Modern Jet Fighter Aircraft represent the cutting edge of military aviation technology and are a critical component of any major air force’s capability. Often the most vital assets, these fast, agile, and powerful machines are designed for versatility, capable of performing a multitude of roles from air superiority to ground attack. While many nations operate older, more cost-effective models, leading global powers continually seek a technological advantage by investing in state-of-the-art fighters.
The sophistication of a Modern Jet Fighter Aircraft directly correlates with its effectiveness. Consequently, the latest advancements in aerospace engineering are frequently integrated into these platforms. This includes powerful engines, complex integrated weapons systems, and highly sophisticated radar and sensor suites, enabling true multi-role functionality. Some designs utilize thrust-vectoring nozzles for exceptional maneuverability, while others prioritize stealth characteristics to minimize radar and thermal signatures. The most advanced examples feature powerful onboard computers and secure communication links for processing and sharing vast amounts of tactical data, enhancing situational awareness.
Determining the definitive “best” fighter jet is complex, involving numerous factors. This analysis considers aircraft that are currently operational or have achieved flight status as of early 2024. Developmental aircraft like Russia’s Sukhoi Checkmate, India’s HAL AMCA, Turkey’s TAI TF-X KAAN, and conceptual sixth-generation programs (NGAD, FCAS, Tempest) are not included as they are not yet flying or are in early design stages. Based on current capabilities and technological integration, here is a ranking of the world’s top 10 modern jet fighter aircraft.
10. Sukhoi Su-35S Flanker-E
Derived from the highly successful Su-27 Flanker platform, the Russian Sukhoi Su-35S, alongside its siblings like the Su-30 variants and the Chinese Shenyang J-16, represents the pinnacle of the 4.5 generation Flanker family. While numerous variants exist, the Su-35S stands out as arguably the most advanced operational version. It incorporates Russia’s latest avionics and electronic warfare systems, along with significant airframe refinements. Its most distinctive feature is its pair of Saturn AL-41F1S engines equipped with thrust-vectoring nozzles, allowing for exceptional supermaneuverability without the need for canards, which were characteristic of earlier Su-30 and Su-35 iterations.
Russian Sukhoi Su-35S modern jet fighter aircraft performing aerobatics
9. Eurofighter Typhoon
A collaborative effort among several European nations (UK, Germany, Italy, Spain), the Eurofighter Typhoon is a highly capable twin-engine, canard-delta wing multirole fighter. It boasts impressive performance metrics and incorporates advanced European aerospace technology. Its success extends beyond the core partner nations, having been adopted by prominent air forces in the Middle East, including Qatar and Saudi Arabia. The Typhoon is recognized as one of the most potent 4th generation fighters globally. Continuous upgrades ensure its relevance, with the latest Tranche 3 and the even more advanced Tranche 4 (introduced in 2020) featuring enhanced electronics, sensor fusion, and weapons integration compared to earlier models.
Eurofighter Typhoon multirole modern jet fighter aircraft in flight
8. Dassault Rafale
Sharing developmental roots with the Eurofighter Typhoon before France pursued an independent path in the mid-1980s, the Dassault Rafale is another formidable European multirole modern jet fighter aircraft. It features a distinct close-coupled canard and delta wing configuration. Unlike the Typhoon, the Rafale has carrier-capable variants (Rafale M) designed for naval operations and is also certified to carry France’s air-launched nuclear deterrent. Dassault Aviation continuously upgrades the Rafale; the current F3-R standard incorporates advanced sensors like the RBE2 AESA radar and the METEOR long-range air-to-air missile. The next iteration, Rafale F4, is under development and promises further enhancements to its radar, avionics, and network-centric warfare capabilities. Deliveries of the F4 standard are planned for France, the UAE, India, and other operators, with older models also slated for upgrades.
French Air Force Dassault Rafale modern jet fighter aircraft from Saint Dizier Airbase
7. Boeing F-15EX Eagle II
Originally introduced over five decades ago as one of the world’s first 4th generation fighters, the McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) F-15 Eagle airframe remains remarkably potent. Holding an unparalleled combat record with over 100 air-to-air victories and no confirmed air-to-air losses, the F-15 platform has undergone continuous evolution. The latest variant, the F-15EX Eagle II, represents a significant leap forward, integrating contemporary technologies onto the proven design. This modern jet fighter aircraft features a new fly-by-wire flight control system, the powerful AN/APG-82 AESA radar, updated digital cockpit displays, the Eagle Passive/Active Warning Survivability System (EPAWSS) for electronic warfare, and an increased weapons payload capacity, ensuring its effectiveness in modern high-threat environments.
US Air Force Boeing F-15E Strike Eagle modern jet fighter aircraft variant
6. Shenyang FC-31 Gyrfalcon
China’s Shenyang FC-31 Gyrfalcon project, first revealed over ten years ago, appears to be nearing operational status, albeit likely under a different designation (potentially J-35). Primarily intended as a carrier-based fifth-generation stealth fighter for the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), the FC-31 aims to complement the larger J-20. While specific capabilities remain classified, recent observations indicate design refinements including redesigned engine housings, a new canopy configuration, and other modifications suggesting advancements in stealth and sensor integration. Its development signifies China’s growing ambition in producing advanced modern jet fighter aircraft comparable to Western counterparts.
Shenyang FC-31 prototype modern jet fighter aircraft at Zhuhai Air Show 2014
5. Sukhoi Su-57 Felon
The Sukhoi Su-57 Felon is Russia’s first operational fifth-generation stealth fighter. Designed as a heavy multirole fighter with an emphasis on super-maneuverability and advanced sensor capabilities, its development trajectory has faced significant challenges and delays. Consequently, although planned for service years earlier, only a small number are currently operational with the Russian Aerospace Forces. The Su-57 incorporates stealth shaping features, advanced AESA radar systems, and internal weapons bays. Future upgrades are anticipated, including the integration of the new ‘Izdeliye 30’ engine, expected to provide increased thrust and efficiency, further enhancing the performance envelope of this modern jet fighter aircraft.
Sukhoi Su-57 Felon fifth-generation modern jet fighter aircraft demonstration flight
4. KAI KF-21 Boramae
Developed by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) with Indonesia as a junior partner, the KF-21 Boramae marks a significant milestone for South Korea’s aerospace industry. Positioned as a 4.5 generation fighter, it integrates several advanced features, including stealth-influenced shaping, an indigenous AESA radar system, and technologies potentially leveraged from South Korea’s experience with the F-35 program. The first prototype achieved its maiden flight in July 2022, with several others currently undergoing rigorous testing. KAI aims for initial deliveries to the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) starting in 2026. Future planned blocks aim to enhance its capabilities further, potentially incorporating internal weapons bays and improved sensors to achieve true 5th-generation status, making it a highly capable modern jet fighter aircraft.
KAI KF-21 Boramae modern jet fighter aircraft displayed at Seoul ADEX 2023
3. Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor
The Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor holds the distinction of being the world’s first operational fifth-generation fighter jet, setting the standard for stealth, supercruise capability, and integrated avionics. Combining very low observable (stealth) characteristics with thrust-vectoring engines for extreme agility and advanced sensor suites, the F-22 was primarily designed as an air superiority fighter. Its powerful AN/APG-77 AESA radar and integrated sensor fusion provide exceptional situational awareness for beyond-visual-range engagements, while its maneuverability gives it an edge in close-range dogfights. Operated exclusively by the United States Air Force (USAF) due to export restrictions on its advanced technology, the F-22 fleet undergoes continuous upgrades to maintain its position as one of the most dominant modern jet fighter aircraft, despite its design originating over two decades ago.
USAF Lockheed Martin F-22A Raptor fifth-generation stealth modern jet fighter aircraft
2. Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon
China’s premier fifth-generation stealth fighter, the Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon, entered service with the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) in 2017. This large, twin-engine modern jet fighter aircraft is designed to compete directly with top-tier fighters like the F-22 and Su-57. It represents a major leap in Chinese combat aircraft development, featuring advanced stealth shaping, sophisticated avionics, and long-range capabilities. While thought to be less maneuverable at low speeds compared to thrust-vectoring designs, its emphasis on stealth, speed, and advanced sensors makes it a formidable platform. Details remain classified, but China is actively developing enhanced variants, reportedly including a two-seat version potentially for controlling unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs), and testing more powerful indigenous engines like the WS-15 to further improve its performance.
Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon stealth modern jet fighter aircraft flying at Changchun Air Show 2022
1. Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II
The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II program represents the cornerstone of fifth-generation fighter development for the United States and numerous allied nations. Since its introduction in 2006, the F-35 family has pushed the boundaries of combat aircraft technology, integrating unparalleled all-aspect stealth, advanced sensor fusion, powerful data networking capabilities, the world’s most powerful fighter engine (Pratt & Whitney F135), and the sophisticated AN/APG-81 AESA radar. Its Distributed Aperture System (DAS) and advanced helmet-mounted display provide pilots with unprecedented 360-degree situational awareness.
Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II modern jet fighter aircraft at RAF Lakenheath UK November 2022
Often highlighted for its dominance in beyond-visual-range combat due to its stealth and sensor capabilities, the F-35 is also highly capable in within-visual-range engagements. Its performance in exercises like Red Flag, achieving high kill ratios, underscores the advantage provided by its superior situational awareness, allowing pilots to engage targets effectively from unexpected angles.
Close view of a US Navy F-35C Lightning II carrier variant modern jet fighter aircraft
The F-35 program includes three distinct variants catering to different operational needs: the F-35A (Conventional Takeoff and Landing – CTOL) for standard air force operations, the F-35B (Short Takeoff/Vertical Landing – STOVL) for use from austere bases or amphibious assault ships, and the F-35C (Carrier Variant – CV) with larger wings and strengthened landing gear for aircraft carrier operations.
Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II STOVL modern jet fighter aircraft variant
Despite early developmental hurdles and high initial costs, the program has matured significantly. Unit costs have decreased, and ongoing software and hardware upgrades (like the upcoming Block 4) continue to enhance its capabilities. The F-35 has become a major export success, adopted by numerous air forces globally, solidifying its position as the benchmark modern jet fighter aircraft for the coming decades.
Multiple Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II modern jet fighter aircraft
Close top view of a F-35C Lightning II modern jet fighter aircraft with afterburner engaged
Conclusion: The Pinnacle of Modern Aerial Warfare
The ten aircraft detailed above represent the forefront of modern jet fighter aircraft technology in 2024. Each is a testament to advanced engineering, integrating cutting-edge capabilities in speed, stealth, maneuverability, sensors, and firepower. These platforms dominate contemporary air combat scenarios, capable of executing both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions with high effectiveness. The continuous development and upgrading of these fighters highlight the rapid evolution of aerial warfare technology.
While this list focuses on the top tier, it’s worth noting that numerous other nations produce highly capable fighter jets. Aircraft like Sweden’s Saab JAS 39 Gripen E, India’s HAL Tejas, or the joint Pakistani/Chinese JF-17 Thunder, while perhaps not ranking in the absolute top 10 globally based on the criteria used here, are still advanced platforms serving their respective air forces effectively. The global landscape of modern jet fighter aircraft is diverse and constantly evolving, driven by national security needs and technological innovation.
