F-22 Raptor vs Rafale: A Detailed Fighter Jet Comparison

The F-22 Raptor and the Dassault Rafale are two of the most capable fighter aircraft in the world, developed by the United States and France, respectively. While both are designed for air superiority, they serve different strategic purposes and operate with distinct philosophies in design and deployment.

This article presents a comprehensive comparison of the two jets based on design, specifications, capabilities, and combat readiness.

Overview: Origins and Roles

F-22 Raptor

• Developer: Lockheed Martin (USA)
• Role: Stealth air superiority fighter
• Generation: 5th generation
• Entered Service: 2005 (USAF)
• Status: In service, production ended in 2012

Dassault Rafale

• Developer: Dassault Aviation (France)
• Role: Multirole fighter (air superiority, ground attack, reconnaissance)
• Generation: 4.5 generation
• Entered Service: 2001 (French Air Force and Navy)
• Status: In service and in production (including Indian Air Force)

Key Differences at a Glance

Airframe and Design Philosophy

F-22 Raptor

The F-22 was designed for stealth and air dominance, with internal weapons bays, angled surfaces, and radar-absorbing materials. It prioritizes low observability, high-speed interception, and superior BVR (Beyond Visual Range) combat.

Rafale

The Rafale is built for versatility, capable of performing multiple roles in a single mission. While it incorporates some stealth features (like reduced radar signature and composite materials), it does not match the F-22’s stealth. Its strength lies in its sensors, weapons flexibility, and mission adaptability.

Radar and Avionics

F-22: AN/APG-77 Radar

• High-end AESA radar
• Offers stealthy tracking, jamming resistance, and multi-target engagement
• Integrated with sensor fusion for real-time situational awareness

Rafale: RBE2-AA AESA Radar

• First European fighter with AESA radar
• Provides long-range detection and high-resolution mapping
• Coupled with SPECTRA EW suite, which offers one of the best electronic warfare capabilities globally

Weapons and Payload

F-22 Armament

• Internal weapons bay for stealth
• Can carry:

1. 6x AIM-120 AMRAAM (BVR missiles)
2. 2x AIM-9 Sidewinder
3. 1x M61 Vulcan Cannon
4. Optional ground attack load (limited role)

Rafale Armament

• 14 hardpoints (5 under the fuselage, 2 under wings)
• Can carry:

1. Meteor, MICA (air-to-air missiles)
2. Scalp EG, Hammer, AM39 Exocet (air-to-ground/sea)
3. Nuclear weapons (ASMP-A missile)
4. Laser-guided bombs, pods

• Can perform air-to-air, air-to-ground, and anti-ship missions in a single sortie

Stealth and Survivability

• F-22: Offers true stealth, nearly invisible to most radars. Also equipped with thrust vectoring and supercruise, allowing supersonic speed without afterburners.
• Rafale: Uses passive stealth like radar-absorbent materials and careful shaping. Its SPECTRA suite helps it avoid detection and engage in electronic countermeasures.

Combat Range and Endurance

Operational Use and Export

• The F-22 is exclusively operated by the United States Air Force and has never been exported due to technology protection policies.
• The Rafale has been widely exported, with orders from India, Egypt, Qatar, UAE, and others. Its multirole nature makes it attractive to diverse air forces.

Which One Is Better?

• The F-22 Raptor is superior in air superiority missions, stealth, speed, and BVR combat.
• The Rafale excels in multirole versatility, ease of maintenance, cost-effectiveness, and mission flexibility.

Use Case Matters:

• For stealth-based deep penetration and air dominance, F-22 wins.
• For a balanced mix of missions, long-term operations, and cost efficiency, Rafale is more practical—especially for export customers like India.