Can an F-22A Raptor defeat other aircraft including the Sukhoi?
The F-22A has an unassailable advantage over all current combat aircraft by virtue of having high performance all aspect stealth capability, supersonic cruise capability, and the longest ranging radar in any current air combat fighter. Should Russian Sukhois be retrofitted with supersonic cruise engines, the F-22A will still maintain its advantage as the Sukhoi has no stealth, a less capable radar, and its supercruise persistence will be inferior to the F-22A. The only aircraft which could challenge an F-22A is a supercruising fighter with similar stealth and radar capabilities. Russia no longer has the capability for the required investment to develop such a fighter and the supporting stealth technology. The F-22A will be unbeatable for decades.
