5th-Generation Fighters in 2025: Full Comparison Guide

Daftar Isi

As the geopolitical chessboard heats up in 2025, air superiority has become more than a military advantage it’s a strategic necessity. The world’s leading powers are pouring billions into the development of 5th-generation fighter jets, sophisticated machines designed to dominate contested airspace, evade advanced air defenses, and carry out precision strikes with minimal detection. With new aircraft entering service and rival technologies evolving rapidly, the global air combat landscape is being reshaped in real time.

In this comprehensive comparison, we examine the top contenders of 2025 including the U.S. F-35 Lightning II and F-22 Raptor, China’s J-20 Mighty Dragon, Russia’s Su-57 Felon and Su-75 Checkmate, South Korea’s KF-21 Boramae, and more.

Which jet leads the pack in stealth? Which platform offers the best mix of range, firepower, and technology? And how do these aircraft reflect the strategic goals of the nations that built them? Here’s everything you need to know about 5th-generation fighters in 2025 a decisive look at the war machines shaping the future of warfare.

Introduction: 5th-Generation Fighters and the Future of Air Combat

Since the advent of air power, superiority in the skies has often dictated the outcome of wars. In the 21st century, 5th-generation fighters have emerged as game changers, blending stealth, advanced avionics, supercruise, and networked warfare into highly survivable platforms. As of 2025, the world’s air forces are rapidly modernizing their fleets, betting on stealth fighters as central to their future strategy. This guide provides the most comprehensive comparison of the major 5th-generation fighters operational or under development in 2025, offering a full analysis of strengths, weaknesses, technological innovations, and battlefield potential.

What Defines a 5th-Generation Fighter?

Not every advanced aircraft qualifies as "5th-gen." The standard defining features are:

• Low Observable (LO) Stealth: Both against radar (RCS reduction) and infrared signatures.
• Internal Weapons Bays: Avoids radar reflections caused by external pylons.
• Advanced Avionics and Sensor Fusion: Real-time data aggregation from radar, EW, IRST, etc.
• Network-Centric Warfare Capability: Sharing targeting and sensor data across units.
• Supercruise Ability: Sustained supersonic flight without afterburner.
• Agility and Maneuverability: Exceptional aerodynamics for dogfighting.

Aircraft missing any of these elements might be classed as "4.5-generation" rather than true 5th-gen.

The Global Line-Up of 5th-Generation Fighters (As of 2025)

1. Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor (United States)

Overview

First flown in 1997 and operational since 2005, the F-22 Raptor was the world's first 5th-gen fighter and remains the standard for air dominance.

Key Features

• Stealth: Unmatched in visual, radar, and IR signatures.
• Supercruise: Can cruise at Mach 1.8 without afterburner.
• Maneuverability: 2D thrust vectoring for extreme agility.
• Weapons: Focused on air superiority with AIM-120 AMRAAM and AIM-9X Sidewinders.

Strengths

• Peerless dogfight capability.
• Ultra-low RCS.
• Combat-proven.

Weaknesses

• High maintenance cost.
• Limited production (only ~187 units).
• Older sensor fusion technology compared to F-35.

Modernization

The USAF is continuously upgrading the F-22's radar, cockpit, and software under the Raptor Agile Capability Release (RACR) program to keep it lethal into the 2030s.

2. Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II (United States)

Overview

The world's most produced stealth fighter, the F-35 program is unprecedented in scope, cost (~$1.7 trillion lifetime), and technological ambition.

Variants:

• F-35A: Conventional Take-Off and Landing (CTOL).
• F-35B: Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL).
• F-35C: Carrier-based (larger wings, tail hook).

Key Features

• Stealth: Radar-evading from all angles.
• Sensor Fusion: Best-in-class situational awareness.
• Electronic Warfare: Advanced jamming and countermeasures.
• Interoperability: Networked with allies' systems worldwide.

Strengths

• Multirole versatility.
• Tremendous international support and upgrades.
• Dominant sensor and data fusion capability.

Weaknesses

• High operational cost.
• Supercruise limited (needs afterburners).
• Some early development problems.

Global Impact

As of 2025, over 980 F-35s are operational in 17+ countries, redefining coalition warfare.

3. Sukhoi Su-57 Felon (Russia)

Overview

Russia’s first 5th-gen fighter, intended as an F-22 rival, but has faced delays.

Key Features

• Maneuverability: 3D thrust vectoring nozzles.
• Weapons: Mix of air-to-air and air-to-ground options.
• Stealth: Moderate—emphasis on agility over extreme LO.

Strengths

• Superb kinematic performance.
• Strong payload capacity.
• Potentially cost-effective for Russia and allies.

Weaknesses

• Stealth compromises (e.g., engine nozzle exposure).
• Incomplete serial production (~24 units by 2025).
• Sensor fusion less mature than Western jets.

Future Developments

• Integration of Izdeliye 30 engines for better supercruise.
• Hypersonic missile capabilities in future variants.

4. Sukhoi Su-75 Checkmate (Russia)

Overview

Unveiled in 2021, targeting cost-sensitive export customers who want stealth at a fraction of the F-35’s price.

Key Features

• Single Engine: AL-41F1 derivative initially.
• Stealth: Designed for low RCS at low cost.
• Internal Weapons: Expected to carry air-to-air and precision strike weapons.

Strengths

• Extremely affordable for a stealth design.
• Simpler logistics than twin-engine fighters.
• Wide export appeal (India, UAE, Vietnam).

Weaknesses

• Unproven in combat.
• First flight only expected 2025–2026.
• Unknown sensor fusion and avionics maturity.

5. Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon (China)

Overview

China’s premier stealth fighter, first flown in 2011 and rapidly upgraded since.

Key Features

• Stealth: Good frontal aspect stealth.
• Sensors: AESA radar, IRST, and datalink improvements.
• Engines: Moving toward indigenous WS-15 engines for full supercruise.

Strengths

• Long range (~3,400 km).
• Growing operational experience (~200 units by 2025).
• Improved radar and weapons integration.

Weaknesses

• Canard design slightly compromises stealth.
• Still behind F-22/F-35 in sensor fusion quality.

6. Korea Aerospace Industries KF-21 Boramae (South Korea)

Overview

A stepping stone between 4.5- and 5th-gen fighters, with major technological ambitions.

Key Features

• Partial Stealth: Internal bays in future blocks.
• Sensors: AESA radar, IRST, integrated EW suite.
• Weapons: Compatible with Korean, American, and European munitions.

Strengths

• Affordable development path.
• Advanced avionics and radar.
• Strong regional deterrence.

Weaknesses

• Currently only semi-stealthy.
• Supercruise unavailable.

Technology Head-to-Head: Major Factors

1. Stealth: Which Fighter is the Hardest to Detect?

Rank	Fighter	Stealth Grade	Notes
1	F-22	A+	RCS reportedly like a metal marble
2	F-35	A	Optimized for stealth but bigger frontal RCS
3	J-20	B+	Effective, but canards degrade low observability
4	Su-75	B	Promising on paper
5	Su-57	B-	Less emphasis on stealth
6	KF-21	C	Semi-stealth only

2. Avionics and Sensor Fusion

F-35 leads hands down, with Su-57 and J-20 catching up slowly. Su-75 and KF-21 promise modern systems but are still developing.

3. Maneuverability and Dogfighting

While stealth minimizes detection, dogfight dominance still matters.

• Su-57 Felon (Thrust vectoring king)
• F-22 Raptor (High agility, perfect for close air battles)
• J-20 Mighty Dragon (Improving with new engines)

4. Cost and Export Potential

Fighter	Estimated Cost (per unit)	Export Status
F-35	$80–110 million	High (global)
Su-75	$30–35 million	High (future)
J-20	~$100 million	Low (restricted)
Su-57	~$50–70 million	Moderate (limited)
KF-21	~$65 million	Growing (Asia)
F-22	~$150 million (no exports)	None

Future Outlook: What’s Next After 5th-Gen?

Beyond 2025, 6th-generation fighters are already being conceptualized: NGAD (Next Generation Air Dominance) in the U.S., Tempest in the UK/Italy/Japan, and FCAS in France/Germany/Spain. These will include:

• AI integration.
• Drone wingmen (“loyal wingmen” concepts).
• Advanced stealth against quantum radars.

Conclusion: Who Dominates the Sky in 2025?

• Best Overall Multirole Fighter: F-35 Lightning II
• Best Air Superiority Fighter: F-22 Raptor
• Most Promising Future Export Fighter: Su-75 Checkmate
• Rising Asian Powerhouse: KF-21 Boramae
• China's Sky King: J-20 Mighty Dragon
• Maneuverability Master: Su-57 Felon

In short, the F-35 dominates the 2025 landscape thanks to its balance of stealth, sensors, and multirole adaptability — but challengers are growing stronger fast.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What defines a 5th-generation fighter jet?

5th-generation fighters are characterized by stealth technology, advanced avionics, sensor fusion, supercruise capability, and network-centric warfare features.

2. Which is the most advanced 5th-generation fighter in 2025?

The F-35 Lightning II is widely regarded as the most advanced due to its combat-proven status, global deployment, and cutting-edge technology integration.

3. How does the Su-57 compare to Western 5th-gen jets?

The Su-57 emphasizes supermaneuverability and speed but falls behind in stealth and sensor fusion compared to the F-22 and F-35.

4. Is the Chinese J-20 considered a true 5th-generation fighter?

Yes, the J-20 meets many 5th-gen criteria, especially in stealth and long-range engagement, though it still trails the F-35 in avionics and battle-proven systems.

5. Are any other countries developing 5th-gen fighters?

Yes, countries like South Korea (KF-21), Turkey (TF-X), and India (AMCA) are developing next-gen fighters, but most are still in prototype or early testing stages.

6. What makes the F-22 Raptor unique among 5th-gen fighters?

The F-22 combines unmatched air dominance, stealth, and supercruise with agility, but its limited numbers and export restrictions reduce its global impact.

7. Will 5th-generation fighters remain dominant with 6th-gen on the horizon?

Yes, 5th-gen jets will remain crucial through the 2030s as many air forces lack the capability or funds to deploy 6th-gen platforms widely.