List of Top 10 Best Fighter Jets in the World

Best Fighter Jets in the World: Fighter jets are fast, powerful, and built for air combat. They can fly at high speeds, avoid radar detection, and carry advanced weapons.  Modern jets use stealth technology, smart sensors, and sometimes even artificial intelligence. These features help pilots spot enemies first and strike quickly.

The United States leads the world in fighter jet technology. Its F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II are top examples. China is catching up fast with its new J-35A and the mysterious J-36, which has a unique stealth design. Russia also ranks high with the Su-57, known for its speed and agility.

In this article, we will explore the top 10 fighter jets in the world. Let’s understand!

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Best Fighter Planes in the World in 2025

Here’s the list of the top 10 most powerful fighter jets in the world, from the ranking of 10 to 1. The list includes:

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

Source: EurAsian Times

The Sukhoi Su-35S is a Russian multirole fighter developed by Sukhoi. It's an advanced version of the Su-27, featuring 4.5-generation capabilities. 

The Su-35S is powered by two Saturn AL-41F1S engines, each producing 32,000 pounds of thrust. It achieves a maximum speed of Mach 2.25 (approximately 2,700 km/h) and has a range of 3,600 km. 

The aircraft boasts thrust-vectoring nozzles, granting exceptional manoeuvrability without the need for canards. Its Irbis-E radar system allows detection of targets up to 400 km away. 

The Su-35S can carry up to 8,000 kg of weapons, including air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles. Russia has produced over 100 units, with some exported to China. Each unit costs approximately $85 million. The Su-35S stands out for its agility, advanced avionics, and powerful radar system.

9. Eurofighter Typhoon – Europe’s Multinational Combat Aircraft

Source: Breaking Defense

The Eurofighter Typhoon is a 4.5-generation multirole fighter developed by a consortium of European nations, including the UK, Germany, Italy, and Spain. 

It features a delta wing and canard design, providing excellent agility. Powered by two Eurojet EJ200 engines, it reaches speeds up to Mach 2 (approximately 2,495 km/h) and has a range of 2,900 km. 

The Typhoon is equipped with the CAPTOR radar and advanced avionics. It can carry a variety of weapons, including Meteor and AMRAAM missiles. 

Over 570 units have been produced, serving in multiple air forces worldwide. The unit cost is around $90 million. The Typhoon is renowned for its versatility, speed, and cutting-edge technology.

8. Dassault Rafale – France’s Versatile Multirole Fighter

Source: SlashGear

The Dassault Rafale is a French multirole fighter developed by Dassault Aviation. It features a delta wing and canard configuration, offering high manoeuvrability. 

Powered by two Snecma M88 engines, it achieves speeds up to Mach 1.8 (approximately 2,222 km/h) and has a range of 3,700 km. The Rafale is equipped with the RBE2 AESA radar and advanced electronic warfare systems. 

It can carry a wide array of weapons, including SCALP missiles and laser-guided bombs. Over 500 units have been ordered globally, with recent contracts from India and Croatia. 

The unit cost is approximately $100 million. The Rafale is celebrated for its adaptability, advanced avionics, and combat-proven performance.

7. Boeing F-15EX Eagle II – USA’s Modernized Air Superiority Fighter

Source: The War Zone

The Boeing F-15EX Eagle II is an advanced version of the F-15, developed for the U.S. Air Force. It retains the F-15's proven design while incorporating modern avionics, including the APG-82 AESA radar and digital fly-by-wire controls. 

Powered by two Pratt & Whitney F100 engines, it reaches speeds up to Mach 2.5 (approximately 3,100 km/h) and has a range of 3,450 km. The F-15EX can carry up to 22 air-to-air missiles, the highest payload of any fighter. 

The U.S. plans to acquire over 140 units, each costing around $87 million. The F-15EX is valued for its payload capacity, speed, and modern systems integration.

6. Shenyang FC-31 Gyrfalcon – China’s Stealthy Carrier-Based Fighter

Source: Reddit

The Shenyang FC-31 Gyrfalcon is a Chinese fifth-generation stealth fighter developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation. Designed for carrier operations, it features stealth characteristics and advanced avionics.

Powered by two WS-13 engines, it is expected to reach speeds up to Mach 1.8 (approximately 2,205 km/h) with a range of 1,200 km. The FC-31 is equipped with an AESA radar and internal weapons bays to maintain stealth. While still in development, it represents China's efforts to field a carrier-capable stealth fighter.  

The unit cost is estimated at $70 million. The FC-31 is notable for its stealth design and potential role in expanding China's naval aviation capabilities.

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

Source: ExpoThemes

The Sukhoi Su-57 is Russia's first fifth-generation stealth fighter, developed by Sukhoi. It features stealth shaping, supercruise capability, and advanced avionics. Powered by two Saturn AL-41F1 engines, it reaches speeds up to Mach 2 (approximately 2,470 km/h) and has a range of 3,500 km. 

The Su-57 is equipped with the N036 Belka radar system and can carry a variety of weapons internally to maintain stealth. 

Russia plans to produce over 70 units, with each costing between $40 and $50 million. The Su-57 is distinguished by its combination of stealth, speed, and advanced sensor fusion.

4. KAI KF-21 Boramae – South Korea’s Indigenous Fighter Program

Source: The National Interest

The KAI KF-21 Boramae is South Korea's advanced multirole fighter developed by Korea Aerospace Industries. It incorporates stealth features and modern avionics. Powered by two General Electric F414 engines, it is expected to reach speeds up to Mach 1.8 (approximately 2,200 km/h) with a range of 2,900 km. 

The KF-21 is equipped with an AESA radar and is designed to carry a variety of weapons, including air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions. 

South Korea plans to produce 120 units by 2032, with each costing approximately $74 million. The KF-21 represents a significant step in South Korea's defence capabilities and aerospace industry.

3. Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor – USA’s Premier Air Superiority Fighter

Source: Simple Flying

The Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor is a fifth-generation stealth fighter developed for the U.S. Air Force. It combines stealth, supercruise, and advanced avionics.  Powered by two Pratt & Whitney F119 engines, it reaches speeds up to Mach 2.25 (approximately 2,410 km/h) and has a range of 3,000 km. 

The F-22 is equipped with the AN/APG-77 AESA radar and can carry a mix of air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons internally.  A total of 195 units were produced, each costing around $150 million. The F-22 is renowned for its unmatched air dominance capabilities.

2. Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon – China’s Stealth Air Superiority Fighter

Source: The National Interest

The Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon is China's fifth-generation stealth fighter developed by Chengdu Aerospace Corporation. It features stealth design, advanced avionics, and long-range capabilities. 

Powered by two WS-15 engines, it reaches speeds up to Mach 2 (approximately 2,470 km/h) and has a range of 5,926 km. 

The J-20 is equipped with an AESA radar and internal weapons bays. Over 200 units have been produced, with each costing approximately $100 million. The J-20 is significant for its role in enhancing China's air combat capabilities.

1. Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II – USA’s Multirole Stealth Fighter

Source: Brighton Science

The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II is a family of fifth-generation stealth multirole fighters developed for the U.S. and allied nations. 

It comes in three variants: F-35A (conventional takeoff), F-35B (short takeoff/vertical landing), and F-35C (carrier-based). Powered by a single Pratt & Whitney F135 engine, it reaches speeds up to Mach 1.6 (approximately 1,975 km/h) and has a range of 2,222 km. 

The F-35 features advanced sensor fusion, the AN/APG-81 AESA radar, and the Distributed Aperture System (DAS). 

Over 1,000 units have been produced, with plans for more than 2,400 in total. Each unit costs approximately $85 million. The F-35 is notable for its versatility, stealth, and network-centric warfare capabilities.

List of Total Number of Fighter Jets by Country in 2025

Many countries have powerful air forces, but some stand out with the number of fighter jets they operate. This list shows how many fighter jets each country has in 2025. It gives a quick look at which nations have the strongest fighter fleets in the world.

Source: Global Firepower.com

As of 2025, the global distribution of military aircraft highlights significant disparities in air power among nations. The United States leads with approximately 5,500 military aircraft, encompassing advanced fighters like the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II, as well as strategic bombers such as the B-2 Spirit and B-52 Stratofortress.

Russia maintains the second-largest fleet with around 4,292 aircraft, including formidable platforms like the Su-35 and Tu-160 bombers, reflecting its emphasis on sustaining a robust air force. China follows closely with approximately 3,309 aircraft, focusing on modernizing its air capabilities through indigenous developments and acquisitions.

India holds the fourth position with about 2,296 aircraft, showcasing its commitment to enhancing aerial defense and power projection. Pakistan, with a fleet of 1,434 aircraft, has developed a significant air force, incorporating a mix of American F-16s, Chinese JF-17s, and French Mirages.

Other notable air forces include those of North Korea, South Korea, Taiwan, Saudi Arabia, and Israel, each maintaining substantial fleets to address regional security challenges. The global total of military aircraft across 161 nations exceeds 53,400, underscoring the strategic importance nations place on air superiority and defense capabilities.

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