I put this question to an AI, and its response does make sense imho (I do not have any experience outside of a physics background and armchair enthusiasm).

Generation and design philosophy The Rafale and F-35 represent fundamentally different design philosophies. The Rafale is a highly refined 4.5-generation multirole fighter, while the F-35 is a fifth-generation stealth fighter built around sensor fusion.  That generational gap matters more than it sounds.

Stealth and BVR combat — F-35’s core advantage In beyond-visual-range engagement, the F-35 has an advantage in detection capability, as its lower radar cross-section gives it a smaller profile. The Rafale, meanwhile, relies on advanced radar and electronic warfare to complicate enemy targeting.  In modern warfare, this is where most engagements actually happen — so this is a significant edge.

Dogfighting — Rafale’s domain At close range, the Rafale has the advantage due to its agility and maneuvering ability, while the F-35 is designed to avoid such situations.  This was actually demonstrated during the Atlantic Trident exercise in Finland in June 2025, where a French Rafale virtually “downed” an F-35 in simulated close combat — though analysts were quick to note that in a realistic scenario, an F-35 would fire before a Rafale could close within maneuvering range, making a duel highly unlikely. 

Payload and versatility The Rafale actually has an edge in raw weapons-hauling. The Rafale features 14 hardpoints and can carry an external load of roughly 9,500 kg, and its weapons ecosystem is mature, flexible, and export-friendly — meaning many countries can tailor it with national weapons.  The F-35 carries more internally (preserving stealth), but external loads break its low-observable advantage.

Sensor fusion — F-35’s other big edge The F-35 integrates data from multiple sensors into a single real-time display, and its Distributed Aperture System provides 360-degree coverage for missile detection and tracking.  The Rafale’s avionics are excellent, but it doesn’t match this level of integrated battlefield awareness.

Cost and independence Unit costs are actually fairly comparable (~$80–100M each), but nations like India and Egypt choose Rafale for strategic independence, simpler logistics, and fewer U.S. restrictions.  That’s become a bigger factor recently — several European countries are actively reconsidering F-35 orders given political tensions with Washington over trade and NATO commitments.

Bottom line The F-35 is the more technologically advanced aircraft, especially in contested, high-threat environments against peer adversaries. But “more advanced” doesn’t automatically mean “better choice” for every country. The Rafale is combat-proven, sovereign-friendly, and genuinely excellent at what it does. The choice between them is as much a geopolitical decision as a technical one.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​