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Did you know the fighter jets can travel for more than 2,400 km/twice the speed of sound, or that Stealth technology used in modern jets allows them to evade radar detection? The fighter jets in the world are full of marvellous facts, and countries spend billions of dollars just to maintain them. This blog covers the list of the top 10 fighter jets in the world. Get to know what aircraft stand out. Whether these jets are used for defence or deterrence, they reflect the advancement of military aviation. Keep reading to learn about the top fighter jets in the world.
Table of Contents
Top 10 Fighter Jets in the World
| Serial No. | Name of Aircraft | Country | Top Speed |
| 1 | F-22 Raptor | United States | Mach 2.25 |
| 2 | Su-57 Felon | Russia | Mach 2.0 |
| 3 | F-35 Lightning II | United States | Mach 1.6 (supercruise) |
| 4 | Dassault Rafale | France | Mach 1.8 |
| 5 | Eurofighter Typhoon | Multi-national (UK, Germany, Italy, Spain) | Mach 2.0 |
| 6 | J-20 Mighty Dragon | China | Mach 2.0 (approx.) |
| 7 | F/A-18 Super Hornet | United States | Mach 1.8 |
| 8 | Saab JAS 39 Gripen | Sweden | Mach 2.0 |
| 9 | MiG-35 Fulcrum-F | Russia | Mach 2.25 |
| 10 | KF-21 Boramae | South Korea | Mach 1.8 (estimated) |
F-22 Raptor – USA
The F-22 Raptor – USA is among the top 10 fighter jets in the world. Lockheed Martin is the company that developed this 5th-generation fighter jet. The jet has supercruise capabilities and unmatched stealth for air superiority missions. Moreover, it has advanced avionics. This fighter jet has been mainly developed for the US Air Force. Therefore, it was never exported to the other countries. This jet is so advanced that the US has banned its sale to its allies!
Su-57 Felon – Russia
The Russian Su-57 Felon is one of the top ten fighter jets in the world. This jet was mainly built for multiple combat capabilities. The jet combines speed and stealth, has advanced sensors, and internal weapon bays. The aircraft has 3D vectoring nozzles for advanced manoeuvring. This fighter jet can rival the US stealth jets and maintain dogfighting excellence. The jet Su-57 was nicknamed “Felon” by NATO. It is considered best best fighter jets in the world 2025 by many countries.
F-35 Lightning II – USA
The F-35 Lightning II is one of the top ten fighter jets in the world. The US allies also use these fighter jets. It can integrate stealth, sensor fusion, and networked combat for 21st-century wars. The jet is available in 3 variants- Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps missions. The helmet-mounted display in the jet permits 360-degree situational awareness. Did you know this jet has a combat radius of 1,100 km on internal fuel?
Dassault Rafale – France
Dassault Rafale is one of the top ten fighter jets in the world. This fighter jet is a versatile multirole fighter primarily used by the French Navy and Air Force. The jet is excellent in terms of ground support, air superiority, and for nuclear strikes. The fighter jet has delta wings and canards to provide more control. This jet has been used for comebacks in Mali, Libya, and Syria. Therefore, we can say that it is a combat-proven jet.
Eurofighter Typhoon – Europe
As the name suggests, the Eurofighter Typhoon is a strong jet developed by a consortium of European nations. It is a multi-role jet that can blend high speed with agility. This jet is suitable for air-to-ground and air-to-air roles. The jet has advanced avionics and radar. Therefore, the jet is highly survivable in a modern combat environment. Countries like Germany, the U.S., and Italy use this aircraft. It was a part of the program called the Future European Fighter Aircraft.” This jet is popularly known as best fighter jets in the world 2025.
J-20 Mighty Dragon – China
The J-20 Mighty Dragon is one of the top 10 fighter jets in the world. This Chinese aircraft symbolises the capabilities of China. It has a range of 1,200 km even without refuelling. China developed this fifth-generation stealth fighter jet in secrecy. The jet is known for its long-range capabilities and radar-evading shape to match the US stealth jets. The jet’s BVR (beyond visual range) combat strength is feared by opposing forces. This makes it one of the best best fighter jets in the world 2025.
F/A-18 Super Hornet – USA
F/A-18 Super Hornet is a carrier-based multirole fighter jet developed by Boeing. This fighter jet is good for attacking and fighting. This jet is the backbone of the U.S. Navy aviation operations. The aircraft is reliable and has been used several times for real combat. This jet has even been featured in movies like Top Gun: Maverick. F/A-18 Super Hornet serves as the backbone of the US Navy operations.
Saab JAS 39 Gripen – Sweden
The Saab JAS 39 Gripen is one of the top ten fighter jets in the world. This jet is a lightweight multirole fighter. The best part? It is cost-effective! The Saab JAS 39 Gripen is agile, reliable, and can even operate from short runways. This jet is exported to several countries like Thailand, Brazil, and Hungary. The jet can be refuelled and renamed in under 10 minutes. It has a top speed of 2 March and is ferry range of 3,200 km.
MiG-35 Fulcrum-F – Russia
MiG-35 Fulcrum-F is another one of the top fighter jets from Russia. This advanced derivative of the MiG-29 is made for multi-role combat. The jet is capable of handling both ground attack missions and air superiority. It has been displayed in international air shows for export. MiG-29 has a “fly-by-wire” system that includes an optical locator. It has a combat range of 1000 km. This makes it one of the best best fighter jets in the world 2025.
KF-21 Boramae – South Korea
KF-21 Boramae is a South Korean jet. It is one of the top 10 fighter jets in the world. Jointly developed by South Korea and Indonesia, it showcases the growing capabilities of Asian countries. The KF-21 Boram is the newest 4.5-generation multirole fighter. It is not fully stealthy. However, it has reduced radar cross-section and advanced systems. The goal of developing this jet is to replace the older F-4 and F-5 fighters. The jet will become fully operational by 2028. Thus, it will remain one of the best fighter jets in the world 2025.
Also Read: 17+ Interesting Facts About Indian Air Force in English [Download PDF]
Which Air Force is Better, India or Pakistan?
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is better than Pakistan’s Air Force (PAF). IAF has several modern jets like Rafale, Su-30MKI, and Mirage-2000. Moreover, it has advanced radar, air defence networks, and early warning systems.
On the other hand, PAF is smaller but agile. It follows stronger tactics in local defence. Overall, India has a better edge compared to Pakistan in terms of technology, size, and global support.
Is Rafale better than JF-17?
Yes. The Rafale fighter jets are better than the JF-17. Rafale is more advanced. It is a 4.5-generation multirole fighter with superior radar, weapons, and agility. It has long-range missiles, stealth features, and electronic warfare systems.
On the other hand, JF-17 is lighter and cheaper and lacks the same range and power. In all matters of air combat, a Rafale tend to outperform air combat.
How Many Total Fighter Jets Does India have?
India has a total of 600–650 fighter aircraft. This includes aircraft like the Su-30MKI (~270), MiG-29, Mirage-2000, Tejas, Rafale, and Jaguars. However, the backbone of the IAF fleet is the Su-30MKI. India is also modernising and producing more jets like the Tejas Mk-2. However, the number of fleets can vary due to retirements, upgrades and inductions.
7 Facts About Fighter Jets
Here are some additional facts about fighter jets that you must know:
- Fighter jets can fly faster than the speed of sound (over 1,200 km/h)
- You can use them for ground attacks, air combat, and reconnaissance
- Modern jets have missiles, radar, and stealth to avoid detection.
- During emergencies, the ejection seats can save pilots
- Certain jets can be refuelled in the air to fly for a longer duration
- The fifth-generation fighters like F-35 are highly computerised and stealthy.
- Training a fighter jet will take millions of dollars and several years.
FAQs
The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II and F-22 Raptor are considered to be the best fighter jets in the world. The F-35 excels in stealth and advanced sensors. It is a multi-role, versatile fighter jet.
The Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor is the best fighter jet. There are many reasons for it. It is known for its supercruise capabilities, unmatched stealth, and advanced avionics.. The jet is mainly for air superiority, and for other roles like electronic warfare, attack, and signal intelligence
The top 5 air forces are those of the US, Russia, China, and India. The US has about 13,043 aircraft, and India only has 2,229.
The US has the best fighter jets in the world. For example, the F-22 Raptor, which is considered one of the best fighter jets, is from the US.
The fastest fighter jet is the MiG-25 Foxbat. The jet has a top speed of 2,190mph. This was a supersonic interceptor and reconnaissance aircraft designed by the Soviet Union.
As per Global Air Power rankings, the Indian Air Force is stronger than China’s Air Force. China’s People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) is ranked lower than India.
You cannot say whether the Navy or the Air Force is better. The best for you is based on your reference and aspirations. Both the Navy and the Air Force are good and both offer unique oppertunties for professional growth and service to the nation.
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