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.