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China vs Russia: J-20 Mighty Dragon vs Su-57 Felon Comparison

China vs Russia: J-20 Mighty Dragon vs Su-57 Felon Comparison

The Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon and the Sukhoi Su-57 Felon represent the pinnacle of China’s and Russia’s fifth-generation fighter technology. Both aircraft aim to rival the American F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II, yet their design philosophies and combat doctrines differ significantly. The J-20 is China’s first operational stealth fighter, optimized for long-range engagements and high-altitude interception, while the Su-57 embodies Russia’s emphasis on agility, multi-role versatility, and supermaneuvrability. In today’s evolving air combat environment—dominated by stealth, sensor fusion, and electronic warfare—understanding how these two Asian powerhouses compare offers insights into the future balance of air superiority in Eurasia.

Performance Verdict

When comparing the J-20 Mighty Dragon and Su-57 Felon, each excels in distinct operational priorities. The J-20, with its focus on stealth and long-range engagement, integrates advanced avionics and AESA radar with a sensor fusion network that favors beyond-visual-range (BVR) combat. Its internal weapons bays and radar-absorbing coatings suggest superior stealth optimization, though its maneuverability is somewhat limited compared to the Su-57.

The Su-57, on the other hand, delivers unmatched agility and close-range combat performance. Its 3D thrust-vectoring engines and aerodynamic design make it one of the most maneuverable fighters in the world. However, its stealth shaping and radar cross-section (RCS) are considered inferior to the J-20’s.

In operational terms, the J-20 is better suited for strategic air dominance and long-range interception, while the Su-57 shines in dogfight-centric missions and multi-role flexibility. Future variants of both aircraft, particularly those featuring indigenous engines, will further define their true fifth-generation status.

	Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon Fighter Jet SU-57 Felon Stealth Fighter

Price
Our Rating	8.0 8.0
Manufacturer	Chengdu Aerospace Corporation (CAC) Sukhoi
Category	Fighter Jets Fighter Jets

General Information

Name	Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon Su-57 Felon
Manufacturer	Chengdu Aerospace Corporation (CAC) Sukhoi (UAC)
Country of Origin	China Russia
Type / Role	Stealth Air Superiority / Multirole Fighter Stealth Air Superiority / Multirole Fighter
Generation	5th Generation Fifth
Status	In Active Service In limited service
First Flight	January 11, 2011 January 29, 2010
Introduction / In Service Since	March 2017 2020
Number Built	200+ (estimated as of 2025) ~25 (as of 2025)
Operators	People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) Russian Aerospace Forces

Dimensions & Structure

Length	20.4 m (67 ft) 20.1 m
Wingspan	13.5 m (44 ft) 14.1 m
Height	4.45 m (14.6 ft) 4.6 m
Wing Area	~78 m² 78.8 m²
Empty Weight	19,000 kg ~18,000 kg
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)	37,000 kg 35,000 kg
Internal Weapons Bay	2 main + 2 side bays Yes (2 main, 2 side)
External Hardpoints	4 (optional) 6

Performance

Maximum Speed	Mach 2.0+ Mach 2.0
Range	2,000 km 3,500 km
Combat Radius	1,100 km 1,500 km
Service Ceiling	66,000 ft (20,000 m) 20,000 m
Rate of Climb	60,000 ft/min 330 m/s
Thrust-to-Weight Ratio	~1.1 ~1.15
G Limits	+9 G +9

Powerplant

Engine Type	WS-15 (or AL-31FM2 on earlier units) Saturn AL-41F1 (future Izdeliye 30)
No. of Engines	2 2
Thrust (each)	30,000 lbf (WS-15, projected) 142 kN with afterburner
Thrust Vectoring	Yes (newer variants) Yes (3D)
Fuel Capacity	~25,000 lb (internal) ~10,300 kg

Armament

Gun	None (internal space optimized for stealth) 30mm GSh-30-1 cannon
Missiles (Air-to-Air)	PL-10, PL-15, PL-21 (future) R-77, R-74M, R-37M
Missiles (Air-to-Ground)	KD-series guided missiles Kh-38, Kh-59MK2
Bombs	Precision-guided bombs (optional) KAB-250/500 guided bombs
Hardpoints	4 external (non-stealth use) 10 (internal + external)
Payload Capacity	~11,000 kg 10,000 kg

Avionics & Systems

Radar	Type 1475 AESA radar N036 Byelka AESA
Radar Range	~200+ km 400+ km
Electronic Warfare (EW) System	Integrated ECM suite L402 Himalayas suite
Targeting System	Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS) IRST + radar fusion
Helmet Display	Yes Integrated HMS
Navigation	Inertial + Satellite-assisted GLONASS-based INS
Autopilot / AI Assistance	Semi-autonomous flight control Partial autonomy
Communication	Encrypted data links, satellite comms Encrypted data link

Stealth & Technology

Radar Cross Section (RCS)	Estimated 0.025–0.1 m² Estimated 0.3–0.5 m²
Stealth Features	Shaping, RAM coating, internal bays Internal bays, radar-absorbing composites
Infrared Signature Reduction	Engine shrouds, thermal coating Engine shielding, cooling design
Sensor Fusion	Yes Multi-source integration
Networking Capabilities	Integrated with PLAAF command networks Limited data-link interoperability

Variants

Special Export Versions

Experimental electronic warfare variant Su-57E (Export Variant)

Operational History

Major Conflicts / Deployments	None confirmed Syria (testing), Ukraine (limited combat)
Notable Operators	PLAAF Russia
Combat Proven?	Not yet combat-tested Limited
Mission Types	Air superiority, long-range interception, precision strike Air superiority, strike, reconnaissance

Cost & Program

Unit Cost	~$100–120 million (estimated) ~$45–50 million (estimated)
Development Cost	Classified ~$10 billion (PAK FA program)
Program Name	Mighty Dragon Program PAK FA (T-50)
Funding Countries	China Russia

Additional Information

Upgrades Planned	WS-15 engine, new avionics, EW enhancements New radar, Izdeliye 30 engines
Future Replacement	None (core 5th-gen fleet) None planned (Su-57M modernization)
Export Restrictions	Not for export Controlled by Russian government
Notable Achievements	First operational stealth fighter in Asia Russia’s first fifth-gen stealth jet
Competitors	F-22 Raptor, F-35 Lightning II, Su-57 Felon F-22 Raptor, F-35 Lightning II, J-20 Mighty Dragon

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