F-35 Lightning II vs Yak-38 Forger

American multirole stealth fighter, developed in the early 21st century, extensively deployed in global military operations.
Picture of F-35 Lightning II
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Lockheed Martin
First flight 15 December 2006
Year introduced 2013
Number produced 965 units
Average unit price $85 million
Soviet vertical takeoff/landing fighter, developed during the Cold War, primarily utilized on Soviet naval aviation carriers.
Picture of Yak-38 Forger
Origin country 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Yakovlev
First flight 27 September 1970
Year introduced 1976
Number produced 231 units
Average unit price $12 million
Wing area 43.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 11.0 m â—‰
Height 4.4 m â—‰
Length 15.6 m â—‰
Maximum speed 1960 km/h â—‰
Operational range 2,800 km â—‰
Service ceiling 15,000 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 27,216 kg â—‰
Empty weight 14,651 kg â—‰
Total thrust 1 x 19,500 kgf â—‰
Profile drawing of Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II
Wing area 18.5 m² ◉
Wingspan 7.3 m â—‰
Height 4.4 m â—‰
Length 15.5 m â—‰
Maximum speed 1210 km/h â—‰
Operational range 1,300 km â—‰
Service ceiling 11,300 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 11,200 kg â—‰
Empty weight 7,020 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 6,100 kgf â—‰
Profile drawing of Yakovlev Yak-38 Forger

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the F-35 Lightning II or Yak-38 Forger?
The F-35 Lightning II is faster with a maximum speed of 1,960 km/h compared to the Yak-38 Forger's 1,210 km/h, a difference of 750 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F-35 Lightning II or Yak-38 Forger?
The F-35 Lightning II has a longer range at 2,800 km compared to the Yak-38 Forger's 1,300 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-35 Lightning II or Yak-38 Forger?
The F-35 Lightning II has a higher service ceiling at 15,000 meters (49,212 ft) compared to the Yak-38 Forger's 11,300 meters (37,073 ft).
Which is heavier, the F-35 Lightning II or Yak-38 Forger?
The F-35 Lightning II has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 27,216 kg compared to the Yak-38 Forger's 11,200 kg.
Which is larger, the F-35 Lightning II or Yak-38 Forger?
The F-35 Lightning II is longer at 15.6 meters compared to the Yak-38 Forger's 15.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F-35 Lightning II or Yak-38 Forger?
The F-35 Lightning II is more expensive at approximately $85 million per unit compared to the Yak-38 Forger at $12 million.
Which entered service first, the F-35 Lightning II or Yak-38 Forger?
The Yak-38 Forger entered service first in 1976, 37 years before the F-35 Lightning II which entered service in 2013.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F-35 Lightning II or Yak-38 Forger?
The F-35 Lightning II has been produced in greater numbers with 965 units compared to 231 units of the Yak-38 Forger.