Guys - Raptor isn't one of the 'Russian' designs. Actually, it is a design based off of USAF's F-15 + more requirements from pilots, military users and technological superiority needs. The US designs and jet engineering is much different in principle than the Russians. Plus US made engines and airflow dynamics are built on entirely different design standards than the rest of the world. Trust me on this.
Second, yes, the F-15 FINALLY saw competition in the form of SU-30 (jury is still out on 'how competitive') but both share similar capabilities (SU-30's design principles were created due to the success of F-14. With technology transfer or analysis coming from Iran and others. It's radar till date tracks 6 and fires on 6. Same like the f-14). So in 90's, the world was finally catching up to the American tech from the 60's. Internet was created in the 60's by the DoD/ DARPA. So the US always stays ahead militarily. That's just the purpose of the US MIC.
Last but not least, F-22.....we can go all night here and talk about the unknown. But, let's put it this way. NO ONE has been able to put a super computer in a miniaturized form into a jet. The F-22 has it and much more, things and sensors that are not even out there yet or are still beind used as proof of concepts.
May be in the next 15-20 years, you'll truly see a match for the Raptor but the US military has already advanced from it....they are working on Hypersonic planes, etc. So imagine where they'll be in 20 years when the world will be coming up with a true Raptor counter....Raptor may be the most advanced jet in the US military's inventory, but the reality is, they are testing equipment for the generation after the Raptor. So in a way, Raptor's now old technology and concepts if you will.
Also, people here are right when they say that the tech and the brain power is not limited to the Americans. I copy that. BUT...CREATIVITY is. The US uses and brings the best brain power from across the globe..Israel, Russia, Germany, the UK, India, Pakistan, etc. If you look back since WWII.....the US's lead creativity across the globe. Sure, it'll change and the innovation will come / is coming from China, Israel, India, Russia, etc, etc. BUT....the American military industrial complex is STILL about two decades ahead of everyone else, IF not more.
Anyway, I didn't mean to derail the topic. The F-22 came in when someone posted Rafale's picture (FLIR images) locking on to a F-22. There were statements made that portrayed the Rafale the next best thing since wrestling. So I wanted to correct that. Back to the topic.