Can the F-35 Remain Undetected by Radar in Confrontations with Other Fighter Jets?

When discussing stealth aircraft, we often talk about their ability to avoid detection by radar systems. Aircraft like the F-117 Nighthawk, the F-35 Lightning II, and even the F-22 Raptor have significantly reduced radar cross sections (RCS) that make them nearly invisible to radar. The F-35 has a substantially smaller RCS, similar to the F-22. As a result, it is possible for the F-35 to approach another fighter jet without being detected by radar, though it does not have to get that close, as even at long-range locations, such as 100 kilometers or more, the aircraft can still detect incoming threats.

The Technical Background of F-35 Stealth Capabilities

The F-35 Lightning II is designed with advanced stealth technology. Its RCS is approximately 0.0015 square meters, which is comparable to the size of a golf ball on radar, while other fighters like the F-23 would appear as small as a marble. Although the F-35 has not yet experienced true combat scenarios, the F-22 serves as a reliable indicator of its stealth capabilities. The F-22, with a similar RCS, demonstrated its stealth capabilities during an intercept mission against an Iranian F-4 Phantom.

Intercept Mission Success with F-35 Stealth

During a recent intercept mission, the F-22s were scrambled to address a threat from an Iranian F-4 Phantom. The F-4 pilot was unaware of the F-22s' presence until one F-22 pilot approached the F-4 pilot from his point of view and said, You should go home. The F-4, feeling intimidated, left the area. If F-35s were used in this scenario instead, they likely would have achieved the same result, given their comparable stealth capabilities.

Real-World Application of F-35 Stealth

Israel has also used the F-35 in long-range ground strike operations against undefended targets. Notably, Israel recently revealed that an F-35 was used to shoot down a cruise missile. This operation further demonstrates the stealth weaponry's effectiveness in operational scenarios.

Given the F-35's advanced radar absorption coatings, structural design, and advanced electronic countermeasures, it presents a formidable challenge to modern radar systems. While the F-35 cannot remain completely undetected under all conditions, its reduced RCS significantly enhances its ability to evade radar detection, especially during long-range missions.

Conclusion: The F-35's stealth capabilities make it an ideal candidate for approaching other fighter jets without detection. Given its proven stealth technology and operational effectiveness in long-range scenarios, the F-35 is capable of remaining undetected by radar, especially at distances beyond conventional missile ranges. This makes it a highly effective aircraft for modern air-to-air and air-to-ground missions where stealth and surprise are critical.