What Would Happen in a Dogfight Between F-35, Su-57, or JAS-39E?

The debate over the theoretical outcomes of a dogfight between a F-35, Su-57, or JAS-39E is as prevalent as it is complex. In this article, we delve into the technical and tactical advantages of each aircraft, considering the current state of their development and operational capabilities. This examination will also address the timing and possible nature of such a conflict, be it in the upcoming years or a distant future.

The Performance of F-35 vs Su-57

The F-35, often hailed as the future of air superiority, showcases a blend of advanced stealth technology, cutting-edge avionics, and unparalleled agility. In contrast, the Su-57, developed by Russia, has been dogged by mixed reviews, with many questioning its true capabilities. The Su-57, despite boasting advanced systems, faces significant challenges, most notably its operational clearance and past incidents such as the crash of its only operational model in December 2019. This crash not only highlights the matured nature of the F-35 but also raises doubts about the Su-57's reliability in combat.

Technical Breakdown

**Agility and Maneuverability** Outside of post-stall maneuvers, the F-35 is at least as agile as the Su-57. Post-stall maneuvers are essentially airshow tricks with little combat utility, as they often compromise momentum and initiative. **Armed Superiority**: The F-35 excels in its armament, featuring superior missile configurations compared to the Su-57. This advantage is a testament to the extensive testing and operational feedback gathered during F-35 deployments.

**Operational Characteristics** As of now, the Su-57 has not been operationally cleared, and its only known fully operational model met a tragic end in December 2019. This situation underscores the vast technological and practical gap between the F-35 and the Su-57. The F-35, on the other hand, is a leading operational fighter, fully integrated into the modern battlefield and undergoing continuous upgrades to enhance its capabilities.

Predicting the Future

The future of fighter aircraft confrontations remains uncertain, with a mix of factors influencing their performance. While the F-35 currently holds a slight edge, both the F-35 and Su-57 will continue to evolve, adding another layer of complexity to any theoretical confrontation.

Confrontation Timing and Nature

The timing and nature of such a confrontation remain highly speculative. If the scenario were to unfold in the present, the F-35 would likely dominate. However, if this event were to occur in the near future, say between now and five years, both fighters would be in a different stage of development.

In a BVR (Beyond Visual Range) confrontation, the F-35's stealth and advanced sensor systems would give it a significant advantage, rendering the Su-57 incapable of detecting the incoming threat until it's too late. This is primarily because the Su-57 is not a fully stealthy aircraft, boasting a radar cross-section comparable to a large flying object.

In a WVR (Within Visual Range) scenario, the F-35's primary mission is to avoid such engagements. If a pilot were to misjudge the situation and find themselves in a dogfight, the chances of an F-35 pilot slipping up are highly slim due to the aircraft's advanced technology and training protocols. However, the mere presence of a fully operational and tested F-35 against a prototype or unproven aircraft would dramatically tilt the odds in favor of the F-35.

Conclusion

While theoretical exercises can provide valuable insights, the true indications of a fighter aircraft's capabilities are often revealed through actual combat and extensive testing. The ongoing evolution of both the F-35 and the Su-57 ensures that their capabilities will continue to be redefined, making any prediction about a future confrontation highly speculative.

**Key Takeaways** The F-35 is currently more reliable and better armed than the Su-57. Operational experience and continuous upgrades play a significant role in a fighter jet's combat effectiveness. Technological advancements and the nature of a confrontation (BVR vs WVR) will significantly influence the outcome.