In 2025, Europe boasts two formidable fighter jets in its air forces: the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II and the Eurofighter Typhoon. Both are products of multinational defense collaborations, but that’s where their similarities end. The F-35 is a cutting-edge, stealthy fifth-generation fighter from the U.S., while the Typhoon is a seasoned fourth-generation-plus air superiority aircraft without stealth capabilities. Deciding which is superior isn’t straightforward, but a NATO drill over Germany in September 2024 provided some insights. During this exercise, an F-35A and a Typhoon faced off in a rare visual-range dogfight, offering a glimpse into their capabilities.

At Ramstein Air Base, Captain Patrick “Hobbit” Pearce in an F-35A squared off against 1st Lieutenant Alexander “Stitch” Grant in a Typhoon. Neither pilot knew who they would be up against until they met in the sky. The Typhoon’s powerful engines and nimble design allowed Grant to outmaneuver Pearce, eventually scoring a simulated gun kill. This outcome wasn’t unexpected, as the F-35 excels in stealth and long-range engagements, while the Typhoon is designed for air superiority. The exercise highlighted the Typhoon’s prowess in close combat, reminiscent of its past successes against other advanced fighters like the F-22 Raptor and the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.

Ultimately, the F-35’s strength lies in its advanced radar and sensor systems, which allow it to detect and engage threats from a distance. In real combat, pilots like Pearce would leverage these advantages or call for reinforcements rather than engage in close-range dogfights. This NATO exercise underscored the importance of understanding each aircraft’s unique strengths and how they can be best utilized in various combat scenarios.

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Originally reported by Simple Flying Read More