Here we will be counting down our list for the Top 10 Fighter Jets in the World (2020). There are a lot of fighter jets in the world but out of all these, we'll select the top ten best of them and some of them belong to the fifth generation. This list is based on weaponry, range, speed, technology and some other factors as well. So without any delay, let's get started with our top 10 Fighter Jets list.
You might be interested in the Top 10 Most Expensive Fighter Jet in the World or Top 10 Military Helicopter. You can also check our other articles on the military.
We start off our list of top 10 fighter jets in the world with the Mikoyan MiG-35. Mikoyan MiG-35 is a Russian multi-role fighter jet. This is designed by Mikoyan, a division of the United Aircraft Corporation. Mikoyan MiG-35 is marketed as a 4++ generation jet fighter, and production of this jet started in 2007-Present. The fighter has vastly improved avionics and weaponry systems. This jet can carry rockets, air-to-air missiles, air-to-surface missiles, anti-radiation missiles, anti-ship missiles and various laser-guided bombs pallet.
This fighter jet is powered by 2 Klimov RD-33 MK afterburning turbofan engines, and it can go up to a maximum speed of 2100 km/h, an altitude of 16,000 meters and range of about 2,400 kilometres. The cost of this fighter jet is $50 million.
We have McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle as the 9th world's best aircraft jet. This is an all-weather, tactical fighter aircraft. This jet is designed by McDonnell Douglas and now is being designed by Boeing. It is an air superiority fighter designed to gain and maintain air supremacy. This jet was first introduced in 1976, and it is still in service. The F-15 Eagle can be armed with 3 different kinds of missiles, AIM-7 Sparrows, AIM-9 Sidewinder and AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles. It is also armed with 20 mm M61A2 Vulcan rotary cannon with 940 rounds of ammunition.
McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle is powered with a pair of Pratt and Whitney F100 engines and can go up to a maximum speed of 2656 km/h, a maximum altitude of 20,000 meters and its range is 1965 kilometres. Its price is between $27 million to $30 million.
Read Also: Top 10 Fastest Aircraft Ever Recorded
Number 8th best jet is the Sukhoi Su-35. Sukhoi Su-35 is a single-seat, twin-engine, supermaneuverable aircraft. Su-35 is a developed version of the Su-27, and this variant had several improvements in engines aerodynamics, avionics and construction methods. Its large and powerful engines allow it to reach supersonic speeds without using an afterburner. This fighter aircraft is fitted with an internal 30 mm GSh-30-1 autocannon with 150 rounds ammunition and can carry a mix of short-range R-73 and medium-range R-77 missiles for air combat and various R and radar homing missiles.
Sukhoi Su-35 is powered with a pair of Saturnal AL-41F1S afterburning turbofan engines. It provides maximum speed, range and a service ceiling of 2,400 km/h, 3,600 kilometres and 18,000 meters. Its cost is around $83 million to $85 million.
In the list of top 10 fighter jets in the world, we have Dassault Rafale at 7th spot. Dassault Rafale is a French twin-engine, canard delta wing, multi-role fighter aircraft. Dassault Rafale is designed and built by Dassault Aviation. This fighter aircraft is equipped with a wide range of weapons. The Rafael is intended to perform air supremacy, interdiction, aerial reconnaissance, ground support, in-depth strike, anti-ship strike and nuclear deterrence missions.
The Rafale is powered with a pair of SNECMA M88-2 afterburning turbofan engines. It has a maximum speed of 1,912 km/h, the maximum range of 1850 kilometres and could fly at a maximum altitude of 15,235 meters. The cost of this jet is €74M as per FY2013.
We have the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet aircraft as one of the finest fighter jet in the world. This is a twin-engine, carrier-capable, multi-role fighter aircraft. It is developed mainly for the US Navy. The Super Hornet has an internal 20 mm M61A1 "Vulcan" Gatling style cannon and a lot of optional air-to-air missiles and air-to-surface weapons like AIM-9 Sidewinder, AIM-120 AMRAAM, AGM-65 and many more.
The super hornet is powered with a pair of General Electric F404-GE-400 turbofan engines. It can fly up to a maximum speed of 1,915 km/h, a maximum range of 2346 kilometres and a maximum altitude of more than 15,000 meters. The cost of Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is $70.5 million.
At number 5th spot we have the Eurofighter Typhoon. Eurofighter Typhoon is a 4th generation, twin-engine, canard delta wing, multi-role fighter aircraft with surface attack capability. It is designed to be a supremely effective dogfighter in combat. It is armed with various missiles bombs and 27mm Mauser BK-27 internal cannon with 150 rounds.
It is equipped with a pair of Eurojet EJ200 afterburning turbofan engines. Its maximum speed of Eurofighter Typhoon is 2495 km/h, a maximum range is 2900 kilometres and can fly at a maximum altitude of 19,812 meters. Cost of this aircraft is £125 million including development and production costs.
Read Also: Top 10 Infantry Fighting Vehicles
Chengdu J-20 is also among the top 10 best fighter jets. It is a single-seat, twin-jet, all-weather, stealth fifth-generation fighter aircraft developed by China's Chengdu aerospace corporation. The J-20 is the world's third operational fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft out of the F-22 and F-35. This Chinese fighter Chengdu J-20 has two large internal weapon bays for long-range air-to-air missiles and two small side bays for short-range air-to-air missiles.
This fighter jet is equipped with 2 Xian WS-15 afterburning turbofan. It provides a maximum speed of 2+ Mach, its maximum range is 6,000 kilometres and has a service ceiling of 20,000 meters. Its cost is US$100–$120 million as of 2011 LRIP estimate.
At number three one of the best fighter jets is the Sukhoi Su-37. It is a single-seat, a twin-engine, multirole fifth-generation jet fighter. It is being developed for air superiority and attack operations. The fighter is designed to have supercruise supermaneuverability stealth and advanced avionics. The Su-37 is capable of flying at supersonic speeds without using its afterburners. This fighter has 10 internal and 6 external hardpoints for air-to-air missiles, air-to-surface missiles, tight ship missiles, anti-radiation missiles and area guided bombs. There is a single 30mm GSh-30-1 autocannon gun fitting within it that has a firing rate of the 150 rounds.
With a pair of Saturn AL-31 afterburning turbofan engines. It provides a maximum speed of 2,120 km/h, a maximum range of 3,500 kilometres and can fly at a maximum altitude of 20,000 meters.
Read Also: Top 10 Most Powerful Air Forces In the World
At number 2, we have the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor. This is a fifth-generation, single-seat, twin-engine, all-weather, stealth tactical fighter aircraft. The F-22 has 4 Hardpoints under-wing pylon stations to carry 2,270 L weapons, each with a capacity of 5,000 lb. it is also armed with a single 1× 20 mm M61A2 Vulcan rotary cannon that can fire 480 rounds, and it has different kinds of air-to-air missiles and air-to-ground missiles.
This jet is powered with a pair of 2 × Pratt and Whitney F119-PW-100 augmented turbofans. It provides a maximum speed of 2414 km/h, a maximum range of 2963 kilometres and has a service ceiling of 20,000 meters. The cost of this jet is US$150 million.
Now at the number one spot, we have the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II. This is a single-seat, single-engine, all-weather, fifth-generation, multi-role combat aircraft. This aircraft is mainly designed for ground attack and air superiority missions. The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II can perform on air defence missions, close air support and tactical bombing. It can carry different kinds of air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground missiles, anti-ship missiles and bombs.
The F-35 is stuffed with the most advanced systems, and it is powered with a single Pratt & Whitney F-15 afterburning turbofan. It can fly up to a maximum speed of 1930 km/h, a maximum range of 2,800 kilometres and the maximum altitude of more than 15,000 meters. The cost of this jet is different with different variants like F-35A is US$79.2M, F-35B is US$115.5M and F-35C is US$108.8M.
Context
- 10 Fighter Jets in the World
- Mikoyan MiG-35
- McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle
- Sukhoi Su-35
- Dassault Rafale
- Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet
- Eurofighter Typhoon
- Chengdu J-20
- Sukhoi Su-37
- Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor
- Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II
- Conclusion
Top 10 Fighter Jets in the World
10. Mikoyan MiG-35
We start off our list of top 10 fighter jets in the world with the Mikoyan MiG-35. Mikoyan MiG-35 is a Russian multi-role fighter jet. This is designed by Mikoyan, a division of the United Aircraft Corporation. Mikoyan MiG-35 is marketed as a 4++ generation jet fighter, and production of this jet started in 2007-Present. The fighter has vastly improved avionics and weaponry systems. This jet can carry rockets, air-to-air missiles, air-to-surface missiles, anti-radiation missiles, anti-ship missiles and various laser-guided bombs pallet.
This fighter jet is powered by 2 Klimov RD-33 MK afterburning turbofan engines, and it can go up to a maximum speed of 2100 km/h, an altitude of 16,000 meters and range of about 2,400 kilometres. The cost of this fighter jet is $50 million.
- Engine: 2 x Klimov RD-33 MK afterburning turbofan engines
- Max Speed: 2100 km/h
- Max Range: 2,400 kilometres
- Max Altitude/Service Ceiling: 16,000 meters
- Cost: $50 million
9. McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle
We have McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle as the 9th world's best aircraft jet. This is an all-weather, tactical fighter aircraft. This jet is designed by McDonnell Douglas and now is being designed by Boeing. It is an air superiority fighter designed to gain and maintain air supremacy. This jet was first introduced in 1976, and it is still in service. The F-15 Eagle can be armed with 3 different kinds of missiles, AIM-7 Sparrows, AIM-9 Sidewinder and AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles. It is also armed with 20 mm M61A2 Vulcan rotary cannon with 940 rounds of ammunition.
McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle is powered with a pair of Pratt and Whitney F100 engines and can go up to a maximum speed of 2656 km/h, a maximum altitude of 20,000 meters and its range is 1965 kilometres. Its price is between $27 million to $30 million.
- Engine: 2 x Pratt and Whitney F100 engines
- Max Speed: 2656 km/h
- Max Range: 1965 kilometres
- Max Altitude/Service Ceiling: 20,000 meters
- Cost: $27 million to $30 million
8. Sukhoi Su-35
Number 8th best jet is the Sukhoi Su-35. Sukhoi Su-35 is a single-seat, twin-engine, supermaneuverable aircraft. Su-35 is a developed version of the Su-27, and this variant had several improvements in engines aerodynamics, avionics and construction methods. Its large and powerful engines allow it to reach supersonic speeds without using an afterburner. This fighter aircraft is fitted with an internal 30 mm GSh-30-1 autocannon with 150 rounds ammunition and can carry a mix of short-range R-73 and medium-range R-77 missiles for air combat and various R and radar homing missiles.
Sukhoi Su-35 is powered with a pair of Saturnal AL-41F1S afterburning turbofan engines. It provides maximum speed, range and a service ceiling of 2,400 km/h, 3,600 kilometres and 18,000 meters. Its cost is around $83 million to $85 million.
- Engine: 2 x Saturnal AL-41F1S afterburning turbofan engines
- Max Speed: 2,400 km/h
- Max Range: 3,600 kilometres
- Max Altitude/Service Ceiling: 18,000 meters
- Cost: $83 million - $85 million
7. Dassault Rafale
In the list of top 10 fighter jets in the world, we have Dassault Rafale at 7th spot. Dassault Rafale is a French twin-engine, canard delta wing, multi-role fighter aircraft. Dassault Rafale is designed and built by Dassault Aviation. This fighter aircraft is equipped with a wide range of weapons. The Rafael is intended to perform air supremacy, interdiction, aerial reconnaissance, ground support, in-depth strike, anti-ship strike and nuclear deterrence missions.
The Rafale is powered with a pair of SNECMA M88-2 afterburning turbofan engines. It has a maximum speed of 1,912 km/h, the maximum range of 1850 kilometres and could fly at a maximum altitude of 15,235 meters. The cost of this jet is €74M as per FY2013.
- Engine: 2 x SNECMA M88-2 afterburning turbofan engines
- Max Speed: 1,912 km/h
- Max Range: 1850 kilometres
- Max Altitude/Service Ceiling: 15,235 meters
- Cost: €74M as per FY2013
Read Also: Top 10 Best & Deadliest Main Battle Tanks
6. Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet
We have the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet aircraft as one of the finest fighter jet in the world. This is a twin-engine, carrier-capable, multi-role fighter aircraft. It is developed mainly for the US Navy. The Super Hornet has an internal 20 mm M61A1 "Vulcan" Gatling style cannon and a lot of optional air-to-air missiles and air-to-surface weapons like AIM-9 Sidewinder, AIM-120 AMRAAM, AGM-65 and many more.
The super hornet is powered with a pair of General Electric F404-GE-400 turbofan engines. It can fly up to a maximum speed of 1,915 km/h, a maximum range of 2346 kilometres and a maximum altitude of more than 15,000 meters. The cost of Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is $70.5 million.
- Engine: 2 x General Electric F404-GE-400 turbofan engines
- Max Speed: 1,915 km/h
- Max Range: 2346 kilometres
- Max Altitude/Service Ceiling: 15,000 meters
- Cost: $70.5 million
5. Eurofighter Typhoon
At number 5th spot we have the Eurofighter Typhoon. Eurofighter Typhoon is a 4th generation, twin-engine, canard delta wing, multi-role fighter aircraft with surface attack capability. It is designed to be a supremely effective dogfighter in combat. It is armed with various missiles bombs and 27mm Mauser BK-27 internal cannon with 150 rounds.
It is equipped with a pair of Eurojet EJ200 afterburning turbofan engines. Its maximum speed of Eurofighter Typhoon is 2495 km/h, a maximum range is 2900 kilometres and can fly at a maximum altitude of 19,812 meters. Cost of this aircraft is £125 million including development and production costs.
- Engine: 2 x Eurojet EJ200 afterburning turbofan engines
- Max Speed: 2495 km/h
- Max Range: 2900 kilometres
- Max Altitude/Service Ceiling: 19,812 meters
- Cost: £125 million (incl. development & production costs)
4. Chengdu J-20
Chengdu J-20 is also among the top 10 best fighter jets. It is a single-seat, twin-jet, all-weather, stealth fifth-generation fighter aircraft developed by China's Chengdu aerospace corporation. The J-20 is the world's third operational fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft out of the F-22 and F-35. This Chinese fighter Chengdu J-20 has two large internal weapon bays for long-range air-to-air missiles and two small side bays for short-range air-to-air missiles.
This fighter jet is equipped with 2 Xian WS-15 afterburning turbofan. It provides a maximum speed of 2+ Mach, its maximum range is 6,000 kilometres and has a service ceiling of 20,000 meters. Its cost is US$100–$120 million as of 2011 LRIP estimate.
- Engine: 2 x Xian WS-15 afterburning turbofan
- Max Speed: 2+ Mach
- Max Range: 6,000 kilometres
- Max Altitude/Service Ceiling: 20,000 meters
- Cost: $100–$120 million
3. Sukhoi Su-37
At number three one of the best fighter jets is the Sukhoi Su-37. It is a single-seat, a twin-engine, multirole fifth-generation jet fighter. It is being developed for air superiority and attack operations. The fighter is designed to have supercruise supermaneuverability stealth and advanced avionics. The Su-37 is capable of flying at supersonic speeds without using its afterburners. This fighter has 10 internal and 6 external hardpoints for air-to-air missiles, air-to-surface missiles, tight ship missiles, anti-radiation missiles and area guided bombs. There is a single 30mm GSh-30-1 autocannon gun fitting within it that has a firing rate of the 150 rounds.
With a pair of Saturn AL-31 afterburning turbofan engines. It provides a maximum speed of 2,120 km/h, a maximum range of 3,500 kilometres and can fly at a maximum altitude of 20,000 meters.
- Engine: 2 x Saturn AL-31 afterburning turbofan engine
- Max Speed: 2,120 km/h
- Max Range: 3,500 kilometres
- Max Altitude/Service Ceiling: 20,000 meters
- Cost: N/A
2. Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor
At number 2, we have the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor. This is a fifth-generation, single-seat, twin-engine, all-weather, stealth tactical fighter aircraft. The F-22 has 4 Hardpoints under-wing pylon stations to carry 2,270 L weapons, each with a capacity of 5,000 lb. it is also armed with a single 1× 20 mm M61A2 Vulcan rotary cannon that can fire 480 rounds, and it has different kinds of air-to-air missiles and air-to-ground missiles.
This jet is powered with a pair of 2 × Pratt and Whitney F119-PW-100 augmented turbofans. It provides a maximum speed of 2414 km/h, a maximum range of 2963 kilometres and has a service ceiling of 20,000 meters. The cost of this jet is US$150 million.
- Engine: 2 × Pratt and Whitney F119-PW-100 augmented turbofans
- Max Speed: 2414 km/h
- Max Range: 2963 kilometres
- Max Altitude/Service Ceiling: 20,000 meters
- Cost: US$150 million
1. Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II
Now at the number one spot, we have the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II. This is a single-seat, single-engine, all-weather, fifth-generation, multi-role combat aircraft. This aircraft is mainly designed for ground attack and air superiority missions. The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II can perform on air defence missions, close air support and tactical bombing. It can carry different kinds of air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground missiles, anti-ship missiles and bombs.
The F-35 is stuffed with the most advanced systems, and it is powered with a single Pratt & Whitney F-15 afterburning turbofan. It can fly up to a maximum speed of 1930 km/h, a maximum range of 2,800 kilometres and the maximum altitude of more than 15,000 meters. The cost of this jet is different with different variants like F-35A is US$79.2M, F-35B is US$115.5M and F-35C is US$108.8M.
- Engine: 1 x Pratt & Whitney F-15 afterburning turbofan
- Max Speed: 1930 km/h
- Max Range: 2,800 kilometres
- Max Altitude/Service Ceiling: 15,000+ meters
- Cost: F-35A: US$79.2M, F-35B: US$115.5M, F-35C: US$108.8M