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.
Feature | F-22 Raptor | Rafale |
---|---|---|
Origin | United States | France |
Generation | 5th | 4.5 |
Stealth Capability | Full stealth design | Limited stealth (Radar Cross Section reduction) |
Top Speed | Mach 2.25 | Mach 1.8 |
Supercruise | Yes (Mach 1.8) | Yes (Mach 1.4) |
Radar | AN/APG-77 AESA radar | RBE2-AA AESA radar |
Thrust Vectoring | Yes | No |
Weapons Bay | Internal | External and semi-conformal |
Multirole Capability | Primarily air superiority | True multirole (air-to-air, air-to-ground, nuclear) |
Avionics & EW Suite | Advanced stealth & fusion | Spectra EW Suite |
Cost per Unit | ~$150 million | ~$85 million |
Export Status | Not available for export | Exported to India, Egypt, Qatar, UAE |
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.
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.
Specification | F-22 Raptor | Rafale |
---|---|---|
Combat Range | ~850 km (internal fuel) | ~1,850 km (with drop tanks) |
Ferry Range | ~3,000 km | ~3,700 km |
Aerial Refueling | Yes | Yes |
Use Case Matters:
Coffee is one of the most loved drinks in the world. People enjoy it in…
India is a land of rich natural beauty, with many different types of forests. Among…
Patna is a well-known city in India with a long and rich history. It is…
The Madhya Pradesh government has launched a new initiative offering monthly stipends to unemployed youth—₹6,000…
During his UK visit in July 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented a tree sapling…
World Mangrove Day, observed every year on July 26, is an important environmental awareness day…