F-35 Lightning II vs. Mikoyan MiG-31

The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II is a family of single-seat, single-engine stealth multirole combat aircraft developed by Lockheed Martin, with principal partners Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems. Designed to perform air superiority and strike missions, it also provides electronic warfare and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. The F-35 has three main variants: the conventional takeoff and landing F-35A, the short take-off and vertical-landing F-35B, and the carrier-based F-35C​​.

Production History: The F-35 was the culmination of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program, which merged various combat aircraft programs from the 1980s and 90s. It descends from the Lockheed Martin X-35, which in 2001 won the JSF competition over the Boeing X-32. The program has been supported by the United States, along with NATO and close U.S. allies. Despite the criticism for its size, complexity, and cost, the F-35 first flew in 2006 and entered service with the U.S. Marine Corps F-35B in July 2015, followed by the U.S. Air Force F-35A in August 2016 and the U.S. Navy F-35C in February 2019. Over 1000 units have been produced since 2006​​​​.

Design Features: The F-35 is known for its stealth capabilities, advanced sensor package, and electronic sensors like the Electro-Optical Distributed Aperture System (DAS) and the Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS). The F-35 is designed to replace aging fighter inventories such as the U.S. Air Force F-16s and A-10s, U.S. Navy F/A-18s, and U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harriers and F/A-18s​​​​.

Operational History: The F-35 first saw combat in 2018 with the Israeli Air Force. It is planned to be a cornerstone of NATO and U.S.-allied air power, with the U.S. planning to buy 2,456 F-35s through 2044. The aircraft is expected to operate until 2070. It is designed to provide pilots with unsurpassed situational awareness, positive target identification, and precision strike in all weather conditions​​.

Comparison with Similar Models:

F-35 Lightning II vs. F-22 Raptor

Stealth and Air Superiority: While both aircraft offer advanced stealth capabilities, the F-22 is optimized for air superiority with higher maneuverability and speed. In contrast, the F-35 emphasizes multirole flexibility, with superior sensor fusion and strike capabilities.

Network-Centric Warfare: The F-35 is designed from the ground up for network-centric warfare, with the ability to share information seamlessly with allied forces. The F-22 has significant data link capabilities but does not match the F-35's level of sensor integration and information distribution.

F-35 Lightning II vs. Su-57 "Felon"

Multirole Versatility vs. Air Dominance: The Su-57 is Russia's answer to fifth-generation capabilities, focusing on air dominance with some ground attack capabilities. The F-35, while capable in air-to-air combat, provides a broader multirole function.

Global Deployment and Support: The F-35 has seen widespread adoption among U.S. allies, benefiting from a multinational development program. The Su-57, while a technological showcase for Russia, has not achieved the same level of international deployment.

The Mikoyan MiG-31 "Foxhound," is a high-speed interceptor aircraft developed by the Soviet Union in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It was designed as a successor to the MiG-25, with the primary mission of engaging and destroying enemy aircraft at long ranges and high altitudes. The MiG-31 entered service with the Soviet Air Defense Forces in 1981 and remains one of the fastest combat jets in the world.

Production History: The development of the MiG-31 began in the early 1970s, aiming to address the shortcomings of the MiG-25, particularly in terms of radar technology and overall combat capabilities. The first prototype flew in 1975, leading to the aircraft's introduction into operational service in 1981. Over its production life, which officially ended in 1994, approximately 500 MiG-31s were built.

Design Features: The MiG-31 is distinguished by its large airframe, twin-engine configuration, and advanced Zaslon radar system, which was the first phased-array radar fitted to a fighter aircraft. This radar enables the MiG-31 to detect and engage targets at ranges exceeding 200 kilometers, far beyond visual range. The aircraft is powered by two powerful Soloviev D-30F6 turbofan engines, allowing it to reach speeds up to Mach 2.83.

Operational History: The MiG-31 has primarily served in the air defense role, patrolling the vast borders of the Soviet Union and its successor state, Russia. It has been a vital component of Russia's air defense strategy, capable of intercepting high-speed reconnaissance aircraft, bombers, and cruise missiles. The MiG-31 has not seen combat in major conflicts but has been regularly updated to maintain its relevance against modern threats.

Comparison with Similar Models:

MiG-31 vs. MiG-25

Role and Capabilities: Both aircraft were designed as high-speed interceptors, but the MiG-31 significantly surpasses the MiG-25 in terms of radar capabilities, engagement range, and multi-target tracking ability. The MiG-31's design improvements allow it to engage low-flying targets effectively, addressing a key limitation of the MiG-25.

Performance: While the MiG-25 set speed and altitude records, the MiG-31 offers better overall performance, including the ability to fly at high speeds at lower altitudes, increased endurance, and improved combat effectiveness.

MiG-31 vs. F-22 Raptor

Design Evolution: The F-22 Raptor represents a leap in technology as a fifth-generation fighter, emphasizing stealth, agility, and situational awareness. In contrast, the MiG-31 focuses on high speed, altitude, and long-range detection and engagement, prioritizing a different set of operational requirements.

Operational Capabilities: The F-22 excels in stealth, air superiority, and ground attack roles, making it versatile on the modern battlefield. The MiG-31, however, remains unmatched in its niche as a long-range interceptor, capable of engaging targets at distances where most fighters cannot operate effectively.