Top 10 Best Fighter Jets in the World

Introduction: The Evolution of Air Superiority

Fighter jets are the pinnacle of modern military aviation. Built for speed, agility, and precision, these aircraft dominate the skies with cutting-edge technologies like stealth, advanced avionics, sensor fusion, and in some cases, artificial intelligence (AI). Their role in 21st-century warfare is unparalleled, offering nations unmatched capabilities for defense, deterrence, and power projection.

As of 2025, global powers like the United States, China, and Russia continue to develop and deploy the most powerful fighter aircraft. This article explores the top 10 best fighter jets of 2025, highlighting their design, specifications, and operational capabilities.

10. Sukhoi Su-35S: Russia’s Agile Air Superiority Fighter

The Sukhoi Su-35S is a formidable 4.5-generation multirole fighter developed by Sukhoi, an advanced derivative of the Su-27. Known for its superior agility, it features thrust-vectoring nozzles and advanced avionics.

Powered by twin Saturn AL-41F1S engines, each producing 32,000 pounds of thrust, the Su-35S reaches speeds of Mach 2.25 (approx. 2,700 km/h). Its Irbis-E radar can detect targets up to 400 km away, and it can carry 8,000 kg of diverse weaponry. With over 100 units produced, some exported to China, the aircraft costs approximately $85 million per unit.

9. Eurofighter Typhoon: Europe’s Multinational Combat Aircraft

The Eurofighter Typhoon represents European collaboration between the UK, Germany, Italy, and Spain. As a 4.5-generation multirole fighter, it features delta wings, canards, and fly-by-wire controls for exceptional maneuverability.

Powered by two Eurojet EJ200 engines, it achieves Mach 2 (approx. 2,495 km/h) with a range of 2,900 km. It carries Meteor and AMRAAM missiles and is equipped with the CAPTOR radar. With over 570 units in service globally, the Typhoon is valued for its versatility and cutting-edge systems at a unit cost of around $90 million.

8. Dassault Rafale: France’s Versatile Multirole Fighter

Developed by Dassault Aviation, the Rafale is France’s answer to multirole combat needs. It features a delta wing and canard design, Snecma M88 engines, and achieves Mach 1.8 (2,222 km/h) with a 3,700 km range.

The Rafale’s RBE2 AESA radar, SPECTRA EW system, and advanced avionics allow it to engage in air dominance, strike missions, and nuclear deterrence. Over 500 units have been ordered worldwide, including by India and Croatia. It costs around $100 million per unit.

7. Boeing F-15EX Eagle II: USA’s Enhanced Legacy Fighter

The F-15EX Eagle II is a modernized evolution of the iconic F-15 platform. Developed by Boeing, it retains its proven airframe while integrating APG-82 AESA radar, digital fly-by-wire, and a new electronic warfare suite.

Powered by twin Pratt & Whitney F100 engines, the aircraft reaches Mach 2.5 (approx. 3,100 km/h) and has a range of 3,450 km. It can carry up to 22 air-to-air missiles, the highest payload of any fighter. The U.S. Air Force plans to acquire over 140 units at $87 million each.

6. Shenyang FC-31 Gyrfalcon: China’s Naval Stealth Contender

The Shenyang FC-31, also known as the J-35, is a fifth-generation stealth fighter developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation for the Chinese Navy. Intended for carrier operations, it incorporates internal weapons bays, stealth shaping, and advanced sensors.

Powered by two WS-13 engines, the FC-31 is expected to reach Mach 1.8 (2,205 km/h) with a range of 1,200 km. The unit cost is estimated at $70 million, reflecting China’s strategic push to modernize its naval air power.

5. Sukhoi Su-57: Russia’s Fifth-Generation Stealth Fighter

Russia’s flagship fifth-gen fighter, the Su-57, combines stealth, supercruise, and sensor fusion. With two Saturn AL-41F1 engines, it can fly at Mach 2 (2,470 km/h) and has a range of 3,500 km.

The N036 Belka radar system and internal weapon bays enhance stealth. Each Su-57 costs around $40–$50 million, and Russia plans to produce over 70 units. It is recognized for its agility and multi-mission capability.

4. KAI KF-21 Boramae: South Korea’s Indigenous Breakthrough

The KAI KF-21 Boramae represents South Korea’s entry into indigenous fighter development. Built by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), it blends stealth design with modern systems.

Powered by two GE F414 engines, it reaches Mach 1.8 (2,200 km/h) and offers a 2,900 km range. With AESA radar and planned weapons versatility, the KF-21 is a promising aircraft costing approximately $74 million. 120 units are expected by 2032.

3. Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor: America’s Air Dominance Icon

The F-22 Raptor is arguably the most advanced air superiority fighter ever built. Developed by Lockheed Martin, it offers stealth, supercruise, and unmatched maneuverability.

Powered by twin Pratt & Whitney F119 engines, it flies at Mach 2.25 (2,410 km/h) and has a range of 3,000 km. With its AN/APG-77 AESA radar and internal weapons bays, the F-22 maintains stealth in combat. Only 195 units were built, each at a cost of $150 million.

2. Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon: China’s Stealth Air Superiority Jet

The Chengdu J-20, developed by Chengdu Aerospace Corporation, is China’s premier fifth-generation stealth fighter. Its stealthy airframe, WS-15 engines, and long-range capabilities make it a powerful rival.

The J-20 flies at Mach 2 (2,470 km/h) with an impressive range of 5,926 km. It features internal weapon bays, AESA radar, and extensive sensor integration. Over 200 units are operational, with each unit costing about $100 million.

1. Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II: The Global Multirole Powerhouse

The F-35 Lightning II is the most advanced and widely used fifth-generation multirole fighter. Developed by Lockheed Martin, it is available in three variants: F-35A, F-35B, and F-35C.

Powered by a Pratt & Whitney F135 engine, the F-35 reaches Mach 1.6 (1,975 km/h) and has a range of 2,222 km. It features sensor fusion, Distributed Aperture System (DAS), and AN/APG-81 AESA radar.

With over 1,000 units already produced and 2,400 planned, the F-35 costs around $85 million per unit. Its versatility, stealth, and network-centric warfare capability place it at the top of modern air combat.

Fighter Jet Fleets by Country in 2025

The number of operational fighter jets also indicates a nation’s air power. As of 2025, here’s how the top countries rank by fleet size: