In today's era, fighter jets are the ultimate symbol of a nation's military might. Countries like the United States, Russia, and China are developing fifth and sixth-generation fighter jets to strengthen their airforces. But is America's F-47 the most advanced among them? Or do Russia's Su-57 and China's J-35A have an edge?
The F-47, proposed as the sixth-generation stealth fighter jet by America, is still in the early stages of development, with expectations to be operational by 2029. It is being designed under Boeing's Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program. Let's compare the F-47 with Russia's Su-57 and China's J-35A to understand which one stands out as the world's most advanced fighter jet.
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The World's Most Advanced Fighter Jets: F-47 vs Su-57 vs J-35A - Comparison and Features
1. America's F-47 (NGAD)
Source: aajtak
The F-47 is America's latest sixth-generation stealth fighter jet, considered the successor to the F-22 Raptor. Boeing has been designing it since 2020, with prototypes (X-plane) having flown between 2019 and 2022. It is expected to become operational between 2025-2029.
Key Features...
Speed: Mach 2+ (approximately 2470 km/h).
Combat Radius: 1000+ nautical miles (1,850 km), 70% more than the F-22 (590 nautical miles).
Stealth: "Stealth++" technology, superior to the F-22's "Stealth+" and F-35's "Stealth".
Engine: Turbofan (Pratt & Whitney XA103 or GE XA102), offering both fuel efficiency and high speed.
Weapons: Modular weapon systems, long-range missiles, and drone control.
Sensors: Advanced sensor fusion, AI-based data networking, and drone coordination.
Price: Estimated between $160-300 million per jet.
Production: Plans for over 185 jets to replace the F-22 on a one-for-one basis.
Also Read: How Ukraine's $42,000 drones destroyed over 41 billion worth of Russian fighter jets and bombers
Strengths...
Long Range:
With a range exceeding 1,000 nautical miles, it is effective in regions like the Indo-Pacific.
Advanced Stealth:
Reduced radar and infrared signature makes it nearly invisible.
Drone Coordination:
The F-47 is designed to team with 2-5 collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) drones (YFQ-42, YFQ-44), forming a "system of systems." Its digital design and open-system architecture make it adaptable to future technologies.
Weaknesses...
High Cost:
At $300 million per jet, it costs three times more than the F-35. Its combat capability remains unproven.
Limited Information:
Design features (like canard wings) are kept secret, and renderings might be misleading.
2. Russia's Su-57 Felon
Source: aajtak
Su-57 is Russia's fifth-generation stealth fighter jet, which first took flight in 2010. It was inducted into the Russian Air Force in 2020.
Key Features...
Speed: Mach 2+ (approximately 2470 km/h), capable of supercruise.
Range: 3,500 km (without additional tanks), 4,500 km (with tanks).
Stealth: RCS 0.1-0.5 square meters, less stealthy than the F-35.
Engine: Two AL-41F1 engines, each with 35,000 pounds of thrust.
Weapons: 12 hardpoints (6 internal, 6 external), 30mm cannon, Kh-38M, and Kh-59Mk2 missiles.
Sensors: AESA radar, thrust vectoring for maneuverability.
Price: $35-50 million per jet.
Production: Less than 40 jets manufactured; Ukraine war impacted production.
Also Read: Will Putin respond to Ukrainian drone attacks with a 'Super Weapon'? Weapons unused so far
Strengths...
Supermaneuverability: Thrust vectoring makes it agile in the air.
Long Range:
Capable of covering long distances without refueling.
Low Cost:
Cheaper compared to the F-35 and F-47.
Weaknesses...
Limited Stealth:
Higher RCS makes it detectable by radar.
Low Production:
Only under 40 jets produced.
Combat Experience:
Limited combat use, primarily in Syria.
3. China's J-35A
Source: aajtak
The J-35A (advanced version of Shenyang FC-31) is China's fifth-generation stealth fighter jet, designed primarily for naval operations. It was showcased at the 2024 Zhuhai Airshow.
Key Features...
Speed: Mach 1.8 (approximately 2200 km/h).
Range: Approximately 2,000 km.
Stealth: Claimed to be on par with F-35 in RCS, but exact figures not provided.
Engine: Two WS-19 engines, each with 22,000 pounds of thrust.
Weapons: 6-8 hardpoints, PL-15 missiles, guided bombs.
Sensors: AESA radar, electronic warfare systems.
Price: $70-90 million per jet.
Production: Early stages, delivery to Pakistan planned by 2026.
Also Read: Why Russia failed to stop Ukrainian drone attacks with the same S-400 missile that helped India thwart PAK strikes
Strengths...
Naval Operations:
Suited for aircraft carriers.
Export Potential:
Delivery planned for Pakistan, raising concerns for India.
Long-range Missiles:
Effective PL-15 missiles.
Weaknesses...
Unproven in combat.
Engine:
The WS-19 engine is less powerful compared to F-35 and F-47 engines.
Design Concerns:
Allegedly inspired by F-35 and F-22 designs.
Which is the Most Advanced?
F-47:
Considered the most advanced due to its sixth-generation status, as it...
Stealth++:
Has the lowest RCS, making it nearly invisible to radar.
Long Range:
With a range of over 1,000 nautical miles, it is effective in Indo-Pacific missions.
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Drone Coordination:
With CCA drones (YFQ-42, YFQ-44), it forms a "system of systems." Digital design and open architecture prepare it for future advancements.
Su-57:
Excels in speed and supermaneuverability but lags in stealth and sensors compared to the F-47. The Ukraine conflict impacted production and economy.
J-35A:
Suitable for naval operations, but lacks combat experience and engine power, putting it behind the F-47.
Why Is F-47 the Most Advanced?
Sixth-Generation: F-47 is the first sixth-generation jet, surpassing fifth-generation jets (F-35, Su-57, J-35A) in stealth, range, and drone coordination.
Stealth++: Better stealth than F-22 and F-35 protects against Chinese HQ-9 and Russian S-400 missiles.
Combat Radius: With a radius over 1,000 nautical miles, it is ideal for long-distance missions.
CCA Drones: Able to control 2-5 drones, enhancing its strike capabilities.
What Does It Mean for India?
Source: aajtak
China and Pakistan Challenge:
J-35A's intended export to Pakistan poses a threat to India. China holds over 300 J-20s and J-35As.
India's Status:
India possesses 36 Rafales and Su-30MKIs but lacks a fifth or sixth-generation jet.
Options:
The US has offered F-35 and F-47 to India, while Russia proposes collaboration on Su-57.
AMCA Project:
India's indigenous fifth-generation jet AMCA could be ready by 2035.
The F-47 is considered the world's most advanced fighter jet due to its sixth-generation technology, superior stealth, long-range capabilities, and drone coordination. The Su-57 excels in speed and supermaneuverability, but its stealth is lacking. The J-35A is suitable for naval use but lacks combat experience and engine power. India must consider acquiring jets like the F-47 or Su-57 while accelerating the AMCA project.
