Finland hosted the Atlantic Trident 2025 exercise for the first time in June under NATO’s banner, bringing together the Air Forces of the United States, Britain, and France. The high-intensity drill was aimed at boosting cooperation and testing interoperability among advanced fighter fleets.
But what grabbed the most attention was a symbolic dogfight showdown — where France’s Rafale fighter jet managed to outperform America’s fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II in close combat.
Rafale vs F-35: A Clash of Styles
The mock battle highlighted the contrasting philosophies behind the two jets. The Dassault Rafale, with its delta wing, canard design, and 4.5-generation agility, thrives in short-range dogfights, where rapid maneuvers and sharp turns make the difference.
On the other hand, the Lockheed Martin F-35 is designed with stealth and beyond-visual-range (BVR) warfare in mind. Its integrated sensors, stealth profile, and advanced missile systems are meant to neutralize enemies before they even appear on radar, reducing the need for close-range fights.
The Strengths of Rafale
France’s Rafale, often called an “Omnirole Fighter”, can carry up to 9 tons of armaments, ranging from MICA and Meteor air-to-air missiles to SCALP cruise missiles and Exocet anti-ship missiles. Powered by twin M88-2 engines, it reaches 1,800 km/h with a 3,700 km range.
Equipped with SPECTRA electronic warfare systems, AESA radar, and frontal optronics, the Rafale combines versatility with survivability, making it one of the most formidable 4.5-generation fighters.
The Power of the F-35
The American F-35 Lightning II, meanwhile, represents the pinnacle of stealth warfare. Powered by a single F135 engine, it achieves speeds of Mach 1.6 (1,900 km/h) with a combat range of 2,220 km.
Its real edge lies in its sensors: AESA radar, 360° Distributed Aperture System (DAS), Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS), and a helmet-mounted display that integrates battlefield data directly for the pilot. Armed with AIM-120 AMRAAM and AIM-9X missiles, JDAM bombs, and electronic warfare capabilities, the F-35 excels at striking from a distance.
Why Dogfights Still Matter
Modern aerial combat is dominated by long-range missile engagements, making dogfights rare. However, exercises like Atlantic Trident include close-combat training because war remains unpredictable. Pilots must be prepared for unexpected scenarios where agility and skill in close quarters can decide survival.
Symbolism of the Outcome
While the dogfight win by Rafale over the F-35 doesn’t diminish the latter’s technological superiority, it underscores a vital reality: air combat depends as much on tactics and situations as on machines. The Rafale demonstrated that agility still has a place in modern skies — even against the world’s most advanced stealth fighter.