Compare · Aircraft
Rafale vs F-35A Lightning II
RANKED BY PUBLISHED MAXIMUM SPEED (MACH) OF A CURRENTLY OPERATIONAL MANNED AIRCRAFT
#5 VS #6
CHECKED 06 SEPT 2026
Side by side
Verdict
Rafale ranks #5 of 7 on Published maximum speed (Mach) of a currently operational manned aircraft (Mach 1.8); F-35A Lightning II ranks #6 (Mach 1.6).
Rank 05 of 7 · leads
Published maximum speed (Mach) of a currently operational manned aircraft
Mach 1.8
MakerDassault Aviation
Date2001
Verified04 Sept 2026
Evidence
Dassault Aviation Rafale specifications and performance data page: "Max. speed M = 1.8 / 750 knots". Service ceiling 50,000 ft. In service with France and export customers; still in production.Rank 06 of 7
Published maximum speed (Mach) of a currently operational manned aircraft
Mach 1.6
MakerLockheed Martin
Date2016
Verified04 Sept 2026
Evidence
USAF F-35A Lightning II fact sheet, General Characteristics: "Speed: Mach 1.6 (~1,200 mph)". Same Mach 1.6 / ~1,200 mph cell on the 388th FW demo-team media kit and Airman Magazine airframe card.Try another pair
Source Boeing F-15EX product page; Saab Gripen E/F specs; USAF F-16 and F-35A fact sheets; Rosoboronexport Su-57E page; Dassault Rafale specs;…
Last checked 06 Sept 2026