Pinpointing the absolute best fighter jets currently operational is a complex task. These sophisticated aircraft are engineered with specific combat roles and mission profiles in mind, often excelling dramatically in one area while making necessary compromises in another. However, the performance ceilings reached by some of the foremost Current Fighter Aircraft within their designed parameters are truly remarkable. Shock Naue has reviewed the capabilities of the top operational fighter jets globally to compile a list of the 10 considered among the very best as of 2025. To qualify for this ranking, aircraft must be actively in service; experimental platforms, prototypes, and jets still under development were not included in this assessment.
The Top 10 Current Fighter Aircraft in 2025
Leading the pack in our assessment of the world’s best Current Fighter Aircraft for 2025 is Russia’s premier platform, the Sukhoi Su-57 Felon. It scored exceptionally high marks for its agility and stealth characteristics. Crucially, with an estimated cost per unit hovering around $50 million, it stands out as one of the most cost-effective advanced fighter jets currently available to air forces.
Russian Sukhoi Su-57 Felon fighter jet in flight, ranked among current fighter aircraft
Securing the second position is the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II. While it may not match the Su-57’s raw agility or the F-15EX’s heavy armament capacity, its exceptional all-around performance and genuine multirole versatility distinguish it from many competitors. Its stealth capabilities are particularly noteworthy, surpassed only by the even more expensive F-22 Raptor.
Taking the third spot is China’s indigenous fifth-generation fighter jet, the Chengdu J-20 ‘Mighty Dragon’. As one of only four operational stealth fighters globally today, the J-20 scores highly due to its substantial 24,000 lb internal weapons payload, which significantly contributes to its impressive stealth profile.
Chinese Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon stealth fighter aircraft in flight
Explore the rest of the top 10 current fighter aircraft in the detailed list presented in the table below, followed by a closer look at the specifics of each ranked jet.
Ranking the Best Current Fighter Aircraft: The Complete List
| Aircraft | Key Strengths |
|---|---|
| Sukhoi Su-57 Felon | Exceptionally agile and relatively low cost |
| Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II | Outstanding all-around multirole capabilities and stealth |
| Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon | Stealthy, heavily armed, long-range multirole fighter |
| Boeing F-15EX Eagle II | The most heavily armed fighter jet in the world |
| Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor | Unparalleled stealth and agility, but costly |
| General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon | Most widely operated, continuously upgraded workhorse |
| Sukhoi Su-35 | Formidable dogfighter with advanced sensors |
| Eurofighter Typhoon | Agile, capable, and continuously updated multirole platform |
| Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet | Effective, versatile, and robust carrier-based jet |
| Dassault Rafale | Agile ‘omnirole’ fighter with advanced avionics |
Understanding the Scoring for the ‘Best’ Fighter Jets
To provide a comprehensive evaluation of these current fighter aircraft, a scoring system was employed across several key categories. These included assessment areas such as cost, stealth characteristics, agility, weapons payload capacity, maximum speed, and the extent of their operational deployment worldwide.
Points were assigned based on an aircraft’s ranking within our top 10 for each specific characteristic. In most categories, the jet ranked number 1 received 10 points, with points decreasing linearly down to one point for the 10th ranked jet. Aircraft falling outside the top 10 in a specific characteristic received zero points for that category.
An exception was made for the ‘Cost’ category, where scoring was inverted: the most expensive aircraft received the fewest points, rewarding cost-effectiveness. For ‘Stealth’, the aircraft with the smallest radar cross-section (RCS) was awarded the highest number of points.
1. Sukhoi Su-57 Felon
Detailed view of a Sukhoi Su-57 Felon current fighter aircraft performing a tight turn
| Su-57 Ratings | ||
|---|---|---|
| Feature | Detail | Points |
| Cost | $50 million | 10 |
| Agility (Thrust-to-weight) | 1.20 | 9 |
| Stealth (RCS m2) | 0.1 | 7 |
| Weapons Payload | 22,000 lbs | 8 |
| Speed | Mach 2 | 1 |
| Popularity (In service) | 22 | 0 |
| Total | 35 |
Naming the Sukhoi Su-57 as the top current fighter aircraft in the world is likely to spark debate, especially given the formidable capabilities of Western jets like the F-22. However, Russia has engineered a truly potent aircraft in the Su-57, which achieved high scores in agility, weapons payload, and stealth. Notably, Russia has managed to integrate this advanced technology into an aircraft with a significantly lower unit cost than other contemporary advanced fighters, with estimates ranging from $35 million to $50 million.
The Su-57’s exceptional super maneuverability is facilitated by its 3D thrust vectoring nozzles and an excellent thrust-to-weight ratio, enabling rapid, tight turns. While its stealth features might be less refined compared to Western counterparts, the Su-57 compensates with advanced sensors, superior aerodynamic performance, and a flexible 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
| F-35 Ratings | ||
|---|---|---|
| Feature | Detail | Points |
| Cost | $109 million | 5 |
| Agility (Thrust-to-weight) | 1.07 | 5 |
| Stealth (RCS m2) | 0.0015 | 9 |
| Weapons Payload | 18,000 lbs | 5 |
| Speed | Mach 1.6 | 0 |
| Popularity (In service) | 712 | 4 |
| Total | 28 |
Although the F-35 didn’t reach the top spot, its widespread operational use is critical. Over 700 F-35s are currently in active service, forming a significant portion of the US Air Force’s tactical airpower and being adopted by numerous allied nations. It boasts superior stealth compared to the Su-57, with a radar cross-section (RCS) often compared to that of a golf ball, offering stealth from various angles. However, it is slower than the Su-57 and lacks true supercruise capability (sustained supersonic flight without afterburners).
The F-35 received fewer points for its higher cost, approximately twice that of the reported Su-57 price. Nevertheless, as a truly multirole fighter jet capable of performing effectively in diverse scenarios, the F-35 remains one of the leading current fighter aircraft globally.
3. Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon
The Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon, one of the best current fighter aircraft, flying
| J-20 Mighty Dragon Ratings | ||
|---|---|---|
| Feature | Detail | Points |
| Cost | $110 million | 4 |
| Agility (Thrust-to-weight) | 1.00 | 4 |
| Stealth (RCS m2) | 0.05 | 8 |
| Weapons Payload | 24,000 lbs | 9 |
| Speed | Mach 2 | 1 |
| Popularity (In service) | 195 | 0 |
| Total | 26 |
China’s first fifth-generation stealth fighter, the Chengdu J-20 ‘Mighty Dragon’, ranks third among current fighter aircraft. It is one of only four genuinely stealthy operational fighter jets in the world today. While its design shows inspiration from the F-22 and F-35, the J-20 has evolved into a potent platform in its own right.
Designed with long-range missions in mind, the J-20 can reach Mach 2 and potentially sustain these speeds without afterburners, granting it supercruise capability. Although operational numbers are around 200 so far, production is reportedly high, with units destined exclusively for the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF).
4. Boeing F-15EX Eagle II
Boeing F-15EX Eagle II fighter aircraft 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 Payload | 29,500 lbs | 10 |
| Speed | Mach 2.5 | 8 |
| Popularity (In service) | 8 | 0 |
| Total | 24 |
When considering weapons capacity, the Boeing F-15EX Eagle II stands unmatched among current fighter aircraft. Capable of carrying nearly 30,000 lbs of ordnance, it is renowned as the most heavily armed fighter jet in the world.
The F-15EX is not designed for stealth but relies on its formidable speed of Mach 2.5 to perform rapid ingress, strike, and egress missions. It can carry a large number of air-to-air missiles using the Advanced Missile and Bomb Ejector Rack (AMBER) system, making it an ideal partner for stealthier, more expensive jets. It is currently the fastest operational fighter jet in the US Air Force, with production and deliveries ongoing to bolster the fleet.
5. Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor
Stealthy Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor fighter jet
| F-22 Ratings | ||
|---|---|---|
| Feature | Detail | Points |
| Cost | $143 million | 1 |
| Agility (Thrust-to-weight) | 1.26 | 10 |
| Stealth (RCS m2) | 0.0001 | 10 |
| Weapons Payload | 12,000 lbs | 0 |
| Speed | Mach 2.25 | 2 |
| Popularity (In service) | 178 | 0 |
| Total | 23 |
Some readers might be surprised to see the F-22 ranked lower on this list, but the scoring methodology highlights specific factors. This engineering marvel is recognized as the most agile and the stealthiest fighter jet globally, with an RCS comparable to a marble.
Despite its exceptional stealth and maneuverability, the F-22 carries a relatively modest weapons payload, which reduced its score in this ranking. It is also notably the most expensive fighter jet in the world, with a unit cost exceeding $140 million. The F-22 program has ended production, with a total of 178 aircraft built. Nevertheless, it remains a highly formidable presence among current fighter aircraft in 2025. The F-22 is certainly one of the contenders when considering the most dangerous fighter aircraft based on its sheer dominance in air superiority.
6. General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon
General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon, a widely used current 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 Payload | 15,000 lbs | 0 |
| Speed | Mach 2 | 1 |
| Popularity (In service) | 2,084 | 10 |
| Total | 21 |
The General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon holds the distinction of being by far the most widely operated current fighter aircraft worldwide today. With over 2,000 units in active service across numerous air forces, its global footprint is unmatched.
Despite its origins in the 1970s, the F-16, often called the ‘Viper’, remains highly relevant due to continuous modernization efforts. It functions as a true multirole aircraft, equally adept at air-to-air combat, ground attack, and reconnaissance, and is compatible with a vast array of NATO and US weaponry. The latest versions, such as the Block 70/72, incorporate advanced features like new radars and improved mission computers, elevating it to a 4++ generation standard. It is the most affordable jet on this list and has proven its combat effectiveness in numerous conflicts. Learn more about the capabilities of the F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft.
7. Sukhoi Su-35
Sukhoi Su-35 Flanker-E, a highly agile current fighter aircraft
| Su-35 Ratings | ||
|---|---|---|
| Feature | Detail | Points |
| Cost | $85 million | 7 |
| Agility (Thrust-to-weight) | 1.15 | 8 |
| Stealth | Not stealth | 0 |
| Weapons Payload | 17,632 lbs | 2 |
| Speed | Mach 2.25 | 2 |
| Popularity (In service) | 118+ | 0 |
| Total | 19 |
While not stealthy, the Sukhoi Su-35 remains one of the world’s most capable fourth-generation current fighter aircraft. Its remarkable agility is facilitated by two-plane thrust vectoring, a technology unique among operational production aircraft.
In close-quarters dogfights, the Su-35 is a dangerous adversary, capable of outmaneuvering most Western jets. Combined with a substantial internal fuel capacity, long combat radius, and a powerful passive electronically scanned array (PESA) radar, it is well-suited for both air superiority and extended patrol missions. The Su-35 can carry a significant weapons load exceeding 17,000 lbs. This capacity, along with its advanced electronic warfare systems and infrared search and track (IRST) sensor, makes it a credible force in both offensive and defensive roles. With over 100 units in service and exports to key partners, the Su-35 is a vital component of Russia’s tactical airpower in 2025.
8. Eurofighter Typhoon
The Eurofighter Typhoon, a capable multirole current fighter aircraft
| Eurofighter Typhoon Ratings | ||
|---|---|---|
| Feature | Detail | Points |
| Cost | $117 million | 3 |
| Agility (Thrust-to-weight) | 1.15 | 6 |
| Stealth | Not stealth | 0 |
| Weapons Payload | 20,000 lbs | 6 |
| Speed | Mach 2 | 1 |
| Popularity (In service) | 533 | 3 |
| Total | 19 |
A crucial asset for European air forces, the Eurofighter Typhoon was initially conceived for air superiority but has successfully evolved into a true multirole fighter among current fighter aircraft. While it may not be the absolute best in any single category, its strength lies in performing a wide range of missions with high competence across the board.
Developed in the late 20th century, the Typhoon has undergone systematic upgrades. The latest enhancements, such as the Tranche 5, feature improved cockpit displays, better connectivity, and the capability to integrate with drones, ensuring its continued relevance. The Typhoon demonstrates excellent agility throughout its performance envelope and features advanced avionics and sensor fusion that enhance its survivability. It is capable of supercruise at Mach 1.5 even when carrying a significant load.
9. Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet
US Navy Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighter jet performing a 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 Payload | 17,750 lbs | 3 |
| Speed | Mach 1.8 | 0 |
| Popularity (In service) | 827 | 6 |
| Total | 18 |
The backbone of the US Navy’s carrier aviation, the F/A-18 has served in various forms since the late 1970s. The current iteration, the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, represents a significant evolution for the 21st century, offering increased range, greater payload capacity, and reduced maintenance needs compared to the original Hornet.
Priced around $73 million, it is among the more expensive current fighter aircraft, though considerably less costly than jets like the F-22. Its weapons payload of 17,750 lbs is substantial, and it is designed for compatibility with a vast array of US and NATO munitions. Despite visual similarities to earlier F/A-18 models, the Super Hornet is largely a new aircraft with extensive structural redesigns. The E/F designations denote single-seat and twin-seat variants, respectively, and all models feature folding wings for carrier operations. Considering versatility and combat record, it’s certainly in the running for a list of top 10 multirole fighter aircraft.
10. Dassault Rafale
Dassault Rafale, an agile multirole current fighter aircraft, above clouds
| Dassault Rafale Ratings | ||
|---|---|---|
| Feature | Detail | Points |
| Cost | $125 million | 2 |
| Agility (Thrust-to-weight) | 1.10 | 7 |
| Stealth | Not stealth | 0 |
| Weapons Payload | 20,900 lbs | 7 |
| Speed | Mach 1.8 | 0 |
| Popularity (In service) | 299 | 0 |
| Total | 16 |
Dassault’s premier fighter jet, the Rafale, is known for its elegant design and potent capabilities. It embodies the concept of ‘omnirole’, signifying its ability to perform diverse mission types simultaneously, going beyond traditional multirole capabilities.
The Rafale features advanced avionics, sensor fusion, and one of the most sophisticated electronic warfare suites globally (SPECTRA). While not a full stealth fighter like the F-22, it incorporates design elements to minimize its radar signature. Its latest F-4 standard includes radar and sensor upgrades specifically designed to enhance its ability to detect stealth aircraft at extended ranges, positioning it as a formidable opponent in aerial engagements among current fighter aircraft.
The Horizon: What’s Next for Fighter Aircraft?
While this list covers the most prominent current fighter aircraft operational today, the future promises new contenders. Several advanced jets are anticipated to enter service and potentially reshape future rankings.
Significant progress is being made on the KAI KF-21 Boramae, South Korea’s first domestically developed advanced fighter jet. Multiple prototypes are flying, and the first production model is reportedly in final assembly. Projected specifications suggest a top speed around Mach 1.8 and a payload capacity up to 17,000 lbs.
Prototype of the KAI KF-21 Boramae future fighter aircraft
The KF-21 is classified as a 4.5-generation aircraft, slightly less advanced in certain aspects than full fifth-generation jets but featuring improved stealth characteristics and avionics that may place it ahead of some existing aircraft like the Typhoon and Rafale. Its operational debut is expected in 2026.
Turkey is also developing its own fifth-generation fighter, the TAI TF Kaan, though currently only a single prototype exists. India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program is less advanced, with no prototype built yet.
In Russia, the Sukhoi Su-75 Checkmate light fighter concept, unveiled in 2021, has faced development delays, partly due to international sanctions. Its initial service entry target of 2027 seems uncertain.
Prototype of the Sukhoi Su-75 Checkmate light fighter jet shown at Dubai Airshow
Beyond these upcoming fifth-generation or 4.5-generation aircraft, several nations are pursuing the development of sixth-generation fighters. While none have been built yet, manufacturers aim for introduction in the early 2030s. Their arrival is expected to dramatically alter the landscape of the best current fighter aircraft.
