List of 5th Generation Fighter Aircraft

The era of the 5th Generation Fighter Aircraft was fundamentally reshaped with the introduction of the USAF Lockheed F-22 Raptor air superiority platform into service in 2005. These advanced combat aircraft represent the current peak in fighter jet technology, blending established features from 4th Generation designs with significant advancements in performance, stealth capabilities, and fully integrated digital avionics.

A defining characteristic of aircraft on this List Of 5th Generation Fighter Aircraft is their emphasis on a reduced radar cross-section, often achieved through airframe shaping and the use of composite materials. To further preserve their stealth profile, primary weapon systems are typically housed in internal bays rather than being carried externally. While the American Lockheed F-22 ‘Raptor’ was the first of this class to enter service, development continues globally. Major nations and consortiums in Russia, China, Turkey, South Korea, and Japan are actively pursuing their own 5th generation programs. Understanding the features and capabilities is key to any [fighter aircraft comparison].

Here is a list of notable 5th Generation fighter aircraft, including operational platforms, prototypes, and concepts currently known:

• AVIC J-35 (China, Projected 2028)
  A carrierborne 5th generation fighter currently under development, intended for operations from Chinese aircraft carriers.
  Picture of the AVIC J-35
• Boeing-Saab T-7 Red Hawk (eT-7A) (United States, Projected 2023)
  While primarily an advanced jet trainer, its design incorporates 5th generation features and digital capabilities, making it relevant to future pilot training for advanced platforms.
  Picture of the Boeing-Saab T-7 Red Hawk (eT-7A)
• Chengdu (AVIC) J-20 (Black Eagle) (China, Entered Service 2017)
  A twin-engine, all-weather, stealth multirole fighter aircraft developed by China’s Chengdu Aerospace Corporation. It is a key component of China’s air force modernization.
  Picture of the Chengdu (AVIC) J-20 (Black Eagle)
• HAL AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) (India, Projected 2034)
  An Indian 5th generation stealth multirole fighter aircraft concept currently under development by the Aeronautical Development Agency and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.
  Picture of the HAL AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft)
• HAL Sukhoi PMF/FGFA (India, Projected 2018 – Cancelled)
  A proposed derivative of the Russian Sukhoi Su-57 intended for the Indian Air Force. The project was ultimately cancelled.
  Picture of the HAL Sukhoi PMF/FGFA
• HESA F-313 Qaher (Conqueror) (Iran, Presented 2018)
  An Iranian single-seat prototype stealth fighter jet. Its operational status and capabilities remain subjects of debate among aviation experts.
  Picture of the HESA F-313 Qaher (Conqueror)
• KAI KF-21 Boromae (KF-X) (South Korea, Projected 2028)
  A joint South Korean and Indonesian program developing an advanced multirole fighter aircraft with some 5th generation capabilities, often described as a 4.5 or 5th generation platform.
  Picture of the KAI KF-21 Boromae (KF-X)
• Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor (United States, Entered Service 2005)
  The world’s first operational 5th generation fighter aircraft, primarily designed for air superiority but also capable of ground attack, electronic warfare, and signals intelligence roles. Many consider it [the best fighter aircraft in the world] in its class.
  Picture of the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor
• Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II (United States, Entered Service 2016)
  A family of single-seat, single-engine, all-weather stealth multirole combat aircraft. It is designed to perform ground attack and air superiority missions and is operated by numerous countries. When discussing [what is the best fighter aircraft in the world], the F-35 is frequently mentioned due to its versatility and widespread adoption.
  Picture of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II
• Mitsubishi F-X (Japan, Projected 2035)
  Japan’s project to develop a 5th or 6th generation air superiority fighter to replace its aging F-2 fleet.
  Picture of the Mitsubishi F-X
• Mitsubishi X-2 (ATD-X / Shinshin) (Japan, First Flight 2016)
  A prototype aircraft used as a technology demonstrator for future Japanese stealth fighter development, including the F-X project.
  Picture of the Mitsubishi X-2 (ATD-X / Shinshin)
• Northrop Grumman T-X (Model 400) (United States, Presented 2017)
  An advanced jet trainer proposal that competed for the USAF’s T-X program, designed with features relevant to training pilots for 5th generation aircraft.
  Picture of the Northrop Grumman T-X (Model 400)
• Northrop-McDonnell Douglas YF-23 (Black Widow II) (United States, First Flight 1990)
  A prototype stealth fighter aircraft submitted for the USAF’s Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF) competition against the YF-22 (which became the F-22). It was a key technology demonstrator for 5th generation concepts.
  Picture of the Northrop-McDonnell Douglas YF-23 (Black Widow II)
• Stavatti Javelin T-X (United States, Presented 2017)
  Another advanced jet trainer aircraft prototype designed to offer performance characteristics similar to modern fighters, relevant for 5th gen pilot training.
  Picture of the Stavatti Javelin T-X
• Sukhoi Checkmate (Su-75) (Russia, Presented 2021, Projected 2026)
  A proposed Russian lightweight single-engine stealth fighter designed by Sukhoi. It aims to be a more affordable alternative to larger 5th generation aircraft. Information regarding [russian fighter aircraft numbers] often includes projections for this model.
  Picture of the Sukhoi Checkmate (Su-75)
• Sukhoi Su-57 (Felon) (Russia, Entered Service 2020)
  A twin-engine stealth multirole fighter aircraft developed by Sukhoi. It is the first operational stealth fighter aircraft for the Russian military. Discussions about [fighter aircraft prices list] often highlight the significant investment required for platforms like the Su-57.
  Picture of the Sukhoi Su-57 (Felon)
• TAI Kaan (TF-X / F-X) (Turkey, Projected 2028)
  Turkey’s domestic 5th generation fighter project, developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI). It aims to provide Turkey with an indigenous advanced combat aircraft capability.
  Picture of the TAI Kaan (TF-X / F-X)

The development and deployment of aircraft on this List Of 5th Generation Fighter Aircraft continue to shape modern air combat capabilities worldwide. These platforms represent a significant leap in technology, focusing on stealth, sensor fusion, and network-centric warfare, setting the standard for future aerial dominance.