2025 Fighter Aircraft Comparison: Ranking the Top 10 Jets
Establishing the best fighter jets in the world presents a challenging task. These aircraft are designed for specific roles and missions and tend to excel in one area at the sacrifice of another. Nevertheless, the performance of some of the top fighter jets within their area of expertise is astounding. This article provides a detailed Fighter Aircraft Comparison for 2025, reviewing the capabilities of current operational jets globally and selecting 10 of the very best. To be considered for this list of the best fighter jets in 2025, aircraft must be operational and in service. Experimental aircraft, prototypes, and aircraft in development have not been considered.
The 10 Best Fighter Jets in 2025
Topping the list of the best fighter jets in the world in 2025 is Russia’s flagship aircraft, the Su-57. It scored highly on agility and stealth. With a reported cost of just $50 million per unit, it stands out as one of the least expensive advanced fighter jets available to air forces, making it an interesting point in any russian fighter aircraft numbers discussion.
In second place is the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II. While it may not match the agility of the Su-57 or the heavy armament of the F-15EX, its exceptional all-around performance and true multirole capabilities distinguish it from competitors. Its stealth performance is outstanding, surpassed only by the more expensive F-22.
In the bronze position is China’s first homegrown 5th-generation fighter jet, the Chengdu J-20 ‘Mighty Dragon’. It is one of only four operational stealth fighters globally today. The J-20 scores highly for its massive 24,000 lb weapons payload, a significant portion of which is carried internally, contributing to its incredible stealth profile. This makes it a compelling subject in any modern fighter aircraft comparison.
Check out the rest of the top 10 best fighter jets in the table below, and read on as we delve a little deeper into each one’s capabilities.
The Best Fighter Jets: The Complete List Summary
| Aircraft | Why it’s amongst the ‘best’ |
|---|---|
| Sukhoi Su-57 Felon | The most agile fighter jet in the world |
| Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II | The most capable multirole aircraft |
| Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon | A stealthy, heavily armed, multirole aircraft |
| Boeing F-15EX Eagle II | The most heavily armed fighter jet |
| Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor | The stealthiest and most expensive fighter jet built |
| General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon | The most widely used fighter jet in the world |
| Sukhoi Su-35 | An incredible dogfighter |
| Eurofighter Typhoon | An agile and capable multirole aircraft |
| Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet | Effective, versatile and tough |
| Dassault Rafale | An agile, heavily armed and expensive fighter |
Note on Scoring Used for Defining the ‘Best’ Fighter Jets
To evaluate the all-round capabilities of these fighter jets, they were scored based on various categories. These included cost, stealth, agility, weapons payload, speed, and how widely used they are.
Points were awarded based on the aircraft’s ranking within the top 10 for each characteristic. For most categories, the #1 ranked aircraft received 10 points, decreasing to one point for the 10th ranked jet, and zero points for those outside the top 10 in that specific characteristic.
When it comes to cost, the ranking was inverted, giving fewer points to the most expensive jets. For stealth, the smallest radar cross-section (RCS) received the most points.
1. Sukhoi Su-57 Felon
Russian Sukhoi Su-57 Felon stealth fighter jet in flight, ranked best in 2025 fighter aircraft comparison.
Close-up of a Sukhoi Su-57 Felon fighter jet performing a tight turn.
| Su-57 Ratings | ||
|---|---|---|
| Feature | Detail | Points |
| Cost | $50 million | 10 |
| Agility | Thrust-to-weight 1.20 | 9 |
| Stealth | RCS 0.1 m² | 7 |
| Weapons | 22,000 lbs of payload | 8 |
| Speed | Mach 2 | 1 |
| Popularity | 22 in service | 0 |
| Total | 35 |
Ranking the Sukhoi Su-57 as the best fighter jet in the world is likely to be controversial. After all, the USA fields some of the most advanced fighters globally, not least the F-22. However, in the Su-57, the Russians have designed a truly formidable jet, with the aircraft ranking highly for agility, weapons payload, and stealth. Importantly, Russia has reportedly managed to incorporate this technology into an aircraft that costs significantly less than many other advanced fighters, with Bulgarian Military estimating the cost per unit at just $35-$50 million.
The supermaneuverability of the Su-57 is delivered by its 3D thrust vectoring nozzles, combined with a superb thrust-to-weight ratio, making it capable of extremely tight turns. While its stealth might be less refined than Western counterparts in certain aspects, it compensates with high-tech sensors, raw aerodynamic performance, and a versatile loadout of both internal and external weaponry.
2. Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II
Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II multirole fighter jet on a runway at sunset.
| F-35 Ratings | ||
|---|---|---|
| Feature | Detail | Points |
| Cost | $109 million | 5 |
| Agility | Thrust-to-weight 1.07 | 5 |
| Stealth | RCS (m²) 0.0015 | 9 |
| Weapons | 18,000 lbs of payload | 5 |
| Speed | Mach 1.6 | 0 |
| Popularity | 712+ in active service | 4 |
| Total | 28 |
While the F-35 missed out on the top spot in this Fighter Aircraft Comparison, it’s important to note how much more widely used the F-35 is. More than 700 are currently in active service, and the type forms the backbone of the US Air Force and many allied air arms.
It boasts a higher level of stealth than the Su-57, featuring all-aspect stealth with a radar cross-section (RCS) reportedly equivalent to a golf ball. However, it does not achieve the same top speed as the Su-57 and is not capable of true supercruise (supersonic speeds without using afterburners for extended periods).
The F-35 lost points due to its expense, with some models costing around twice the reported price of the Su-57. Nevertheless, as a true multirole fighter jet that can excel in almost any operational scenario, the F-35 remains one of the best fighter jets in the world today.
3. Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon
China's Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon 5th generation fighter jet in flight.
| J-20 Mighty Dragon Ratings | ||
|---|---|---|
| Feature | Detail | Points |
| Cost | $110 million | 4 |
| Agility | Thrust-to-weight 1.00 | 4 |
| Stealth | RCS 0.05 m² | 8 |
| Weapons | 24,000 lbs of payload | 9 |
| Speed | Mach 2 | 1 |
| Popularity | 195+ in service | 0 |
| Total | 26 |
Coming in at third place is the ‘Mighty Dragon’ Chengdu J-20. It is China’s first 5th-generation stealth fighter and one of only four operational stealth fighter jets globally today. While it has undoubtedly been influenced by the capabilities of the F-22 and F-35, it has evolved into a capable fighter in its own right.
The J-20 was designed with long-range operations in mind. While not the fastest jet on this list, it can reach Mach 2 and maintain supersonic speeds without afterburners for extended periods, giving it true supercruise capabilities.
Although thought to have only a couple of hundred units operational so far, Military Watch notes that it is in production at a rate exceeding three times that of any other twin-engine fighter, potentially in the region of 100-120 aircraft per year. It is not currently exported; all these aircraft are destined for the PLAAF.
4. Boeing F-15EX Eagle II
Boeing F-15EX Eagle II fighter jet in flight.
| Boeing F-15EX Eagle II Ratings | ||
|---|---|---|
| Feature | Detail | Points |
| Cost | $97 million | 6 |
| Agility | Thrust-to-weight 0.93 | 0 |
| Stealth | Not stealth | 0 |
| Weapons | 29,500 lbs of payload | 10 |
| Speed | Mach 2.5 | 8 |
| Popularity | 8+ in service | 0 |
| Total | 24 |
When it comes to weapons payload, no aircraft can come close to the F-15EX in this fighter aircraft comparison. Almost 30,000 lbs of weapons can be loaded onto this platform, effectively making it the most heavily armed fighter jet in the world.
It is not designed to be particularly stealthy, but it compensates with speed and firepower. Instead of relying on stealth to sneak in, its top speed of Mach 2.5 means it can rapidly enter, strike, and exit a combat zone. It can carry over 20 air-to-air missiles in a single sortie using the Advanced Missile and Bomb Ejector Rack (AMBER) system, making it an ideal partner or escort for more expensive stealth jets.
It is the fastest operational fighter jet in the US Air Force – and indeed, one of the fastest globally – outpaced only by older, practically obsolete interceptors like the MiG-25 and MiG-31. Just eight have been delivered so far, with the first arriving in June 2024. According to Janes, tail numbers 9, 10, and 11 were on the verge of delivery, with many more expected to join the USAF in the coming years.
5. Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor
Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor stealth fighter jet.
| F-22 Ratings | ||
|---|---|---|
| Feature | Detail | Points |
| Cost | $143 million | 1 |
| Agility | Thrust-to-weight 1.26 | 10 |
| Stealth | RCS 0.0001 m² | 10 |
| Weapons | 12,000 lbs of payload | 0 |
| Speed | Mach 2.25 | 2 |
| Popularity | 178 in service | 0 |
| Total | 23 |
Some readers might be surprised to see the F-22 relatively lower in this fighter aircraft comparison list, but there are specific reasons it didn’t score higher. This incredible feat of engineering resulted in one of the most agile and stealthiest fighter jets in the world, with an RCS reportedly comparable to a marble.
However, while the F-22 is highly capable of avoiding detection, it carries a relatively low weapons payload compared to other aircraft on the list, for which it loses points in this scoring system. It is also frequently cited as the fighter aircraft cost comparison outlier, being the most expensive fighter jet built, with a unit cost in excess of $140 million (and construction costs thought to be closer to $300 million per jet).
Nevertheless, the F-22 remains a marvel of modern aviation. In addition to advanced stealth, it is capable of supercruise at Mach 1.8 and boasts a top speed of Mach 2.25, allowing it to engage or disengage rapidly. Production of the type has ended, with only 178 aircraft built. Even so, it continues to be a formidable fighter jet in the skies of 2025.
6. General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon
General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon, the world's most widely used fighter jet, flying over terrain.
| F-16 Fighting Falcon Ratings | ||
|---|---|---|
| Feature | Detail | Points |
| Cost | $80 million | 10 |
| Agility | Thrust-to-weight 0.75 | 0 |
| Stealth | Not stealth | 0 |
| Weapons | 15,000 lbs of payload | 0 |
| Speed | Mach 2 | 1 |
| Popularity | 2,084+ in active service | 10 |
| Total | 21 |
The F-16 Fighting Falcon is by far the most widely used fighter jet in the world today. According to the 2025 World Air Forces Directory, over 2,084 units are currently operational, with large fleets in the USAF and key allies like Egypt, Israel, Greece, and Turkey.
While the ‘Viper’ has a history dating back to the 1970s, it remains relevant thanks to continuous upgrades. It is a true multirole aircraft, equally adept at air-to-air combat, ground attack, and reconnaissance. It is compatible with almost every weapon in the US and NATO inventory.
The latest iterations of the F-16, like the Block 70/72, have elevated it to a 4th generation ++ aircraft, incorporating new radars, mission computers, infrared tracking, and other significant updates. It is among the cheapest jets on our list to acquire and has proven its capabilities in numerous conflicts, from Operation Desert Storm to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, making it a vital subject in any 4th generation fighter aircraft comparison.
7. Sukhoi Su-35
Russian Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jet performing a steep turn against a blue sky.
| Su-35 Ratings | ||
|---|---|---|
| Feature | Detail | Points |
| Cost | $85 million | 7 |
| Agility | Thrust-to-weight 1.15 | 8 |
| Stealth | Not stealth | 0 |
| Weapons | 17,632 lbs of payload | 2 |
| Speed | Mach 2.25 | 2 |
| Popularity | 118+ in service | 0 |
| Total | 19 |
The Sukhoi Su-35 may not feature stealth technology, but it remains one of the world’s most formidable 4th-generation fighters. Its exceptional agility is enabled by two-plane thrust vectoring, a technology unique to the Su-35 among production aircraft.
In close-quarters dogfights, the Su-35 is a dangerous opponent, capable of out-turning most Western jets. Combined with a large internal fuel load, long combat range, and a powerful passive electronically scanned array (PESA) radar, it is built for both air superiority and extended patrol missions.
The Su-35 carries a generous weapons load of over 17,000 lbs. This, along with its advanced electronic warfare systems (like Khibiny), infrared search and track (IRST) sensor, and high speed of Mach 2.25, makes it a credible force in both defensive and offensive roles. With more than 100 units currently in service and exports to countries like China and Egypt, the Su-35 is a key pillar of Russia’s tactical airpower in 2025.
8. Eurofighter Typhoon
Eurofighter Typhoon multirole aircraft.
| Eurofighter Typhoon Ratings | ||
|---|---|---|
| Feature | Detail | Points |
| Cost | $117 million | 3 |
| Agility | Thrust-to-weight 1.15 | 6 |
| Stealth | Not stealth | 0 |
| Weapons | 20,000 lbs of payload | 6 |
| Speed | Mach 2 | 1 |
| Popularity | 533+ in service | 3 |
| Total | 19 |
The Eurofighter Typhoon, a cornerstone of European air power, was initially designed for air superiority but has since evolved into a capable multirole fighter. While it may not rank as the absolute best in any single characteristic compared to others on this list, its strength lies in its balanced performance across various roles. Rather than sacrificing one trait for excellence in another, it handles multiple mission types with a high level of competence.
Designed and built towards the end of the 20th century, the Typhoon has undergone systematic upgrades over the years. The latest Tranche 5 upgrades reportedly include a redesigned cockpit with large area displays, enhanced connectivity, and the ability to operate alongside drones.
Across its flight envelope, the Typhoon demonstrates exceptional agility. Its advanced avionics and sensor suite contribute significantly to its survivability in contested airspace. It is also capable of supercruise at speeds up to Mach 1.5 while fully loaded.
9. Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet
Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet performing a tight turn.
| F/A-18E/F Super Hornet Ratings | ||
|---|---|---|
| Feature | Detail | Points |
| Cost | $73 million | 9 |
| Agility | Thrust-to-weight 0.85 | 0 |
| Stealth | Not stealth | 0 |
| Weapons | 17,750 lbs of payload | 3 |
| Speed | Mach 1.8 | 0 |
| Popularity | 827+ in service | 6 |
| Total | 18 |
The backbone of the US Navy’s carrier air wing, the F/A-18 has been in service in various forms since 1978. Its latest iteration, the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, is a significantly enhanced version designed for 21st-century compatibility, offering greater range, increased payload capacity, and reduced maintenance hours compared to the original Hornet.
Priced in the range of $73 million per unit, it is still among the more expensive tactical aircraft but is considerably less costly than a fifth-generation fighter like the F-22. Its 17,750 lbs ordnance payload capability is impressive, and it has been designed for compatibility with a vast array of US and NATO munitions.
While the Super Hornet bears a resemblance to a beefed-up F/A-18C/D, it is essentially a new aircraft, with approximately 80% of its structure redesigned. The E/F designation denotes whether it is a single-seater or twin-seat variant, but all models feature folding wings to make them suitable for carrier-based operations from aircraft carriers.
10. Dassault Rafale
Dassault Rafale omnirole fighter jet flying above the clouds.
| Dassault Rafale Ratings | ||
|---|---|---|
| Feature | Detail | Points |
| Cost | $125 million | 2 |
| Agility | Thrust-to-weight 1.10 | 7 |
| Stealth | Not stealth | 0 |
| Weapons | 20,900 lbs of payload | 7 |
| Speed | Mach 1.8 | 0 |
| Popularity | 299+ in service | 0 |
| Total | 16 |
Dassault’s flagship fighter jet is the Rafale, meaning ‘gust of wind’ in French. The jet is often praised for its elegant design with sweeping curves and a sharply pointed nose, combining aesthetic appeal with formidable capability.
The Rafale is built for ‘omnirole’ capability, a concept that goes beyond traditional multirole by allowing the jet to perform various mission types simultaneously, rather than simply switching between modes. It features advanced avionics and sensor fusion, alongside one of the most highly regarded electronic warfare suites in the world (SPECTRA).
While it cannot be considered fully stealthy like fifth-generation aircraft such as the F-22, it does incorporate stealth design features to reduce its radar cross-section. The latest iteration, the F-4 standard, includes radar and sensor upgrades designed to help it detect stealth aircraft at long range, positioning it as a capable hunter.
What’s Coming Next in the World of the Best Fighter Jets?
While there are only a handful of true 5th-generation fighter jets in operation today that factor into a comprehensive fighter aircraft comparison, several more advanced aircraft are set to join the ranks of the best fighter jets in the coming years, including concepts that could lead to the 7th generation fighter aircraft.
Progressing nicely is the KAI KF-21 Boramae, South Korea’s first domestically-produced advanced fighter jet. Six prototypes have been produced, and the first serial production model has entered final assembly. Early indications suggest it will have a top speed of Mach 1.8 and up to 17,000 lbs of payload capacity.
South Korea's KAI KF-21 Boramae advanced fighter jet.
It is described as a 4.5-generation aircraft, not quite as advanced in stealth as some of the best fifth-generation jets globally, but featuring better stealth capabilities and advanced avionics that position it ahead of earlier 4th-generation aircraft like the Typhoon and Rafale. It is expected to enter service in 2026.
Turkey is developing the TAI TF Kaan, although only one prototype exists so far. India is further behind on its Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, as no prototype has yet been built.
In Russia, the Su-75 Checkmate was displayed at MAKS in 2021 and Dubai Airshow in 2023, but development has reportedly been delayed following sanctions imposed on the country. The original entry into service was scheduled for 2027, but little is publicly known about current progress on the project.
Russian Sukhoi Su-75 Checkmate light fighter jet prototype displayed at Dubai Airshow.
Hot on the heels of these 5th-gen fighters are a group of super-advanced aircraft concepts which will define the 6th-generation fleet. None have yet been built, but some manufacturers are aiming for introduction in the early 2030s. When these next-generation aircraft arrive, the landscape of the best fighter jets and how we conduct a fighter aircraft comparison is sure to change immeasurably.
