Determining the Best Fighter Aircraft Today is a complex undertaking. These formidable machines are engineered for distinct roles and missions, often excelling in one domain while making necessary compromises in others. Nevertheless, the capabilities demonstrated by the leading fighter jets within their specialized fields are truly remarkable. Drawing upon a review of current operational fighter jet fleets worldwide, AeroTime has identified and ranked the top 10 to create this definitive list. To qualify for consideration as the best fighter aircraft in 2025, these planes must be fully operational and actively serving in military forces. Experimental aircraft, developmental prototypes, and those still under development were not included in this ranking. For a broader perspective on elite aerial combat, you might be interested in a fighter aircraft comparison.
The 10 best fighter jets in 2025
Below is the full list of the top 10 best fighter aircraft, followed by more detailed information about each one.
| 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 |
| 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 |
Note on the Scoring Methodology for Ranking the ‘Best’ Fighter Aircraft
To comprehensively assess the overall capabilities of these fighter jets, they were scored across several key categories. These included factors such as cost, stealth capabilities, agility, weapons payload capacity, top speed, and operational popularity (how widely they are used). Points were assigned based on each aircraft’s position within our internal ranking for each specific characteristic. For most categories, the aircraft ranked number one received 10 points, decreasing incrementally to one point for the 10th ranked jet, and zero points for those outside the top 10 in that specific characteristic. Regarding cost, the ranking was reversed, with the least expensive aircraft receiving the most points. For stealth, the aircraft with the smallest radar cross-section (RCS) was awarded the highest points.
1. Sukhoi Su-57 Felon
| 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 |
Ranking the Sukhoi Su-57 as the best fighter aircraft in the world is likely to spark debate. While the USA boasts some of the most advanced fighters globally, particularly the F-22, Russia has engineered a truly formidable jet in the Su-57. This aircraft ranks highly for agility, weapons payload, and stealth. Crucially, Russia has managed to incorporate this advanced technology into a platform significantly less expensive than other high-end fighters, with estimates placing the unit cost at just $35-$50 million according to Bulgarian Military.
Russian Sukhoi Su-57 Felon fighter aircraft in flight, ranked as the best fighter jet in 2025
The supermaneuverability of the Su-57 is facilitated by its 3D thrust vectoring nozzles, combined with a superb thrust-to-weight ratio allowing it to execute incredibly tight turns. While its stealth capabilities are less refined than its Western counterparts, it compensates with advanced sensors, exceptional aerodynamic performance, and a versatile weapons loadout accommodating both internal and external ordnance.
2. Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II
| 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 did not secure the top position against its Russian competitor, its remarkable proliferation in terms of operational use is noteworthy. Over 700 units are currently in active service globally, and the type forms a significant component of the US Air Force’s capabilities. It boasts superior stealth performance compared to the Su-57, with low observability from all angles, not just the front, achieving a radar cross-section (RCS) roughly equivalent to that of a golf ball. However, it is slower than the Su-57 and is not capable of achieving true supercruise (maintaining supersonic speeds without using afterburners).
Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, a highly capable multirole fighter aircraft, parked on a damp runway
The F-35 lost points primarily due to its higher cost, with some variants priced at around double the estimated cost of the Su-57. Nevertheless, as a genuinely multirole fighter jet capable of performing exceptionally well in a wide array of mission profiles, the F-35 remains undeniably one of the best fighter aircraft in service today.
3. Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon
| 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 |
Coming in strong is the ‘Mighty Dragon,’ the Chengdu J-20. As China’s first domestically developed 5th-generation stealth fighter, it stands as one of only four operational stealth fighter jets currently in the world. While it has clearly drawn inspiration from the impressive capabilities of the F-22 and F-35, the J-20 has evolved into a highly capable fighter in its own right.
Chinese Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon stealth fighter aircraft in flight, known for its agility
The J-20 was designed with long-range operational capability in mind. It may not be the absolute fastest fighter on this list, but it can reach speeds of Mach 2 and maintain supersonic speeds without afterburners, giving it true supercruise ability. Although only a few hundred units are believed to be operational so far, Military Watch notes that production is ramping up significantly faster than any other twin-engine fighter program, potentially reaching 100-120 aircraft annually. These aircraft are exclusively for the PLAAF and are not currently exported.
4. Boeing F-15EX Eagle II
| 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 weapons payload, virtually no aircraft can match the F-15EX. Almost 30,000 lbs of ordnance can be carried by this aerial weapons truck, making it the most heavily armed fighter jet in the world. It’s not particularly stealthy, nor does it need to be. Instead of attempting to infiltrate undetected, its remarkable top speed of Mach 2.5 allows it to ingress, strike, and egress rapidly.
Boeing F-15EX Eagle II fighter aircraft in flight, known for its immense weapons payload
It can deploy over 20 air-to-air missiles in a single sortie utilizing the Advanced Missile and Bomb Ejector Rack (AMBER) system, serving as an ideal complement and escort for more expensive stealth platforms. This formidable Boeing fighter aircraft is also the fastest operational fighter jet currently serving in the US Air Force – indeed, one of the fastest in the world, outpaced only by older aircraft like the MiG-25 and MiG-31. Only eight units have been delivered to date, with the first arriving in June 2024 for the Oregon Air National Guard. According to Janes, tail numbers 9, 10, and 11 are nearing delivery, with many more expected to join the USAF fleet in the coming years.
5. Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor
| 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 readers might be surprised to find the F-22 ranked lower on this list, but there are specific factors contributing to its score. This incredible feat of engineering resulted in perhaps the most agile and stealthiest fighter jet ever built, achieving an RCS comparable to the size of a marble.
Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor stealth fighter aircraft in flight, noted for its agility and stealth capabilities
However, while the F-22 excels at remaining undetected, it carries a relatively low weapons payload, which impacts its score in that category. It also holds the distinction of being the most expensive fighter jet in the world, with a unit cost exceeding $140 million (and estimated build costs closer to $300 million per aircraft). Despite these points deductions, the F-22 remains a marvel of modern aeronautics. In addition to its 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 F-22 has concluded, with a total of 178 aircraft built. Even so, it continues to be a formidable fighter jet operating in 2025.
6. General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon
| 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 operated fighter jet globally today. According to the 2025 World Air Forces Directory by FlightGlobal, 2,084 units are currently operational, with significant fleets in the USAF and numerous other countries including Egypt, Israel, Greece, and Turkey. While the ‘Viper’s’ lineage dates back to the 1970s, it remains highly relevant thanks to ongoing modernization efforts. It functions as a true multirole platform, equally adept in air-to-air engagements as it is performing reconnaissance missions. It supports nearly every weapon system in the US and NATO inventory.
General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft in flight over terrain, the most widely used fighter jet globally
The latest iteration, the F-16 Block 70/72, represents a 4.5-generation standard, incorporating new radar systems, mission computers, infrared tracking, and various other enhancements. It holds the distinction of being the most affordable jet on our list to acquire and has repeatedly demonstrated its capabilities in numerous conflicts, from Operation Desert Storm to the current conflict in Ukraine. For many, the F-16 is still considered among the candidates for what is the best fighter aircraft in the world.
7. Sukhoi Su-35
| 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 possess stealth capabilities, but it remains one of the world’s most formidable 4th-generation fighter aircraft. Its exceptional agility is enabled by two-plane thrust vectoring, making it the only production aircraft currently utilizing this specific technology.
Russian Sukhoi Su-35 fighter aircraft performing a steep turn against a blue sky
In close-quarters dogfights, the Su-35 is a dangerous adversary, capable of out-turning most Western jets. Combined with a substantial internal fuel load, extended combat range, and a powerful passive electronically scanned array (PESA) radar, it is designed for both air superiority missions and prolonged patrols. The Su-35 carries a generous weapons load of over 17,000 lbs. This capacity, along with its sophisticated electronic warfare systems, infrared search and track (IRST) sensor, and high top speed of Mach 2.25, establishes it as a credible force in both defensive and offensive roles. With over 100 units currently in service and exports to nations like China and Egypt, the Su-35 is a key pillar of Russia’s tactical airpower in 2025.
8. Eurofighter Typhoon
| 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 conceived for air superiority but has since evolved into a highly capable multirole fighter. While it may not claim the absolute top spot in any single performance category, its strength lies in its balanced competence across various traits, avoiding the sacrifice of one area for extreme excellence in another.
Eurofighter Typhoon fighter aircraft in flight, a key component of European air power
Designed and constructed towards the end of the 20th century, the Typhoon has benefited from systematic upgrades over the years. The latest Tranche 5 enhancements include a redesigned cockpit featuring large area displays, improved connectivity, and the ability to operate collaboratively alongside unmanned aerial vehicles (drones). Across its flight envelope, the Typhoon exhibits exceptional agility. Its advanced avionics suite and sensor fusion capabilities contribute significantly to its survivability in contested airspace. It is also capable of achieving supercruise speeds of Mach 1.5 even while carrying a full weapons load.
9. Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet
| 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 F/A-18, the backbone of the US Navy’s aviation fleet, has served in various iterations since 1978. The latest version, the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, represents a modernized platform compatible with 21st-century requirements, offering extended range, increased payload capacity, and reduced maintenance needs compared to the original Hornet.
Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighter aircraft performing a tight turn
Priced at approximately $73 million, it remains one of the more expensive fighter jets globally, though significantly less costly than an F-22. Its substantial 17,750 lbs ordnance capacity is impressive, and it is designed to be compatible with a vast array of US and NATO munitions. While the Super Hornet visually resembles a larger F/A-18C/D, it is fundamentally a new aircraft, with around 80% of its structure redesigned. The E/F designation indicates whether it is a single or twin-seater, but all variants feature folding wings, making them suitable for carrier-based operations. When considering what constitutes the best fighter aircraft in the world, the Super Hornet’s versatility and proven track record make it a strong contender.
10. Dassault Rafale
| 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, a name meaning ‘gust of wind’ in French. This aircraft embodies elegance with its flowing lines and sharp nose, yet it is as lethal as it is aesthetically pleasing. The Rafale is engineered for ‘omnirole’ capability, a step beyond multirole, allowing the jet to perform all mission types simultaneously rather than simply switching between them.
Dassault Rafale fighter aircraft flying above the clouds
It features advanced avionics and sensor fusion, alongside one of the world’s leading electronic warfare suites (SPECTRA). While it cannot be classified as fully stealthy like the F-22, it incorporates stealth design features to reduce its radar cross-section. The latest standard, the F-4 iteration, includes radar and sensor upgrades that enhance its ability to detect stealth aircraft at long range, positioning it as one of the most capable hunters in contemporary air combat.
What’s Coming Next in the World of Fighter Aircraft?
While only a handful of true 5th-generation fighter jets are operational today, several more are poised to join the ranks of potentially the best fighter aircraft in the world in the coming years. Progressing notably is the KAI KF-21 Boramae, South Korea’s first domestically produced advanced fighter jet. Six prototypes have been manufactured, and the first serial production model has entered final assembly. Early indications suggest it will achieve a top speed of Mach 1.8 and carry up to 17,000 lbs of payload.
South Korean KAI KF-21 Boramae prototype fighter aircraft in flight
The KF-21 is described as a 4.5-generation aircraft, not quite as advanced as some of the current global leaders, but possessing enhanced stealth capabilities and advanced avionics that place it ahead of aircraft like the Typhoon and Rafale. It is anticipated to enter service in 2026. Turkey is also developing its TAI TF Kaan, though only one prototype exists so far, while India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program is somewhat further behind, with no prototype built yet.
Russian Sukhoi Su-75 Checkmate light fighter jet prototype displayed at an airshow
In Russia, the Su-75 Checkmate was showcased at MAKS in 2021 and the Dubai Airshow in 2023, but development has faced delays following international sanctions. The initial target for entry into service was 2027, but current progress on the project remains uncertain. Following closely behind these 5th-generation initiatives are a group of highly advanced aircraft expected to constitute the 6th-generation fleet. None have been constructed yet, but some manufacturers are aiming for introduction in the early 2030s. When these advanced platforms arrive, the landscape of the best fighter aircraft is undoubtedly set to change dramatically, continuing to inspire enthusiasts and potentially influencing areas ranging from strategic defense planning to even the development of best aircraft fighting games.
Conclusion
Ranking the Best Fighter Aircraft Today involves weighing diverse capabilities and roles. The list for 2025 highlights a range of formidable machines, from agile and stealthy 5th-generation jets to heavily armed workhorses and widely-used multirole platforms. As technology advances, particularly with the development of 5th- and 6th-generation aircraft, the definition of ‘best’ will continue to evolve, promising even more impressive capabilities in the skies of the future.
References
- AeroTime (Original source of the ranking and core data)
- Bulgarian Military. (2025, January 25). From Rubles to Rubble: The true cost of fielding Su-57 Felon.
- FlightGlobal. 2025 World Air Forces Directory.
- Janes. (Cited for F-15EX delivery details)
- Military Watch. (Cited for J-20 production rate)
