Ranking the World’s Best Air Fighter Aircraft in 2025
Determining the world’s best air fighter aircraft is a complex undertaking. These sophisticated machines are engineered for highly specific roles and missions, often excelling in one domain while making compromises in others. The dynamic nature of aerial combat and technological advancement means the landscape of top-tier fighter jets is constantly evolving.
Nevertheless, the performance of some contemporary fighter aircraft within their designated areas of expertise is truly remarkable. Based on a comprehensive review of the capabilities of operational fighter jets currently in service worldwide, here is a ranking of the top 10 for 2025. This analysis focuses solely on aircraft that are actively operational; experimental aircraft, prototypes, and those still under development have not been included.
How the ‘Best’ Fighter Aircraft Were Scored
To provide a balanced evaluation of these fighter aircraft’s overall capabilities, they were scored across several key categories. These categories include cost, stealth, agility, weapons payload capacity, speed, and how widely they are used globally.
Points were allocated based on each aircraft’s standing within a top 10 ranking for these specific characteristics. For most categories, the aircraft ranked number one received 10 points, descending to one point for the tenth-ranked jet, with zero points awarded for those outside the top 10 in a specific characteristic.
When assessing cost, the ranking was reversed; more expensive aircraft received fewer points, while less expensive ones scored higher. For stealth, aircraft with a smaller radar cross-section (RCS) were awarded more points. This methodology aims to offer a comprehensive view of each jet’s strengths and weaknesses relative to its peers. For a detailed fighter aircraft cost comparison and other metrics among modern fighter aircraft comparison, further analysis is available.
The Top 10 Best Fighter Aircraft in 2025
Here is the complete list of the top fighter jets in 2025 based on the scoring methodology:
| Aircraft | Key Strength Highlight |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor | The stealthiest and most expensive fighter jet |
| Boeing F-15EX Eagle II | The most heavily armed fighter jet |
| 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 |
Below, we delve deeper into the capabilities and characteristics of each aircraft on this prestigious list.
1. Sukhoi Su-57 Felon
Sukhoi Su-57 Felon taking a tight turn during flight, ranked among the world's best air fighter aircraft in 2025
| Su-57 Ratings | ||
|---|---|---|
| Feature | Detail | Points |
| Cost | $50 million | 10 |
| Agility | Thrust-to-weight 1.20 | 9 |
| Stealth | RCS 0.1 | 7 |
| Weapons | 22,000 lbs of payload | 8 |
| Speed | Mach 2 | 1 |
| Popularity | 22 in service | 0 |
| Total | 35 |
Placing the Sukhoi Su-57 at the top of the list of the world’s best air fighter aircraft for 2025 may spark debate, particularly given the advanced capabilities of some U.S. fighters like the F-22. However, Russia’s design in the Su-57 has yielded a truly formidable jet that ranks highly across several key metrics.
The Su-57 scores impressively for its agility, substantial weapons payload, and notable stealth characteristics. Critically, Russia has managed to integrate these advanced technologies into an aircraft that boasts a significantly lower unit cost than most other advanced fighters, estimated by Bulgarian Military to be between $35-$50 million per unit.
Front view of a Russian Sukhoi Su-57 Felon fighter jet in flight with thrust vectoring nozzles visible
The Su-57’s remarkable supermaneuverability is primarily attributed to its 3D thrust vectoring nozzles, complemented by an excellent thrust-to-weight ratio, allowing it to execute tight turns with exceptional speed and precision. While its stealth capabilities may be considered less refined compared to its Western 5th-generation counterparts, it compensates with sophisticated high-tech sensors, superior raw aerodynamic performance, and the flexibility to carry a versatile loadout of both internal and external weaponry, making it a potent air superiority platform.
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 |
Although the F-35 didn’t secure the top spot, its widespread operational status is a critical factor. With over 700 units currently in active service globally, the F-35 forms a significant part of the U.S. Air Force’s operational backbone and is widely adopted by numerous allied nations.
Its stealth features are superior to the Su-57, offering exceptional low observability from all angles, not just the front. The F-35’s radar cross-section (RCS) is often compared to that of a golf ball, indicating a very low signature. However, it is not as fast as the Su-57 and lacks true supercruise capability (sustaining supersonic speeds without afterburners).
The F-35 lost points primarily due to its higher cost, with some variants costing approximately twice as much as the estimated price of the Su-57. Despite this, the F-35’s true multirole capabilities, allowing it to excel in almost any operational scenario – from air-to-air combat and ground attack to reconnaissance and electronic warfare – solidify its position as one of the world’s best air fighter aircraft today and a prime example of 10 best multi role fighter aircraft in the world.
3. Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon
China's Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon fifth-generation stealth fighter in flight
| J-20 Mighty Dragon | ||
|---|---|---|
| Feature | Detail | Points |
| Cost | $110 million | 4 |
| Agility | Thrust-to-weight 1.00 | 4 |
| Stealth | RCS 0.05 | 8 |
| Weapons | 24,000 lbs of payload | 9 |
| Speed | Mach 2 | 1 |
| Popularity | 195 in service | 0 |
| Total | 26 |
Securing the third position is China’s first domestically developed 5th-generation stealth fighter, the Chengdu J-20 ‘Mighty Dragon’. It is one of only four operational stealth fighters globally in 2025. While its design shows inspiration from the F-22 and F-35, the J-20 has matured into a highly capable fighter in its own right, optimized for long-range missions.
The J-20 boasts an impressive 24,000 lb weapons payload capacity, a significant portion of which can be carried internally, contributing to its strong stealth profile. It can reach speeds up to Mach 2 and, unlike the F-35, possesses true supercruise capabilities, maintaining supersonic flight without using afterburners.
Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon stealth fighter aircraft shown in flight
Although the number currently operational is relatively modest (estimated around 195), Military Watch reports that production is occurring at a rate potentially exceeding 100-120 aircraft per year, triple the scale of any other twin-engine fighter program. These aircraft are exclusively for the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), highlighting China’s rapid advancements in military aviation.
4. Boeing F-15EX Eagle II
Boeing F-15EX Eagle II fighter jet taking flight
| Boeing F-15EX Eagle II | ||
|---|---|---|
| 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 pure firepower, the Boeing F-15EX Eagle II stands unmatched. With the capacity to carry nearly 30,000 lbs of ordnance, it is unequivocally the most heavily armed fighter jet in the world.
Stealth is not a design priority for the F-15EX. Instead, it relies on raw speed and payload. Its top speed of Mach 2.5 makes it the fastest operational fighter jet in the U.S. Air Force, surpassed only by largely obsolete Soviet-era interceptors like the MiG-25 and MiG-31. This speed allows it to execute rapid ingress, strike, and egress missions. Utilizing the Advanced Missile and Bomb Ejector Rack (AMBER) system, it can carry over 20 air-to-air missiles on a single sortie, making it an ideal escort or “missile truck” to complement stealthier aircraft.
Despite its relatively low operational numbers so far (only eight delivered as of mid-2024, with more imminent according to Janes), the F-15EX represents a potent, high-speed, heavily armed platform designed for scenarios where stealth is less critical than speed and firepower, solidifying its place among the world’s best air fighter aircraft.
5. Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor
Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor stealth fighter jet in flight
| F-22 Ratings | ||
|---|---|---|
| Feature | Detail | Points |
| Cost | $143 million | 1 |
| Agility | Thrust-to-weight 1.26 | 10 |
| Stealth | RCS 0.0001 | 10 |
| Weapons | 12,000 lbs of payload | 0 |
| Speed | Mach 2.25 | 2 |
| Popularity | 178 in service | 0 |
| Total | 23 |
Some may be surprised to see the F-22 Raptor, often hailed as a pinnacle of aerospace engineering, at number five. While it is indeed the most agile and stealthiest fighter jet ever built, with an RCS comparable to a marble, its ranking is affected by other factors.
The F-22 has a relatively modest weapons payload capacity, which impacts its score compared to jets designed to carry more ordnance. Furthermore, it holds the distinction of being the most expensive fighter jet in the world, with a unit cost exceeding $140 million (and development costs pushing the effective price per jet even higher).
Nevertheless, the F-22 remains a technological marvel. Beyond its advanced stealth, it can supercruise at Mach 1.8 and achieve a top speed of Mach 2.25, allowing for rapid engagement or disengagement. Production of the F-22 program has concluded with only 178 aircraft built, limiting its popularity score. Despite this, the F-22 Raptor is undeniably one of the most advanced fighter aircraft in the world and a dominant force in air superiority.
6. General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon
General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon, one of the most widely used air fighter aircraft
| 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, affectionately known as the ‘Viper’, is by far the most widely used fighter jet in the world today. According to the 2025 World Air Forces Directory, over 2,000 units are currently operational across numerous air forces, including a large contingent in the USAF.
Despite its origins dating back to the 1970s, continuous upgrades have kept the F-16 highly relevant. It is a quintessential multirole aircraft, equally adept at air-to-air combat, ground attack, and reconnaissance missions. It is compatible with virtually every weapon in the U.S. and NATO arsenals.
The latest variants, such as the Block 70/72, feature significant enhancements like new radars, mission computers, and infrared tracking systems, elevating it to a 4th Generation++ aircraft. The F-16 is the least expensive jet on this list to acquire and has proven its effectiveness in multiple conflicts worldwide, demonstrating why it remains one of the world’s best air fighter aircraft in terms of operational utility and value.
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, a powerful 4th-generation fighter, lacks stealth but compensates with incredible agility. Its exceptional maneuverability is facilitated by two-plane thrust vectoring, a technology unique among production aircraft.
In close-quarters dogfights, the Su-35 is a formidable opponent, capable of out-turning most Western counterparts. Combined with its substantial internal fuel capacity, long combat range, and a potent passive electronically scanned array (PESA) radar, it is well-suited for air superiority and extended patrol missions.
The Su-35 can carry over 17,000 lbs of weapons. This, coupled with its advanced electronic warfare systems, infrared search and track (IRST) sensor, and high speed of Mach 2.25, makes it a credible asset in both defensive and offensive scenarios. With over 100 units in service and exports to countries like China and Egypt, the Su-35 is a significant component of Russia’s tactical airpower and ranks among the world’s best air fighter aircraft in its class.
8. Eurofighter Typhoon
Eurofighter Typhoon multirole combat aircraft in flight
| 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 key pillar of European air power, initially designed for air superiority, has successfully evolved into a genuine multirole fighter aircraft. While it may not be the absolute best in any single performance category, its strength lies in its balanced capabilities across the board, performing all roles with a high level of competence.
Developed and built towards the end of the 20th century, the Typhoon has benefited from systematic upgrades. The latest Tranche 5 enhancements include a redesigned cockpit with large displays, improved connectivity, and the capability to operate alongside unmanned aerial vehicles (drones).
The Typhoon exhibits exceptional agility throughout its flight envelope. Its sophisticated avionics and sensor suite bolster its survivability. It is also capable of supercruising at speeds up to Mach 1.5 even when carrying a full weapon load, confirming its status as one of the versatile and capable world’s best air fighter aircraft.
9. Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet
Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighter jet 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 |
Serving as the backbone of the U.S. Navy’s carrier air wings, the F/A-18 platform has been operational in various forms since 1978. The latest iteration, the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, is effectively a modernized version redesigned for 21st-century naval aviation, offering increased range, greater payload capacity, and reduced maintenance requirements compared to the earlier Hornet models.
Priced around $73 million per unit, it remains one of the 10 most expensive fighter jets in the world, though significantly less costly than jets like the F-22. Its ordnance capacity of 17,750 lbs is substantial, and it is designed for seamless compatibility with a vast array of U.S. and NATO munitions.
While outwardly similar to the F/A-18C/D, the Super Hornet is fundamentally a new aircraft, with approximately 80% of its structure redesigned. The E/F designation differentiates the single-seat (E) and twin-seat (F) variants. Both models feature folding wings, a crucial design element for efficient operation from aircraft carriers, making the Super Hornet a robust and versatile contender among the world’s best air fighter aircraft.
10. Dassault Rafale
Dassault Rafale 'omnirole' fighter aircraft 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, the Rafale (meaning ‘gust of wind’), is renowned for its elegant design characterized by sweeping curves and a sharp nose. Beyond its aesthetics, the Rafale is a highly capable combat aircraft.
The Rafale is designed for ‘omnirole’ capability, a concept that goes beyond traditional multirole by allowing the jet to perform different mission types concurrently, rather than simply switching between them. It features advanced avionics, sophisticated sensor fusion systems, and one of the world’s most effective electronic warfare suites, SPECTRA.
Although not a fully stealth aircraft like the F-22 or F-35, it incorporates stealth design features to reduce its radar cross-section. The latest F-4 standard integrates radar and sensor upgrades specifically designed to enhance its ability to detect stealth aircraft at long range, positioning the Rafale as an exceptional hunter and a deserving entry on the list of the world’s best air fighter aircraft.
What’s Coming Next in Air Fighter Aircraft?
While the current roster of the world’s best air fighter aircraft is dominated by a handful of operational 5th-generation jets, several new contenders are on the horizon, poised to join these ranks in the coming years. The future of air combat capability, including concepts for US new aircraft fighter programs, continues to evolve rapidly.
South Korea’s first domestically produced advanced fighter jet, the KAI KF-21 Boramae, is progressing well. Six prototypes have been manufactured, and the first serial production model has entered final assembly, with service entry expected in 2026. Initially described as a 4.5-generation aircraft, the KF-21 aims to bridge the gap between 4th and 5th generation fighters, offering improved stealth capabilities and advanced avionics compared to platforms like the Typhoon and Rafale. Early specifications indicate a top speed of Mach 1.8 and a potential payload capacity of up to 17,000 lbs.
South Korea's KAI KF-21 Boramae prototype fighter aircraft in flight
Elsewhere, Turkey is actively developing the TAI TF Kaan, though only one prototype exists currently. India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program is somewhat further behind, with no prototype built as of late 2024. Russia’s Sukhoi Su-75 Checkmate, unveiled in 2021 and displayed in 2023, has seen development delays due to sanctions, pushing back its original 2027 service entry goal.
The Sukhoi Su-75 Checkmate light fighter jet prototype displayed at Dubai Airshow
Following on the heels of these 5th-generation developments are concepts for the next wave: the 6th-generation fleet. While none have reached the prototype stage yet, some manufacturers and nations are targeting introduction in the early 2030s. When these highly advanced aircraft arrive, the landscape of the world’s best air fighter aircraft will undoubtedly be transformed immeasurably.
Conclusion
Ranking the world’s best air fighter aircraft is inherently challenging due to their specialized roles and the constant evolution of technology. However, based on key operational metrics for 2025, the Sukhoi Su-57, Lockheed Martin F-35, and Chengdu J-20 stand out at the top. These aircraft, alongside others like the heavily armed F-15EX, the agile and stealthy F-22, and the widely used F-16, represent the pinnacle of current military aviation capability. The criteria of cost, stealth, agility, weapons, speed, and popularity provide a framework for understanding their strengths and weaknesses. As new aircraft like the KF-21 and concepts for 6th-generation fighters emerge, the definition of the “best” will continue to be redefined in the ever-advancing world of air combat technology.
