The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II remains the most advanced fighter jet in the world as of 2025, leading a global field of cutting-edge aircraft built for speed, stealth, and combat superiority.
Fighter jets like the F-22 Raptor and Chengdu J-20 are reshaping aerial warfare with artificial intelligence, smart sensors, and next-generation avionics.
Air forces from nations like the United States (DCA), China (PEK), and Russia (SVO) dominate the skies with fifth-generation fighters, stealth technology, and expanding production.
Modern aerial platforms offer unmatched agility, radar evasion, and precision strike capability, reflecting the ongoing global race for air superiority.
Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II; Photo- WikipediaTop 10 Best Fighter Jets in the World
The world’s most elite fighter jets in 2025 combine stealth, speed, and avionics to outmatch adversaries in any domain.
These aircraft are categorized into 4.5 and 5th generation fighters, featuring innovations like AESA radar, electronic warfare systems, supercruise, and internal weapon bays.
Here are the top 10 ranked fighter jets globally based on performance, capability, and technological advancement:
| 1 | United States | 1,790 |
| 2 | China | 1,212 |
| 3 | Russia | 833 |
| 4 | India | 513 |
| 5 | North Korea | 368 |
| 6 | Pakistan | 328 |
| 7 | South Korea | 315 |
| 8 | Taiwan | 285 |
| 9 | Saudi Arabia | 283 |
| 10 | Israel | 240 |
| 11 | Egypt | 238 |
| 12 | France | 226 |
| 13 | Japan | 217 |
| 14 | Türkiye | 201 |
| 15 | Iran | 188 |
Sukhoi Su-35S; Photo- Wikipedia10. Sukhoi Su-35S
A powerful upgrade of the Su-27, the Su-35S delivers Mach 2.25 speeds and a 3,600 km range with Saturn AL-41F1S engines.
It features thrust-vectoring nozzles and the Irbis-E radar, capable of tracking targets 400 km away.
With an 8,000 kg weapon capacity, it’s known for its maneuverability and electronic warfare capabilities. Unit cost: $85 million.
Eurofighter Typhoon; Photo- Wikipedia9. Eurofighter Typhoon
Jointly developed by the UK, Germany, Italy, and Spain, the Eurofighter Typhoon reaches Mach 2 with a 2,900 km range.
It features Eurojet EJ200 engines, CAPTOR radar, and compatibility with Meteor missiles. Over 570 aircraft serve in global air forces. Unit cost: $90 million.
Photo- Dassault Aviation8. Dassault Rafale
The Rafale by Dassault Aviation offers Mach 1.8 speeds and a 3,700 km range. It carries SCALP missiles, MICA air to air missiles, and laser guided bombs.
Known for high maneuverability and the RBE2 AESA radar. Over 500 units ordered globally. Unit cost: $100 million.
F-15EX_Eagle_II; Photo- Wikipedia7. Boeing F-15EX Eagle II
An evolution of the F-15 platform, the F-15EX boasts a Mach 2.5 top speed and a range of 3,450 km.
Powered by Pratt & Whitney F100 engines, it carries up to 22 air-to-air missiles, more than any other jet. Unit cost: $87 million. Over 140 are planned for the U.S. Air Force.
Shenyang FC-31; Photo- Wikipedia6. Shenyang FC-31 Gyrfalcon
Designed for carrier operations, the FC-31 uses twin WS-13 engines to achieve Mach 1.8 and a 1,200 km range.
It features internal weapon bays and an AESA radar to maintain stealth. Although under development, it reflects China’s push for naval air power. Estimated cost: $70 million.
Sukhoi Su-57; Photo- Wikipedia5. Sukhoi Su-57
The Su-57 incorporates stealth, supercruise, and sensor fusion with AL-41F1 engines. Its N036 Belka radar and internal weapons bays enhance stealth.
Top speed is Mach 2 with a 3,500 km range. Estimated unit cost: $40 to $50 million. Over 70 units planned.
KF-21 Boramae; Photo- Wikipedia4. KAI KF-21 Boramae
Developed by Korea Aerospace Industries, the KF-21 reaches Mach 1.8 and 2,900 km range via GE F414 engines.
With AESA radar and modern avionics, 120 units are planned by 2032. Unit cost: $74 million. It marks a major milestone for South Korea’s aerospace sector.
Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor; Photo- Wikipedia3. Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor
The F-22 Raptor combines stealth and supercruise with unmatched dogfighting capability. With F119 engines, it flies at Mach 2.25 and has a 3,000 km range.
The AN/APG-77 radar and internal weapon bays keep it nearly invisible. Only 195 units produced. Unit cost: $150 million.
Chengdu J-20; Photo- Wikipedia2. Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon
China’s J-20 reaches Mach 2 and 5,926 km range with WS-15 engines. Featuring internal bays and AESA radar, over 200 units are in service. Unit cost: $100 million. It’s central to China’s air dominance doctrine.
Photo: USAF1. Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II
The F-35 (variants A/B/C) delivers Mach 1.6 speed, 2,222 km range, and full stealth. Powered by the F135 engine, it includes the AN/APG-81 AESA radar and DAS system.
Over 1,000 units are operational, with 2,400+ planned. Unit cost: $85 million. It excels in ISR, air combat, and strike roles.
Photo: By wallycacsabre – F22-28, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=41935694Total Military Aircraft Overview
As of 2025, more than 53,400 military aircraft operate globally across 161 nations:
- United States: ~5,500 aircraft (F-35, F-22, B-2, B-52)
- Russia: ~4,292 aircraft (Su-35, Tu-160)
- China: ~3,309 aircraft (J-20, J-16)
- India: ~2,296 aircraft
- Pakistan: ~1,434 aircraft
These numbers highlight the strategic importance placed on air superiority, rapid deployment, and deterrence capabilities.
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Top 10 Biggest Fighter Jets in the World in 2025, No.5 Will Surprise You!!
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