II vs J-20 Mighty Dragon — U.S. vs China Stealth Fighter Comparison

F-35 Lightning II vs J-20 Mighty Dragon — U.S. vs China Stealth Fighter Comparison

The rivalry between the F-35 Lightning II and J-20 Mighty Dragon represents more than a contest between two advanced fighter jets—it’s a reflection of U.S. and Chinese military power in the 21st century.
As tensions grow across the Indo-Pacific, both nations are preparing for potential air superiority contests that could shape future conflicts. The F-35, America’s cornerstone fifth-generation multirole fighter, has been battle-tested, exported to allies, and integrated across NATO. The J-20, on the other hand, embodies China’s push for indigenous aerospace innovation and anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) capability.

This F-35 vs J-20 comparison explores how these stealth jets differ in design philosophy, performance, and combat effectiveness—and what that means for U.S. airpower in a potential showdown.

Specifications Comparison: F-35 vs J-20

Specification	F-35 Lightning II	J-20 Mighty Dragon
Origin	United States (Lockheed Martin)	China (Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group)
Role	Multirole Stealth Fighter	Air Superiority/Interceptor
Crew	1	1
Top Speed	Mach 1.6	Mach 2.0 (est.)
Combat Range	~670 miles (1,080 km)	~700 miles (1,100 km) (est.)
Service Ceiling	50,000 ft	66,000 ft (est.)
Thrust	Pratt & Whitney F135 (43,000 lbf)	WS-15/AL-31F (32,000–38,000 lbf)
Internal Weapons Bay	4 × AIM-120 or 2 × bombs + missiles	4–6 missiles (PL-10, PL-15)
Avionics	AN/APG-81 AESA Radar, DAS, EOTS	Type 1475 AESA Radar (estimated)
Stealth Rating	Very Low Observable	Low Observable (front-aspect optimized)
Unit Cost	~$85 million (F-35A)	Estimated ~$100–120 million
Entered Service	2016 (USAF)	2017 (PLAAF)

Design & Stealth Technology

F-35 Lightning II

Lockheed Martin’s F-35 was built around low observability and information dominance. Its radar-absorbent coatings, internal weapons bays, and carefully contoured fuselage make it one of the world’s stealthiest aircraft. Combined with its Distributed Aperture System (DAS) and Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS), the F-35 gives pilots unmatched situational awareness.

J-20 Mighty Dragon

The Chengdu J-20 is designed for long-range interception and anti-stealth operations. Its canard-delta layout gives it strong maneuverability but compromises radar stealth to some extent. The jet uses a large nose section for a powerful AESA radar and possibly infrared search and track (IRST) systems to detect stealth aircraft like the F-35.

While both aircraft are stealthy, analysts note that the J-20’s stealth optimization focuses mainly on frontal radar cross-section reduction, while the F-35 maintains 360-degree stealth for survivability in dense threat environments.

F-35 Lightning II Fighter Jet vs Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon Stealth Fighter

Firepower & Performance

F-35 Armament

Internal bays: AIM-120D AMRAAMs, GBU-31 JDAMs, or SDBs
External stations (in “beast mode”): Up to 18,000 lb payload
Gun: 25mm GAU-22/A cannon (F-35A)

The F-35’s strength lies in its networked combat capability—it can detect, track, and share data with other aircraft, ships, and ground forces, often shooting targets beyond visual range before being seen.

J-20 Armament

Internal bays: PL-15 long-range air-to-air missiles, PL-10 short-range missiles
External pylons: For future stand-off weapons (reduced stealth)

The J-20 prioritizes long-range interception and is reportedly armed with the PL-15, a missile believed to outrange the AMRAAM. However, its fire-control systems and missile reliability remain less proven in combat compared to U.S. equivalents.

Operational Range & Mobility

The J-20 has an edge in ferry range, with greater fuel capacity for long-range patrols across the South China Sea and East China Sea. However, it suffers from engine limitations—Chinese WS-15 engines have faced development delays, forcing reliance on Russian AL-31F powerplants with lower thrust-to-weight ratios.

The F-35’s engine reliability, short takeoff capability (F-35B), and carrier version (F-35C) give the U.S. and its allies operational flexibility across land and sea, from Japan to the Persian Gulf.

Combat Effectiveness & Real-World Deployment

The F-35 has combat-proven capability, having flown missions in Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan. Over 1,200 units are in service across the U.S., NATO, and allied forces—creating an unmatched logistical and training network.

In contrast, the J-20 remains untested in combat. The People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) has begun fielding squadrons in the Western Theater Command, indicating a focus on potential engagements over Taiwan or the South China Sea. However, the PLAAF lacks the joint sensor-fusion infrastructure and pilot combat experience of U.S. and allied air forces.

Cost, Export Value & Industrial Impact

The F-35 program represents one of the most successful export efforts in modern defense—partnered with over a dozen nations, including the U.K., Japan, Australia, and Italy. Its cost per unit has steadily declined, reaching around $85 million for the F-35A.

The J-20 is not available for export, limiting its strategic reach. China instead markets the FC-31 (also known as J-35) as a potential export stealth fighter and future carrier jet. However, it remains far from achieving the F-35’s global interoperability and industrial scale.

Analysis: F-35 vs J-20

Category	Advantage
Stealth & Sensors	F-35
Speed & Range	J-20 (marginally)
Combat Data Integration	F-35
Weapon Range (PL-15 vs AIM-120D)	J-20 (potentially)
Operational Maturity & Reliability	F-35
Export & Industrial Reach	F-35

The F-35’s maturity, data fusion, and combat experience make it the clear leader in most categories. The J-20, while impressive, remains a strategic deterrent rather than a combat-proven system. Chinese advances in engines and sensors could narrow the gap by the 2030s, but for now, the F-35 dominates the fifth-generation fighter landscape.

Conclusion

The F-35 Lightning II holds the advantage in stealth, technology integration, and combat readiness, while the J-20 Mighty Dragon leads in range and missile reach. In a real-world clash, the outcome would likely depend on networked warfare, not just airframe specs—and that’s where the U.S. and its allies currently maintain superiority.

Both aircraft symbolize a larger contest: American air dominance vs. China’s strategic rise. The skies of the Indo-Pacific may well decide which nation defines the future of aerial warfare.

FAQ: F-35 vs J-20 Comparison

Which fighter is stealthier, the F-35 or J-20?

The F-35 is generally considered stealthier due to its 360-degree radar signature reduction and advanced coatings. The J-20’s stealth is optimized mainly for frontal engagement.

Does the J-20 outperform the F-35 in speed?

Yes, slightly. The J-20 can reach approximately Mach 2, while the F-35 tops out at Mach 1.6. However, the F-35’s sensor fusion gives it an advantage before visual contact.

How many F-35s and J-20s are in service?

Over 1,200 F-35s are active worldwide. Estimates suggest around 200–250 J-20s are operational within the PLAAF.

Can the J-20 match the F-35 in combat experience?

Not yet. The F-35 has seen real combat and joint operations, while the J-20 remains largely untested outside exercises.

What about China’s J-35 or FC-31?

The J-35 (FC-31) is China’s second stealth fighter, potentially a carrier-based jet. It may compete with the F-35C in the 2030s, but remains in development.

	F-35 Lightning II Fighter Jet Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon Fighter Jet

Price
Our Rating	8.8 8.0
Manufacturer	Lockheed Martin Chengdu Aerospace Corporation (CAC)
Category	Fighter Jets Fighter Jets

General Information

Name	F-35 Lightning II Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon
Manufacturer	Lockheed Martin Chengdu Aerospace Corporation (CAC)
Country of Origin	United States China
Type / Role	Multirole Stealth Fighter Stealth Air Superiority / Multirole Fighter
Generation	5th 5th Generation
Status	In Service In Active Service
First Flight	December 15, 2006 January 11, 2011
Introduction / In Service Since	2015 March 2017
Number Built	1,200+ (as of 2025) 200+ (estimated as of 2025)
Operators	USA, UK, Japan, Israel, Italy, Australia, and others People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF)

Dimensions & Structure

Length	51.2 ft (15.6 m) 20.4 m (67 ft)
Wingspan	35 ft (10.7 m) 13.5 m (44 ft)
Height	14.4 ft (4.38 m) 4.45 m (14.6 ft)
Wing Area	460 sq ft (42.7 m²) ~78 m²
Empty Weight	29,300 lb (13,300 kg) 19,000 kg
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)	70,000 lb (31,800 kg) 37,000 kg
Internal Weapons Bay	2 (up to 5,700 lb payload) 2 main + 2 side bays
External Hardpoints	6–10 (up to 18,000 lb total) 4 (optional)

Performance

Maximum Speed	Mach 1.6 Mach 2.0+
Range	1,380 mi (2,220 km) 2,000 km
Combat Radius	~670 mi (1,080 km) 1,100 km
Service Ceiling	50,000 ft (15,240 m) 66,000 ft (20,000 m)
Rate of Climb	45,000 ft/min 60,000 ft/min
Thrust-to-Weight Ratio	0.87 ~1.1
G Limits	+9 +9 G

Powerplant

Engine Type	Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 WS-15 (or AL-31FM2 on earlier units)
No. of Engines	1 2
Thrust (each)	43,000 lbf 30,000 lbf (WS-15, projected)
Thrust Vectoring	Yes (on F-35B variant) Yes (newer variants)
Fuel Capacity	~18,500 lb internal ~25,000 lb (internal)

Armament

Gun	GAU-22/A 25mm cannon (F-35A) None (internal space optimized for stealth)
Missiles (Air-to-Air)	AIM-120 AMRAAM, AIM-9X PL-10, PL-15, PL-21 (future)
Missiles (Air-to-Ground)	AGM-154 JSOW, AGM-158 JASSM KD-series guided missiles
Bombs	JDAM, Paveway II/III, SDB I/II Precision-guided bombs (optional)
Hardpoints	6 external + 2 internal 4 external (non-stealth use)
Payload Capacity	~18,000 lb ~11,000 kg

Avionics & Systems

Radar	AN/APG-81 AESA Type 1475 AESA radar
Radar Range	~150+ km ~200+ km
Electronic Warfare (EW) System	AN/ASQ-239 suite Integrated ECM suite
Targeting System	EOTS (Electro-Optical Targeting System) Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS)
Helmet Display	HMDS Gen III Yes
Navigation	GPS/INS with terrain-following Inertial + Satellite-assisted
Autopilot / AI Assistance	Advanced flight management Semi-autonomous flight control
Communication	MADL & Link 16 secure data links Encrypted data links, satellite comms

Stealth & Technology

Radar Cross Section (RCS)	~0.001 m² Estimated 0.025–0.1 m²
Stealth Features	RAM coating, internal weapons bay, edge alignment Shaping, RAM coating, internal bays
Infrared Signature Reduction	Yes Engine shrouds, thermal coating
Sensor Fusion	Full 360° data integration Yes
Networking Capabilities	Distributed data-sharing with allied units Integrated with PLAAF command networks

Variants

Special Export Versions

F-35I (Israel), F-35A (Japan), etc. Experimental electronic warfare variant

Operational History

Major Conflicts / Deployments	Middle East operations (Iraq, Syria) None confirmed
Notable Operators	USAF, USN, USMC, RAF, IDF PLAAF
Combat Proven?	Yes Not yet combat-tested
Mission Types	Air superiority, strike, SEAD, ISR Air superiority, long-range interception, precision strike

Cost & Program

Unit Cost	$80–100 million (variant-dependent) ~$100–120 million (estimated)
Development Cost	~$400 billion (program total) Classified
Program Name	Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) Mighty Dragon Program
Funding Countries	USA, UK, Italy, Netherlands, Canada, Australia, etc. China

Additional Information

Upgrades Planned	Block 4, Tech Refresh 3 WS-15 engine, new avionics, EW enhancements
Future Replacement	NGAD (2035+) None (core 5th-gen fleet)
Export Restrictions	U.S. FMS approval required Not for export
Notable Achievements	Widest global fighter program in history First operational stealth fighter in Asia
Competitors	Su-57, J-20, Tempest, KF-21 F-22 Raptor, F-35 Lightning II, Su-57 Felon

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