10 most advanced Fighter Jets globally in 2025

1.1K

As the recent skirmishes along the India-Pakistan border during Operation Sindoor have come up the surface, air superiority continues to be a decisive factor in modern military engagements. 

The downing of six Indian fighter jets, including three French Rafales, by Pakistan’s J-10Cs has reignited global discussions on  

• Fighter jet capabilities 

• Aerial dominance 

• Defense strategy

From stealth technology and hypersonic speeds to AI-assisted targeting and next-generation missile systems, today’s elite fighter jets strongly depict the pinnacle of aeronautical engineering and military innovation. 

In this detailed breakdown, we examine the top 10 fighter jets in the world in 2025, exploring their performance, features, and global impact on the future of aerial warfare. 

10. Sukhoi Su-35S – “Super Flanker” 

The Sukhoi Su-35S epitomizes advanced Russian aerospace engineering and remains one of the most maneuverable fourth-generation++ fighters in the world. 

• Top Speed: Mach 2.25 (~2,700 km/h) 

• Engines: AL-41F1S with 3D thrust vectoring 

• Radar Range: 400 km via Irbis-E radar 

• Armament: 12 hardpoints, up to 8,000 kg 

• Price: ~$85 million 

It can perform breathtaking aerial maneuvers like Pugachev’s Cobra and Kulbit, and it remains a potent adversary when used tactically—even against stealth aircraft. 

9. Eurofighter Typhoon – The European Powerhouse 

This jet is the product of Germany, Italy, United Kingdom, and Spain. The Eurofighter Typhoon remains a versatile and combat-tested multirole fighter. 

• Top Speed: Mach 2 

• Supercruise Capability: Yes 

• Engines: Eurojet EJ200s 

• Operational Use: Syria, Libya, Baltic Air Policing 

• Price: ~$90 million 

With 570+ aircraft in service globally, it’s a cornerstone of NATO air defenses and symbolizes European defense autonomy. 

8. Dassault Rafale – France’s Multirole Masterpiece 

The Dassault Rafale is a strong emblem of France’s independent defense capability, renowned for its extraordinary performance, versatility and advanced electronic warfare. 

• Top Speed of the jet: Mach 1.8 (~2,222 km/h) 

• Engines: Twin Snecma M88 

• EW Suite: SPECTRA – One of the best globally 

• Combat Experience: Afghanistan, Libya, Mali, Iraq, Syria 

• Price: ~$100 million 

With India’s acquisition of 36 Rafales, it has proven decisive in boosting regional air superiority during Indo-Pak tensions. 

7. Boeing F-15EX Eagle II – The Updated Titan 

The F-15EX Eagle II is a modern evolution of a legendary airframe, blending proven aerodynamics with cutting-edge electronics. 

• Top Speed: Mach 2.5 (~3,100 km/h) 

• Radar: APG-82 AESA 

• Payload: Largest in its class (22 missiles or mix) 

• Service Life: Through 2050s 

• Price: ~$87 million 

With 144 aircraft planned by the USAF, the F-15EX is a cost-effective, high-capacity force multiplier. 

6. Shenyang FC-31 Gyrfalcon – China’s Stealth Challenger 

The FC-31, or J-35 in its naval variant, is China’s second stealth jet and its first fifth-generation carrier-based fighter. 

• Top Speed: Mach 1.8 (~2,205 km/h) 

• Engines: WS-13/WS-19 (planned) 

• Stealth: Internal weapons bays, composite materials 

• Projected IOC: 2026 

• Price: ~$70 million 

It underscores China’s expanding naval ambitions and could shift the balance in the Western Pacific. 

5. Sukhoi Su-57 Felon – Russia’s Stealth Entrant 

Russia’s answer to Western fifth-gen fighters, the Su-57 aims to blend stealth with supermaneuverability and multi-role flexibility. 

• Top Speed: Mach 2 (~2,470 km/h) 

• Stealth Design: Balanced with performance 

• Radar: AESA, internal bays, low RCS 

• Unit Cost: ~$40–50 million 

• Fleet Size (2025): 10+ in service, 70+ ordered 

Though limited in number, its cost-effective design gives Russia a competitive, stealth-capable option. 

4. KAI KF-21 Boramae – South Korea’s Rising Star 

The KF-21 Boramae marks South Korea’s entry into advanced fighter design and manufacturing. 

• Top Speed: Mach 1.8 (~2,200 km/h) 

• Engines: GE F414 

• Technology: AESA radar, IRST, stealth shaping 

• Fleet Goal: 120 by 2032 

• Price: ~$74 million 

It offers near-fifth-generation capabilities at fourth-gen pricing, with strong export potential to Indonesia, Poland, and others. 

3. Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor – The Air Dominance Icon 

Despite being over 20 years old, the F-22 Raptor still dominates the skies with unmatched dogfighting and stealth capabilities. 

• Top Speed: Mach 2.25 (~2,410 km/h) 

• Supercruise: Mach 1.8 

• Engines: Twin F119 with thrust vectoring 

• Combat Use: Syria, Pacific deterrence missions 

• Price: ~$150 million 

Though no longer in production, it’s still the benchmark for air superiority, undergoing upgrades to maintain its edge until the NGAD successor arrives. 

2. Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon – China’s Flagship Fighter 

The J-20 signals China’s growing prowess in stealth and aerial dominance, designed to rival the F-22 and F-35. 

• Top Speed: Mach 2 (~2,470 km/h) 

• Engines: WS-10C/WS-15 in development 

• Stealth Focus: Frontal aspect 

• Fleet Size (2025): 200+ 

• Price: ~$100 million 

Its mass deployment and continual upgrades make it a major challenge to U.S. and allied air dominance in Asia. 

1. Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II – The Global Multirole Giant 

We cannot say that F-35 Lightning II is a fighter jet only: it is a networked combat platform that redefines 21st-century warfare. 

• Top Speed: Mach 1.6 (~1,975 km/h) 

• Stealth: All-aspect, lowest RCS in service 

• Variants: F-35A (CTOL), F-35B (STOVL), F-35C (carrier) 

• Combat Record: Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan 

• Users: 15+ countries 

• Price: ~$90 million (F-35A) 

With over 1,000 aircraft delivered, the F-35 is reshaping allied air power. Its advanced sensors, AI-driven threat detection, and data fusion give it an unparalleled edge in multinational, networked warfare.