Buzz
The skies surrounding our planet are the domain of fighter jets, the most formidable and dangerous predators Earth has ever known. These flying fortresses possess a myriad of pinnacle scientific and technological achievements and can take decades and billions of dollars to develop. They are the closest things to the fictional X-wings from the Star Wars movies that humans have ever crafted. In fact, prototypes of these high-tech vehicles are often mistaken for UFOs. Some are exclusively reserved for a single powerful nation, while others are sold to allies to become the backbone of numerous different air forces.
Imaginary X-wings starfighters from Star Wars. Image: StarWars Fandom.In the past, fighter jets used to be a distinct category from bomber aircraft. Nowadays, many modern fighter jets undertake various roles and are utilized for versatile missions. They are capable of everything, from intense aerial dogfights to devastating bombing runs, to missile strikes from above. Numerous aircraft integrate advanced computer systems and augmented reality (AR) helmets to provide pilots with the most comprehensive battlefield awareness possible. Currently, the United States, Europe, Russia, and China produce the majority of the world's fighter jets, which are then often sold to allied nations.
Sergeant Anthony Farnsworth of the 419 Combat Support Squadron is fitting the specialized helmet for the F-35 Lightning II during optical fitting training at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, on July 10, 2021. Each helmet undergoes a 105-day inspection cycle and a 120-day optical fitting check to ensure functionality and safety. Photo: AirForceTimes.As the race to develop the world's best jet fighter continues, with nations allocating a significant percentage of their domestic profits to research and development programs, here are the finest ones currently soaring the blue skies. The fighter jets in this list are not ranked by any specific criteria but rather grouped by nationality.The F-35 Lightning II, a marvel of modern engineering.
Crafted for stealth and long-range precision strikes, the F-35 Lightning II stands as one of the most advanced fighter jets in the skies today. Its design prioritizes low observability, making it difficult to detect visually and on radar, thanks to its sleek, mirror-like exterior finish designed to break up its radar cross-section, thus explaining its stealth capabilities.
The sleek chrome finish along the body of the F-35 adds an extra layer of protection against infrared detection, enhancing its stealth capabilities. Image: Usasalute.There are three different versions of the F-35. The F-35A is the standard model, while the F-35B is capable of short takeoffs and vertical landings, designed to operate from amphibious assault ships. Unlike the Harrier jets, which struggle with vertical landings, the F-35B makes vertical landings much easier for pilots. The F-35C is primarily intended for aircraft carriers, featuring longer wings that can be folded and enhanced fuel efficiency. The F-35 has a maximum speed of 1.6 Mach (1,960 km/h), lower than many other fighter jets currently in operation. However, it compensates for this with its unmatched stealth capabilities and combat range.
The wings of the F-35C version fold to create additional space on the aircraft carrier deck during deployment, making it especially suited for this type of vessel. Image: Lockheed Martin.The F-35 Lightning II is equipped with advanced computing power and controlled by touchscreen displays. Pilots are equipped with helmet-mounted display systems that connect to the aircraft's electro-optical distributed aperture system to provide 360-degree visibility. Due to this tight integration, a different type of helmet cannot be worn on the F-35.
Oceanic Forces.Falcon-22 Raptor
A majestic F-22 Raptor soars over Kadena Air Base, part of the Okinawa Islands, Japan, in 2009 during a routine training mission. Image: Wikipedia.
The F-22 Raptor, taking flight almost 26 years ago, remains a formidable predator in the U.S. Air Force arsenal. It is a uniquely agile aircraft with thrust vectoring capability, allowing it to control engine direction. The F-22 boasts a thrust-to-weight ratio of 1.26 at 50% fuel and 70,000 pounds of thrust. This grants it a maximum speed of 2.25 Mach (2,756 km/h), making it one of the fastest operational fighter jets. Coupled with its agility, the F-22 excels in aerial combat.
An F-22A Raptor from Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, fires an advanced medium-range AIM-120 (AMRAAM) and an AIM-9M Sidewinder heat-seeking missile at an unmanned target drone over the Gulf of Mexico. Image: Wikipedia.The F-22 maintains its stealth capabilities better than some other aircraft without compromising its armament by incorporating three distinct weapon bays. Similar to the F-35 Lightning II, the F-22 features advanced augmented reality vision systems for pilots.
An F-22 Raptor is seen here with its primary weapons bay open, and two smaller auxiliary bays on the sides also exposed at the Oceana Air Show. The main bay houses 2 types of weaponry, including bombs (GBU-39 SDB) for ground attack operations and missiles (AMRAAM) for aerial combat. The two auxiliary bays contain guns, additional missiles, and supplemental fuel tanks. Image: Wikimedia.focus on non-adversarial combatF-15EX Eagle II
The first unveiling of the F-15EX at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Image: Wikipedia.As a new addition to the U.S. Air Force, the F-15EX Eagle II represents the latest in the long-standing and prestigious line of fighter jets produced by Boeing. The F-15 series is renowned for never having been shot down in combat and has downed over a hundred enemy fighter jets. Most of these takedowns were carried out by Israeli pilots, and the F-15EX Eagle II enhances the capabilities of its predecessor with four additional missile stations, as well as improved onboard computers and a fly-by-wire system. With fly-by-wire being a system that replaces traditional manual aircraft control methods with electronic interfaces, we can liken it to the self-driving systems found in automobiles.
The F-15EX at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, flying in formation during an aerial refueling campaign over the skies of Northern California on May 14, 2021. Its exterior is quite rough, with low reflectivity, making it easily detectable, which is a drawback of this advanced technology fighter aircraft. Image: Wikipedia.
The Dassault F-4 Rafale
A Dassault F-4 Rafale at Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport in 2019. Image: Wikipedia.
The Dassault F-4 Rafale, named after a strong wind, is a French fighter aircraft specially designed for high levels of maneuverability. It is a versatile twin-engine combat aircraft capable of operating from both aircraft carriers and land bases. The Rafale represents a significant technological advancement over its predecessor, the F-3R, with improved connectivity capabilities including server communication and satellite communication.
The Rafale F-4 is a fighter jet that the United Arab Emirates Air Force is the first user outside of France. In the picture is an F-4 purchased from France flying over the Rub' al Khali desert in the UAE. Photo: Dassault Aviation.With a maximum speed of 1.8 Mach (2,205 km/h) and a maximum altitude of 50,000 feet (15.24 km), the Rafale is capable of competing with other modern jet fighters. Its canards at the nose can move in all directions, making it particularly agile at low altitudes. However, unlike many other modern aircraft, the Rafale is not designed with stealth as its primary objective, although it still incorporates some stealth features. In many ways, the Rafale is a much more traditional type of fighter jet.
French President Emmanuel Macron, followed by French Minister of Defense Sebastien Lecornu (2nd from right), walks past a Dassault Rafale fighter jet during a New Year's speech to the French military at the Mont-de-Marsan airbase, southwest France, on January 20, 2023. Photo: Defense News.The Dassault Rafale comes in single-seat and two-seat variants, with a price tag exceeding $100 million USD, making it one of the most expensive fighter jets on the market, despite costing only $18,000 - $21,000 USD per flight hour. This is partly due to optimized maintenance features that make flying more cost-effective.
Variant B (two-seat) of the F-4 Rafale. Photo: Wikipedia.Eurofighter Typhoon
The underside of the Eurofighter operated by BAE Systems flying in a 2016 demonstration, fully armed, at Fairford, United Kingdom. Photo: Wikipedia.
The Typhoon serves as NATO's flagship aircraft used across the EU and abroad. It's engineered to excel in non-combat roles. Its sophisticated avionics include advanced features like voice-command input, enabling pilots to essentially summon the aircraft's 'Alexa' version to fend off incoming missiles.
Germany has deployed 2 Eurofighter Typhoons to intercept Russian MiG-31, Su-27, and Il-62M fighters. Photo: Gagadget.Because this is a NATO aircraft, the Typhoon is designed and manufactured partly by several European countries. It might not be surprising to know that France withdrew from the program due to design differences. Its maximum speed is 2 Mach (2,450 km/h) and features canards similar to the Dassault F-4 Rafale to enhance maneuverability. Like the Rafale, the Typhoon is not designed as a stealth aircraft.
The Typhoon FGR4 of the Royal Air Force is showcased at the RIAT Royal International Air Tattoo 2016. Pilots can perform various functions via voice command or through control stick and throttle systems. Photo: Wikipedia.The lack of stealth capability aligns with the purpose of the Typhoon as a NATO fighter, as it resembles more of a high-priced aerial police car. It operates to maintain safe skies for member nations, hence stealth capability is deemed unnecessary. Its arsenal, including the Storm Shadow and Brimstone missiles, is highly versatile.
A Typhoon jet is seen taking off. To compensate for its stealth capability, it features two large air intake slots upfront which conceal a portion of the engine fan and serve as a primary radar wave reflector. Many potential radar targets, such as wing edges, nose cones, and fins, are heavily scanned to deflect radar energy away from the front. Some external weapons are semi-recessed into the aircraft, shielding these missiles partially from incoming radar waves. Additionally, radar-absorbent materials (RAM), primarily developed by EADS/DASA, cover many critical reflective parts, including wing leading edges, intakes, and interiors, surrounding the cockpit and fuselage. Image: Reddit.The Eurofighter Typhoon comes at a cost of only around $50 million for European Union member countries, whereas non-EU buyers need to invest nearly three times that amount.
An Eurofighter Typhoon boasts up to 13 weapon hardpoints, resembling a flying cargo truck due to its ability to load up on armaments. Image: Wikipedia.Saab JAS 39 Gripen
Saab Gripen showcased at Kaivopuisto Airshow, June 2017. Image: Wikipedia.The Saab JAS 39 Gripen stands as a testament to Swedish engineering excellence, embodying formidable capabilities and widespread utility. Notably, the Gripen operates at remarkably low costs, with operational expenses amounting to just $4,000 USD per hour. Originally conceived for nimble combat operations against Russian adversaries, the Gripen was crafted with rugged simplicity and minimal maintenance in mind. It boasts short takeoff capabilities, making it suitable for deployment in remote and austere airstrips, ideal for far-flung outposts and isolated locales.
The Gripen jet consists of 60% aluminum framework, 6% titanium, 5% other metals, and the remaining 29% primarily comprises composite materials including wing boxes, nose cones, fins, main doors, and flaps, all manufactured by Saab. The aircraft is powered by a centrally placed turbofan engine. Triangular wings are mounted mid-fuselage with square tips for missile rail installation.The front wings can serve as air brakes, and the jet features anti-skid landing gear for landing on high-speed strips and shorter runways. Its onboard diagnostic system allows for remote monitoring by a ground team of just six personnel, who can refuel and rearm it in as little as ten minutes. Significantly lighter than other modern combat aircraft, it boasts enhanced maneuverability.
A Gripen aircraft in flight, pictured in 2012. Image source: Wikipedia.Gripen possesses reconnaissance compartments to observe enemy forces, with a maximum speed of 2 Mach and stands as a true Viking warrior in the azure sky.SU-35
The SU-35 (4++ generation) gracing the Syrian skies was deployed by the Russian Air Force at the beginning of 2016, as part of a larger effort to bolster air defense capabilities in the region in response to Turkey's downing of a Russian Su-24. Image: Military Watch Magazine.The SU-35, though aging, remains a cornerstone of the Russian air force for over three decades. It's also actively deployed in China and various Asian nations. Originally designed to rival the U.S.'s F-22 Raptor, the SU-35 boasts thrust vectoring capabilities akin to the F-22, enhancing its maneuverability. With a significant payload capacity for air-to-air missiles, it primarily targets enemy aircraft.
A Su-35S (variant) of the Russian Aerospace Forces undergoing standard takeoff procedures. Image source: Wikipedia.For modern combat operations, the SU-35 is equipped with advanced electronic warfare systems. Notably, its powerful Irbis-E radar system can detect enemy aircraft at distances exceeding 400 km. It's reputed for tracking stealth aircraft within approximately 80 km range.
Discover the Su-35, a marvel of Russian engineering showcased at the MAKS 2009 airshow in Moscow. Its sleek, elongated wings distinguish it from its European and American counterparts, a hallmark of vintage aircraft design. Image source: Wikipedia.
The Su-35 boasts a staggering top speed of Mach 2.25 (2,756 km/h) and can operate at altitudes reaching 60,000 feet (18.3 km). With a starting price of approximately $85 million, it's certainly not a budget-friendly fighter jet.
Witness two Su-35s deployed by Russia to Qamishli Airport in Al-Hasakah province, northeastern Syria, near the Turkish border. Image source: Military Watch Magazine.SU-57 Felon
Observing the SU-57 from a lateral angle reveals its initial camouflage layer resembling that of the Su-35. Image source: Wikipedia.
The entirely new combat aircraft has finally been operationalized in 2020 after development since the 1970s. It incorporates unique 'bionic' components to confer advantages such as enhanced stealth capabilities. As per available information, only 12 units are currently active, and Russia has restricted its deployment within its airspace to mitigate the risk of downing. Consequently, its usage is confined to long-range roles to safeguard its advanced and secretive technologies from falling into adversary hands.
The Su-57 boasts multi-role capabilities, automation, and artificial intelligence technology. Its airframe features blended wing-body design, integrating functions of both fighter and attack aircraft. While Russia sees it as a rival to the F-22 Raptor, many Western analysts argue that the SU-57 does not truly qualify as a stealth aircraft. Image: Eurasiantimes.The SU-57 utilizes thrust vectoring engines to enhance maneuverability and can fly at speeds up to Mach 2 (2,450 km/h). This fighter is equipped with a laser defense system, capable of blinding enemy missiles with laser beams, disrupting their trajectory. Its array of six radar discs allows simultaneous tracking of 60 targets. These discs are distributed around the aircraft frame, enabling it to detect targets from any practical angle. With the longest supersonic range among combat aircraft, it can travel at over 1,500 km beyond the speed of sound. The SU-57 can also be armed with miniature maneuverable hypersonic missiles.
The SU-57 was nearing the end of its test flights with landing gear deployed in 2010. Its underside is sleek with minimal weapon protrusions, in contrast to the Eurofighter Typhoon. Image: Wikipedia.Mig 35
The underside of a Mig 35 during a display at Mig's factory in Lukhovitsy, Russia on January 27, 2017. Image: Vietnam Plus.The newly developed and highly capable combat aircraft Mig 35 has garnered significant attention, yet its widespread usage has been hindered by internal production issues within the company. The Mig 35 can track 30 different targets and engage 6 targets simultaneously. It achieves this feat with two optical positioning systems, one at the front of the aircraft for aerial target acquisition and another beneath the fuselage for surface target acquisition. However, while it boasts impressive capabilities, the targeting system of the Mig 35 faces disadvantages against equivalent modern aircraft. While the Mig 35 can track up to 30 targets simultaneously, Russia's SU-57 Felon doubles that figure. Additionally, there are concerns about whether the Russian military can deploy a modern support network similar to what the US and China's militaries have achieved.
A Mig-35D jet showcased at Aero India, 2007. Image source: Wikipedia.The Mig 35 boasts thrust vectoring in both planes to enhance maneuverability and reaches a maximum speed of Mach 2.25. It features a 30mm cannon and can be equipped with various missiles and bombs.
A Mig-35 performing at MAKS airshow, Jukovsky Airport, Ramenskoye in July 2017. Image source: Shutterstock.Thành Đô J-20 Mighty Dragon
The enigmatic Thành Đô (Chengdu) J-20 Mighty Dragon aircraft remains shrouded in secrecy. Designed to rival modern American jet fighters, its true capabilities in aerial combat are uncertain. It may not be intended for such engagements, lacking essential rotary cannons. Instead, it relies on long-range missile warfare. Equipped with sensor systems and augmented reality displays akin to advanced U.S. fighter jets, the J-20 also boasts stealth capabilities.
The J-20 showcasing at the Trường Xuân 2022 Airshow. Photo: Wikipedia.The Thành Đô J-20 boasts a maximum speed of 2.25 Mach and an operational range of 4,500 km. Subsequent models of the J-20 feature supercruise capabilities, allowing them to travel at high speeds without the need for auxiliary fuel tanks. It represents a fifth-generation fighter aircraft, speculated to have drawn design inspirations from stolen plans intended for the F-22 Raptor. With production costs ranging from 100 to 120 million dollars, it stands as one of the most expensive fighter jets.
The Thành Đô J-20 showcases weapon bays, missiles, and airborne electronic systems at Airshow China 2018. Photo: Wikipedia.The Thành Đô J-10 Vigorous Dragon
The sleek J-10A variant stationed at an airbase in Russia. Image courtesy: Shutterstock.As China's inaugural indigenous fighter jet, the J-10A primarily serves the Chinese Air Force. Boasting a maximum speed of 2.2 Mach (2,695 km/h), it closely rivals the J-20 and was initially designed to counter Soviet-era fourth-generation fighters. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, it evolved into a versatile multirole combat aircraft as the demand for dedicated air superiority fighters diminished.
J-10B showcasing PL-12 and PL-8B missiles, along with non-vectoring air intakes, exhibited at Airshow China 2018. Image source: Wikipedia.The J-10 Vigious Dragon comes equipped with Doppler phased array fire control radar, capable of tracking 10 targets and engaging 4 targets simultaneously. It features single and dual-seat variants, with costs varying significantly depending on configuration. In contrast to the J-20, the J-10 is equipped with a single-barrel 23mm cannon for air-to-air combat. This complements its radar and infrared-guided missiles, as well as guided bombs. It is priced between 40 to 65 million dollars and has been sold to other countries such as Pakistan.
A J-10S variant of the Chinese Air Force participating in exercises in Russia. Photo: Wikipedia.Tham Duong FC-31
Unveiling the simplistic underbelly of FC-31. Image: National Interest.
Being another highly clandestine fighter aircraft of China, the FC-31 (also known as SAV J-31) bears a striking resemblance to America's 5th generation fighter jets. It's a mid-sized stealth fighter, devoid of externally mounted weapons that could compromise its stealth capabilities. Spotted hanging over gigantic aircraft carrier models in China, speculations arise regarding FC-31's intended service in the Chinese navy. The production cost of FC-31 is estimated to be around 70 million USD.
The Shenyang FC-31 at the 2014 Chu Hai Airshow. Image: Wikipedia.
