The 10 Best Fighter Aircraft in the World


There are undoubtedly many impressive fighter aircraft around the world. Some of the most important features for a fighter aircraft include speed, mobility, range, stealth, armament and technology. We have taken all of these factors into account and come up with our list of the 10 best fighter aircraft in the world – all of which are currently operational.

10. Chengdu J-10 (China)

Historically, Eastern and Western fighters have differed greatly in terms of their overall performance and capabilities. However the first Chinese-developed combat aircraft to bridge that gap is the J-10, a multi-role fighter. The intention was to counter the threat from Soviet fighters such as the MiG-29 and Su-27. While this aircraft was intended as an air-superiority fighter, the Soviet Union’s collapse changed the requirements.

J-10

The aircraft not only includes Western technology, it also looks similar to contemporary multi-role fighters of the West. The J-10 has been suggested as a replacement for old MiG-29s of other countries.

9. Saab JAS 39 Gripen (Sweden)

This lightweight multi-role combat aircraft is fourth-generation and was developed by Saab. The Gripen is able to carry out a variety of missions thanks to the latest technologies installed in the aircraft. Air defence, ground attack and reconnaissance are all possible. The aircraft’s aerodynamic layout makes it very agile and thus excellent in close combat. What’s more, the aircraft is able to land or take off from short-strip airfields, offering an additional element of flexibility. It has been said that the Gripen has a lower operating cost than any other fighter in operational service.

Saab JAS 39 Gripen (Sweden)

Its reliability and low-maintenance mean that it will likely continue to be the cornerstone of Swedish air power for quite some time to come. The Gripen has been exported to other countries including Hungary, South Africa and the United Kingdom.

8. Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon (USA)

While the F-15 Eagle is an air superiority fighter, the F-15 is more of a multi-role aircraft – one which can attack targets on the ground or in the air. In fact, the F-16 was designed to be lighter and less expensive than the F-15 Eagle. It’s a small aircraft but its mobility is one of its strong points. Close combat in this aircraft is good for pilots as they have excellent visibility due to the bubble single-piece canopy. This aircraft is battle proven having taken part in various conflicts over the years.

Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon (USA)

Such is its popularity, large numbers of the F-16 have been produced – some 4,500 in total. As of today, its wide exportation has led to it becoming operational in as many as 26 countries. The F-16 continues to be in service with the US Air Force until 2025.

7. Mikoyan MiG-31 (Russia)

The Soviet air defences were under threat of strikes from low-level aircraft as well as cruise missiles from NATO. Because of this, Russia developed the MiG-31 in order to meet this potential threat. While this Russian interceptor boasts high speed with a strong rate of climb and the ability to fly at high altitude, it does lose compensate on some mobility in order to have such capabilities. It may not have great manoeuvrability but this is one of the fastest production aircraft around. Its offensive weaponry includes missiles which can be used over long distances to take down enemy aircraft. The most recent version of this aircraft is the MiG-31BM which is very much a multi-role aircraft.

Mikoyan MiG-31 (Russia)

Russian interceptors are currently being upgraded to this aircraft. Its tasks include long-range interception and precision strike to name a few. The MiG-31’s cockpit is fitted with an advanced display that provides crew with the ability to deploy precision-guided munitions. This aircraft continues to play an important role for Russia’s military.

6. McDonnel Douglas F-15 Eagle (USA)

Designed with the intention of penetrating enemy defence, the F-15 Eagle has served the USA for more than 30 years. Despite this, the purpose-built air superiority fighter continues to be a warplane to be reckoned with. Of the fighters involved in the Cold War, the F-15 eagle is considered one of the most successful with more than 100 air kills. This aircraft is able to detect and acquire as well as track and attack aircraft of enemies all of which can be done in enemy-controlled airspace. This is thanks to the advanced weaponry and electronics that are fitted. It is through upgrades and modifications such as these that this famous aircraft has stayed relevant.

McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle

The F-15 has excellent manoeuvrability, even at high-speeds. It holds an extensive range of air-to-air missiles. The F-15 Eagle continues to be in service with the US Air Force and is likely to remain in service until at 2025, at least. Aside from being operational in the USA, it has also been exported to Israel, Japan and Saudi Arabia.

5. Sukhoi Su-35 (Russia)

Developed as a significant upgrade of the Su-27, the Su-35 multi-role fighter will eventually replace the Su-27 as well as the MiG-29 fighters. As such it has been offered for export. 2012 saw the Russian Air Force adopt the Su-35. Although Russia can sometimes be a little behind with the very latest technologies, this fighter aircraft has an array of advantages. For starters, it’s very fast and mobile. The engines are large and powerful and allow the aircraft to super cruise for extended periods of time. What’s more, the aircraft’s engines let it get to supersonic speeds however no afterburner is used. The three-dimensional thrust vectoring is one of the reasons behind the Su-35’s excellent manoeuvrability.

Sukhoi Su-35 (Russia)

It’s fair to say that it poses a threat thanks to its heavy armament as well as its ability to fly long range, often at high altitude. While the Su-35 is really an air superiority fighter, it also has air-to-ground capability. Finally, the Su-35 is able to carry an impressive number of weapons and can support weight of up to 8000kg.

4. Dassault Rafale (France)

The Dassault Rafale is a multi-role fighter that serves with both the French Air Force and Navy. Featuring some of the newest avionics systems, this particular aircraft is known to be very mobile. What’s more, it has the ability to track as many as 40 targets and fire at 4 of them at the same time. Efforts were made to this aircraft’s radar cross section.

Dassault Rafale (France)

The Dassault Rafale is more than capable of competing with the likes of the American F-16. This French multi-role fighter is expected to continue to be France’s main fighter for years to come.

3. Eurofighter Typhoon (European Union)

Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom and Spain joined to form the Eurofighter consortium in 1986. The aim was to create a new combat aircraft capable of performing a variety of roles. It would also operate beyond visual range as an interceptor and have the ability to perform ground attacks. The Eurofighter Typhoon has advanced missiles that were designed in Europe and features a modernized and very comprehensive avionics package. At an estimate, it is said that the Typhoon is superior to many other aircraft such as the F-15F and the Russian Su-27.

Eurofighter Typhoon (European Union)

However, it is believed that it is only half as effective as the American F-22 Raptor. This European aircraft is intended to be the foundation of Europe’s air power for quite some time.

2. Boeing F/A- 18 E/F Super Hornet (USA)

The most capable of all the US Navy multi-role fighters, the Super Hornet is actually based on aircraft carriers that have the ability to attack both air and surface targets. As well as in the USA, the Super Hornet is also in service with Australia and is the country’s main fighter aircraft. The F/A-18E/F is a successor of the F/A-18C/D Hornet. The newer aircraft is not only larger but seen also as more capable. Its new engines are a standout feature in comparison the older model. Furthermore, it is able to carry more missiles and has additional hardpoints.

Boeing F/A- 18 E/F Super Hornet (USA)

A larger internal storage for fuel means that the Super Hornet has superior range to the F/A-18C/D Hornet. The Super Hornet’s avionics are much improved while efforts were made to minimize the radar cross section.

1. Boeing F22 Raptor (USA)

Nearly invisible to radars, the F-22 Raptor features an impressive range of powerful weaponry. It remains the most advanced and indeed the most expensive production fighter aircraft ever made. While it was at first an air superiority fighter, it does lack some threat in comparison to the fighters of other countries. It has since evolved into more of a multi-role fighter with its strike capability. Much of the F-22 remains classified, such as the sensors and the avionics.  The engine provides the aircraft with the ability to super-cruise over long distances. It’s also very mobile due to the thrust vectoring nozzles and the triplex fly-by-wire control system.

Boeing F22 Raptor (USA)

Currently, this advanced aircraft operates only in the USA and has never been offered for export – never even to allies or fellow NATO nations. To this day is considered one of the best fighter aircraft ever built.


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