The F-35 Lightning-II fighter jet and the F-22 Raptor are two of the most prominent fighters in the US military fleet. Although they are not in the same category, their comparison is relevant to analyze their efficiency in the current world war scenario.
The relevance of the comparative F-35 and F-22
The F-35 and F-22 fighters represent the spearhead of American aerospace technology. Despite the differences in their roles – the F-35 is oriented towards ground attack and air defense missions, while the F-22 was designed for air dominance – their comparison is essential to understand their performance in combat situations.
Based on observations in several recent conflicts, the running hypothesis is that the F-35 could outperform the F-22 in efficiency. This affirmation is evaluated based on conflicts such as the one in Ukraine and Russia and the tensions along the China-Taiwan-United States axis, without ruling out information from other conflicts.
The determining factor in modern conflicts
Traditionally, the outcome of a war could depend on the number of belligerents, the formation of the troops, the war tactics and the willingness to risk. However, the paradigm has changed in the modern context. Currently, neither the quantity nor the quality of weapons are key factors in the outcome of a war.
The case of the war between Ukraine and Russia exemplifies this change. Although Russia has a larger and better-armed army, and despite its experience in conflicts such as Syria, Libya or Nagorno-Karabakh, Ukraine has resisted and maintained its positions, even recovering part of the occupied territories.
Information as the key to resistance
Ukraine persists, and Russia cannot win this war because of access to information. Ukraine receives data from NATO and the United States on Russian force movements, air defense positions, Russian Black Sea Fleet tactics, and more.
In fact, Russia cannot defeat Ukraine because “its position is also illuminated by American satellites.” British infantry, US satellites, early warning aircraft and spy drones provide Ukraine with vital information to maintain resistance.
The transition from air combat to information warfare
The war scene has undergone a drastic transformation since the days of air battles in the Korean War. Today, warfare is less about direct dogfights and more about efficient information management.
Modern warplanes, including Russian ones, use satellite data, GPS, and geolocation to strike precise targets. Advanced technologies allow artillery from decades past to operate with futuristic precision, while drones and missiles operate with pinpoint accuracy.
In this new paradigm, the F-35 seems to have an advantage over the F-22, thanks to its impressive ability to gather and share information, even though the F-22 possesses superior stealth characteristics, higher speed, and better maneuverability.
The F-22 and F-35: A Contrast of Capabilities
In close combat, the F-22 Raptor has the advantage over the F-35 due to its superiority in various technical aspects. It has a higher stealth rating, a higher rate of climb, and can reach a speed of Mach 2.25, while the F-35 would hit Mach 1.6 with luck.
In addition, the F-22 has more advanced weapon systems and stealth capabilities that the Pentagon does not allow pilots to use. However, the F-35 has a significant advantage in the current information warfare scenario.
The F-35 and the Supremacy of Information
The F-35 Lightning-II is noted for its ability to collect and share radio frequency, electro-optical, infrared, and laser information. Its ability to collect data from a broad spectrum is essential in today’s operations, offering a broader range of action than the F-22.
In protracted conflicts, like the one in Ukraine or in the current war between China and Taiwan, an aircraft designed for air-to-ground attack missions like the F-35 is practically unbeatable.
The F-35 Information Network: Sharing and Protecting
The F-35 collects information and shares it through a data network connected to multiple F-35s, providing a vast array of information to warfighters. Plus, you can share data with almost any weapon system that meets NATO standards, whether on the ground, in the air, or at sea.
What sets the F-35 apart is its ability to improve and increase the accuracy of information shared with sensors outside the aircraft. This allows it to act as a combat platform and as a protector of other weapon systems connected to its information network.
The F-35: Impacting the battle without engaging in direct combat
The F-35, present in the airspace near Ukraine, has proven its worth even without engaging in direct combat actions. As wartime progresses, the role of the F-35, whose presence and information sharing can affect the outcome of the battle, becomes increasingly apparent. This underscores why the F-35 is more effective than the F-22 in today’s theater of operations.
How do the F-35 Lightning-II and F-22 Raptor compare?
The F-22 Raptor would have the advantage in direct combat due to its superiority in several technical characteristics. However, in the current context of information warfare, the F-35 Lightning-II has a significant advantage thanks to its ability to collect and share information on a large scale.
How important is information in modern conflicts?
Information has become critical in modern conflicts. Cases such as the war between Ukraine and Russia demonstrate how access to detailed and accurate information about the adversary’s movements and tactics can influence the outcome of a conflict. The ability to collect and share information is what sets fighters like the F-35 apart.
How has air combat evolved in the modern era?
Air combat has undergone a significant transformation, moving away from direct engagements and focusing more on efficient information management. Modern aircraft use satellite, GPS, and geolocation data to strike precise targets, making old technologies work with futuristic precision.
How does the F-35 Lightning-II contribute to information warfare?
The F-35 is noted for its ability to collect and share radio frequency, electro-optical, infrared, and laser information. In addition, its information network allows data to be shared with almost any weapon system that meets NATO standards, improving the accuracy of information sharing.
How has the F-35 affected the battle without going into direct combat?
Although the F-35 does not engage in direct combat actions, its presence in the airspace and its ability to exchange information can significantly affect the outcome of the battle. This ability to impact the course of conflict without engaging in direct combat is one of the factors that makes the F-35 more effective than the F-22 in today’s theater of operations.
