F-35 je često kritikovan zbog relativno slabije manevarske sposobnosti za jedan lovac pete generacije. Iako je daleko od "smeća" (može 9G i ima odlične performanse pri visokim napadnim uglovima), on ne može parirati Su-57 u bliskoj borbi. F-35 se oslanja na filozofiju "first look, first kill" (prvi vidi, prvi ubije). Njegov cilj je da uništi Su-57 prije nego što ga Su-57 uopće ugleda.
F-35 je dizajniran kao prava "nevidljiva" platforma. Njegov RCS je otprilike veličine metalne golf loptice (oko 0.001 m²). Ovo je postignuto preciznim geometrijskim oblikovanjem, upotrebom kompozitnih materijala i posebnim premazima koji apsorbiraju radarske valove. F-35 nosi oružje u unutrašnjim spremnicima (weapons bays), što dodatno smanjuje njegov potpis. Bez spoljnih rezervoara za gorivo, F-35 je izuzetno teško otkriti na velikim udaljenostima. su 57 protiv f 35
Primarily a defensive air-superiority platform, the Su-57 is built to protect Russian airspace by intercepting stealth intruders. It emphasizes supermaneuverability F-35 je često kritikovan zbog relativno slabije manevarske
: The Su-57 is known for its exceptional maneuverability, thanks to its thrust vectoring engines and aerodynamic design. Njegov cilj je da uništi Su-57 prije nego
The F-35 pilot will never accept a close-in fight. With AIM-120D (160km range) and AIM-9X Block II/III (high off-boresight), the F-35 launches from beyond visual range (BVR), then turns cold (runs away). If the Su-57 survives to WVR (within visual range), the F-35 uses high-angle off-boresight shots from its helmet-mounted display—no need to out-turn.
U bliskoj borbi (dogfight), Su-57 pobjedjuje. U BVR (Beyond Visual Range – izvan vizuelnog dometa) borbi, F-35 ga može "skinuti" prije nego što Su-57 uopće zna gdje je.
The comparison between the Sukhoi Su-57 "Felon" and the Lockheed Martin F-35 "Lightning II" is not merely a comparison of two aircraft; it is a collision of two divergent philosophies regarding the future of warfare. One represents the apex of the Soviet-Russian doctrine of aeronautical supremacy—speed, maneuverability, and kinetic energy. The other represents the Western revolution in military affairs—networking, stealth, and information dominance.