List of Top 10 Fifth Generation Fighter Aircrafts in the World (2025)

5th Generation Fighter Jets: Fifth-generation fighter jets are the most advanced military aircraft out there, packed with the latest tech for stealth, agility, and advanced avionics. 

These aircraft are designed for missions in heavily contested environments, giving pilots an incredible understanding of what's happening around them and allowing them to handle many different kinds of tasks. Right now, India is working on its fifth-generation fighter called the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). 

This jet will have one pilot and two engines, and it's designed with special stealthy coatings, internal compartments for weapons, and the ability to fly faster than the speed of sound without using afterburners (something called supercruise).

They can typically fly at over Mach 2, which is more than twice the speed of sound. They have a combat range of up to 1,600 km and can fly over 5,000 km if they're just getting from one place to another.

Their design significantly reduces how easily radar can spot them, making them very hard to detect. They're loaded with advanced sensors and artificial intelligence to make them incredibly efficient in a fight. In this article, we have listed the names of the aircraft that belong to the 5th generation.

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What Are 5th Generation Fighter Jets?

Fifth-generation fighter jets are the most advanced military aircraft out there, packed with cutting-edge tech that makes them incredibly effective in the air.

What Makes 5th-Gen Fighters Stand Out?

• Stealthy as a Shadow: These jets are built to be incredibly hard to spot on radar. They've got sleek designs and even hide their weapons inside, all to make them virtually invisible to enemies.
• Super Fast, Super Efficient: Ability to sustain supersonic flight without the use of afterburners, which allows for enhanced fuel efficiency and operational range.
• Advanced Avionics: Integration of sophisticated sensor systems and data fusion technologies provides pilots with a comprehensive view of the battlespace, allowing for improved situational awareness.
• Networked Capabilities: These jets aren't just powerful on their own; they're also amazing at working with others. They can instantly share information with other planes, ground troops, and even ships, allowing everyone to work together seamlessly.
• Agile and Nimble: They're incredibly flexible and can pull off amazing aerial moves thanks to special engines that can direct their thrust and advanced computer systems that help the pilot control every twist and turn.

List of Top 10 Fifth-Generation Aircrafts in the World

According to Military Factory, here are the top 10 fifth-generation fighter jets in the world:

1. AVIC J-35 (FC-31 Gyrfalcon)

The AVIC J-35 (formerly known as FC-31 Gyrfalcon) is China's second 5th-generation stealth fighter, developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation. 

While initially a privately funded export-orientated project, it has evolved into a navalised variant for China's aircraft carriers, potentially making China the only country besides the U.S. with two types of operational stealth fighters. 

The J-35 is a twin-engine, single-seater aircraft with an emphasis on air superiority and surface strike. It's expected to reach speeds of Mach 1.8+ (approximately 2,205 km/h) and have a combat radius of around 1,200 km. 

Its stealth features and internal weapons bays make it a formidable platform. The estimated unit cost is around $70 million, positioning it as a more affordable stealth option for potential export clients.

2. Boeing-Saab T-7 Red Hawk (eT-7A)

The Boeing-Saab T-7 Red Hawk is a 5th-generation advanced jet trainer aircraft developed by a joint effort between Boeing (USA) and Saab (Sweden). While primarily a trainer, its design incorporates characteristics that prepare pilots for advanced 5th-generation fighters.

It's a digitally designed, built, and tested aircraft with a focus on cost-effectiveness and flexibility for evolving training needs. The T-7A is powered by a single General Electric F404 afterburning turbofan engine, allowing it to reach speeds of Mach 1.04 (approximately 1,300 kph).

Its range is about 1,840 km. The T-7 features advanced mission systems, a glass touchscreen cockpit, and embedded training capabilities, offering a significant leap in pilot training from the older T-38. The program, awarded in 2018, is valued at approximately $9.2 billion for 351 aircraft.

3. Chengdu (AVIC) J-20 (Black Eagle)

The J-20, China's premier 5th-generation multi-role fighter, made its maiden flight in 2011 and officially entered service in 2017. Characterised by its distinct canard-delta configuration and large internal weapons bays, the J-20 emphasises stealth and long-range strike capabilities. 

Its estimated top speed is Mach 2.0 (approximately 2,470 km/h), with a substantial combat range of around 2,000 km. While detailed specifications are classified, it is believed to feature an advanced AESA radar and sophisticated electronic warfare systems. 

The J-20's development marks a significant leap in China's indigenous aerospace industry, positioning it as a key player in the 5th generation fighter landscape. Its cost is estimated to be around $100 million per unit.

4. HAL AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft)

The HAL AMCA is India's indigenous 5th-generation stealth multi-role fighter concept, currently in the prototype development phase with a projected first flight in 2028 and production commencing around 2035. 

Envisioned as a twin-engine, medium-weight aircraft, the AMCA prioritises stealth through S-shaped air intakes and an internal weapons bay. It's projected to achieve speeds of Mach 2.15 (approximately 2,600 km/h) and have a combat range of around 1,620 km. 

The AMCA will feature an advanced AESA radar, sensor fusion, and potentially AI-based avionics for enhanced situational awareness. The estimated development cost is around $1.8 billion, aiming for self-reliance in advanced fighter technology for the Indian Air Force and Navy.

5. HAL Sukhoi PMF/FGFA

The HAL Sukhoi PMF/FGFA (Perspective Multi-Role Fighter/Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft) was a collaborative 5th-generation fighter project between Russia (Sukhoi) and India (HAL), based on the Russian Sukhoi Su-57.

While the project was ultimately canceled, it aimed to integrate approximately 43 improvements over the Su-57, including advanced sensors, networking, and combat avionics tailored to Indian requirements. The Indian variant was envisioned as a two-seater, emphasizing a greater combat radius.

It was intended to have super-cruise capabilities, advanced stealth, and internal weapon bays. Despite an estimated cost of $100 million per fighter and significant investment, disagreements over work share, technology transfer, and rising costs led to its termination in 2018.

6. Sukhoi Su-57 (Felon)

The Su-57 is Russia's 5th-generation multi-role stealth aircraft, designed to perform air superiority and attack roles. First flown in 2010, it aims to replace the Su-27 and MiG-29 in Russian service. 

The Su-57 combines stealth, supermaneuverability, and supercruise capabilities, reaching speeds of up to Mach 2.0 (approximately 2,136 km/h) and boasting a combat range of around 1,900 km. 

The Su-57 integrates advanced avionics and internal weapons bays, carrying a variety of air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions. Its estimated unit cost is significantly lower than its Western counterparts, ranging from $35 million to $40 million.

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7. KAI KF-21 Boramae (KF-X)

The KF-21 Boramae is South Korea's ambitious indigenous multi-role fighter project, with its first flight in 2022 and planned introduction around 2026. 

Powered by two General Electric F414 engines, it is expected to achieve speeds up to Mach 1.8 (approximately 2,200 km/h) and have a range of 2,900 km. 

The KF-21 is equipped with an advanced AESA radar and aims to replace ageing F-4s and F-5s in the Republic of Korea Air Force. The estimated unit cost is around $74 million.

8. Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor

The F-22 Raptor, from the United States, is widely considered the world's first operational 5th-generation air dominance fighter, entering service in 2005. 

Its key characteristics include exceptional stealth, supercruise capability (sustained supersonic flight without afterburners), and advanced integrated avionics for superior situational awareness. 

The F-22 can reach speeds of Mach 2.25 (approximately 2,414 km/h) and has a ferry range of over 3,000 km with external fuel tanks. Designed primarily for air-to-air combat, it carries its armaments internally to maintain its low radar signature. 

The program's high cost, around $360 million per production aircraft, and a U.S. ban on exports have limited its production to 187 operational units, making it a rare and formidable asset exclusively for the U.S. Air Force.

9. Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II

Also from the United States, the F-35 Lightning II is a versatile 5th-generation multi-role stealth fighter, designed for air-to-ground strike, air superiority, and reconnaissance. It comes in three variants: F-35A (Conventional Take-Off and Landing), F-35B (Short Take-Off/Vertical Landing), and F-35C (Carrier Variant). 

The F-35 boasts a top speed of Mach 1.6 (approximately 1,931 km/h) and a combat radius of over 1,000 km on internal fuel. Its advanced stealth, sensor fusion, and networked capabilities provide pilots with unparalleled situational awareness. 

The F-35 is a cornerstone of many allied air forces globally, making it the most widely adopted 5th-generation fighter.

10. Mitsubishi F-X

The Mitsubishi F-X is Japan's future 5th/6th generation air superiority fighter, still in the concept and development phases, expected to enter service around 2035. 

Building upon the technological advancements from the Mitsubishi X-2 Shinshin technology demonstrator, the F-X aims to be a highly advanced stealth aircraft with superior sensor capabilities, network-centric warfare integration, and potentially loyal wingman drone control. 

The F-X program represents Japan's commitment to maintaining its air superiority capabilities independently, following restrictions on acquiring the F-22. Cost estimates are still in flux, given the early stage of development.

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