In a series of simulated air combat encounters over Syria, the American F-22A Raptor consistently outperformed the Russian Su-35S and Su-30SM fighter jets.
American Jet Dominates Russian Fighters in Simulated Combat
These engagements, described as realistic but constrained by safety protocols, provided a rare glimpse into the combat capabilities of these advanced warplanes. A Russian military blogger, known as Fighterbomber and believed to have ties to the Russian Air Force, shared details of these encounters, igniting discussions about the strengths and weaknesses of modern aerial combat platforms.
The simulated dogfights took place in unpredictable and varied conditions, where altitude, speed, and payload differed widely. Despite these variables, the F-22 emerged victorious in every engagement.
While specifics about the battles remain limited, the American stealth fighter’s superior design and advanced avionics played a crucial role in securing its dominance. The engagements were reportedly designed to mimic wartime conditions—chaotic and unfair—yet the F-22 demonstrated overwhelming superiority.
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Although the aircraft were armed, the simulated fights were conducted with “blunted blades,” meaning that live fire was not an immediate threat. This allowed pilots to engage in high-stakes combat scenarios without the risk of real casualties or escalation.
The results reaffirmed the F-22’s reputation as a premier air superiority fighter, a status it has maintained since entering service with the U.S. Air Force in 2005.
Why the F-22 Triumphed Over the Su-30 and Su-35
The F-22A Raptor, developed by Lockheed Martin, is known for its stealth capabilities, advanced sensor fusion, and exceptional maneuverability. It features thrust-vectoring nozzles that allow it to make sharp turns and maintain high energy levels during close-range aerial battles, often referred to as within-visual-range (WVR) combat.
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Analysts have long recognized the Raptor’s advantage in stealth and situational awareness. Its ability to process sensor data in real-time gives its pilot a significant edge, enabling them to anticipate enemy movements and react with precision. This, combined with its aerodynamic design, makes the F-22 a nearly untouchable adversary in dogfights.
On the other hand, the Su-35S and Su-30SM are formidable fighters in their own right. Developed by Russia’s Sukhoi design bureau, these jets boast thrust-vectoring engines that enhance their agility, as well as powerful radar systems and advanced weapons.
The Su-35S, an upgraded version of the Su-27, is a single-seat fighter with long-range capabilities and impressive dogfighting skills. The Su-30SM, a two-seat multirole fighter, is designed for both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, making it a versatile combat platform.
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Despite these strengths, Fighterbomber’s account suggests that the Russian jets struggled against the F-22 in these simulated engagements. The exact parameters of the encounters remain unclear, but key factors such as pilot training, mission setups, and starting conditions could have played a role. The blogger acknowledged that the fights were “one-on-one” but not necessarily fair, hinting at potential disadvantages for the Russian pilots.
Implications of These Simulated Battles
Aviation experts have analyzed the reported engagements, emphasizing the F-22’s superior situational awareness and real-time data processing. Former F-16 pilot John Venable noted that these capabilities, combined with its aerodynamic design, give the Raptor a decisive edge even in close-range combat.
Russian analyst Viktor Murakhovsky defended the Su-35S, arguing that its maneuverability makes it a formidable dogfighter under the right conditions. He speculated that the simulated engagements may have favored the F-22 but did not dispute the reported results.
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If these encounters occurred over Syria, they add a geopolitical dimension, given past tense interactions between U.S. and Russian air forces in the region. Fighterbomber also speculated on the Su-57’s potential against the F-22, though Russia’s stealth fighter remains largely untested in real combat. The MiG-31 was mentioned as a possible factor, but its role is more suited for long-range engagements than dogfighting.
Past data supports the F-22’s dominance, with Red Flag exercises showing kill ratios exceeding 100-to-1 against simulated adversaries. Meanwhile, Russia’s Defense Ministry has highlighted the Su-35S’s successes in Syria, though direct comparisons with Western aircraft remain scarce. While the exact conditions of these engagements are unclear, they offer insight into modern aerial warfare and the ongoing competition for air superiority.
