Finland hosted the Atlantic Trident for the first time in June 2025. It took place under NATO, in which Air Force from America, Britain and France participated. Its purpose was to strengthen cooperation and interpreting in high intensity scenarios.

The most focus during the practice was a fictional air war in which the French Rafael defeated the American F-35 in a close fight (dogfite). The incident was symbolic and shows that while Rafael takes advantage of agility and agility in the fight, F-35 is actually designed to target the enemy from a distance.

What is the strength of Rafael?

France’s Rafale fighter is a 4.5 generation multirol aircraft made by Jet Dassault Aviation. Its specialty is Delta Wing and Canard Design, which make it extremely agile. It can take weapons up to 9 tons of weight, including MICA, Meteor Air-TU-Air Missiles, SCALP cruise missiles, exoset anti-ship missiles and laser guided bombs. The two M88-2 engines installed in it give it a speed of 1,800 km/h and a range of 3,700 km. Its spectra electronic warfare system, AESA radar and frontal optronics help it to avoid air and ground hazards. For this reason, it is also called ‘Omnirole Fighter’.

How much is the speed and range of F-35?

America’s F-35 Lightning-II is a 5th generation stealth fighter created by Lockheed Martin. Its design focuses on avoiding radar. A F135 engine gives it a speed of MAC 1.6 (1900km/h) and a range of 2,220 km. In weapons, it uses missiles like AIM-120 AMRAAM, AIM-9X, JDAM and AGM-88 Harm. Its real strength is its integrated sensor and data link – AESA radar, 360 ° Das camera, eOOTS sensor and helmet -mounted display, which gives the pilot to the pilot. Its aim is to kill the enemy before seeing it.

Why are both the style of fighting different?
According to the Armyrecognition website, Rafael can win with agility and fast turn in the Dogfight. The F-35 is designed for the Long Range BVR (Beyond Visual Range) fight. Modern wars are usually attacked with long range missiles and the dogfite is rarely seen.

Why dogfite is still taught?

Even though dogfite is rare in modern wars, it is taught and included in practice because war is never fully projected. In an unexpected situation, the pilot may also have to be ready to fight close combat.

France’s Rafale fighter Jet was overshadowed by the Rafale Fighter Jet American F-35 Stealth Fighter in Trident Atlantic-25 military exercise held in Finland. During this time, Rafael locked F-35 with his IRST (Infrared Search and Track) system and scored a ‘kilt score’ in Basic Fighting Manuvar (BFM). Although it was not a real war but part of training, it means that Rafael defeated F-35 within the visual range.

This incident proved that the 4.5th generation Rafael is still capable of challenging the 5th generation F-35. This becomes especially important when F-35 is considered to be the strongest symbol of modern stealth technology.

Pour La 1ère Fois, L’Execice Trilatéral #ATLANTICTRADENT S’est Tenu En #FinlandeNouveau membre de l ‘#Otan Depuis 2023.
Objectif: Renforcer l’ANFORERABILITE Entre Les Forces Aériennes face aux défis de la haute intensesité.
Pour en savoir +: https://t.co/cxeozcp7al pic.twitter.com/5ETQ97AQ8V

– Armée de l’air et de l’espace (@armee_de_lair) August 20, 2025

Impact on global weapon market
Both Rafael and F-35 are part of the world’s major arms export programs. The US is constantly selling its F-35 to NATO colleagues and Asia-Pacific countries, while France presents its Rafael as a strong option. After this practice, Rafael’s credibility can increase even more. In the export market, those countries which do not want to depend on stealth technology, they can now give priority to Rafael. This incident is especially a positive sign for India, as the Indian Air Force is already using Rafale.

France and America rivalry
Although both the US and France are NATO partners, they are rival to each other in the export market of fighter aircraft. France is promoting this incident and creating an atmosphere in favor of its Rafael. Significantly, this is not the first time Rafael defeated American jet ‘. In the 2009 practice in UAE, a French Rafael scored a killer on the American F-22 raptor.

What does this development matter for India
India has bought 36 Rafale Jets from France. In such a situation, this incident will further strengthen the confidence of the Indian Air Force. India considers Rafael its strategic edge in front of the aerial strength of neighboring countries China and Pakistan. Also, this incident may inspire India to consider more advanced variants of Rafael in future.

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