Top Ten Fighter Jets and the Countries That Have Them

Air superiority has become a cornerstone of modern military power, with fighter jets representing the sharp edge of a country’s aerial capabilities. These aircraft are technological marvels that combine stealth, speed, agility, and advanced weapons systems to maintain dominance in the skies. This guide covers the top ten fighter jets and the countries that have them, providing a detailed look at their features, operational capabilities, and approximate price in USD.

1. F-22 Raptor – United States

• Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin
• Estimated Unit Cost: $143 million
• Top Speed: Mach 2.25
• Range: 1,839 miles
• Key Features:
  • Stealth design for radar evasion
  • Supercruise capability (maintain supersonic speeds without afterburner)
  • Advanced avionics with sensor fusion
  • Thrust-vectoring nozzles for extreme agility

Operator: Exclusively used by the United States Air Force due to export restrictions. The F-22 is built for air superiority and remains unmatched in aerial dogfights.

2. F-35 Lightning II – United States and Allies

• Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin
• Estimated Unit Cost: $80–$100 million (varies by variant)
• Top Speed: Mach 1.6
• Range: 1,380 miles (combat radius varies by variant)
• Key Features:
  • Stealth across all variants (F-35A, B, C)
  • Multirole: air-to-air, air-to-ground, and electronic warfare
  • Advanced helmet-mounted display system
  • Network-centric warfare capabilities

Operators: USA, UK, Australia, Italy, Japan, Israel, South Korea, and more. The F-35 is one of the most widely adopted fifth-generation fighters globally.

3. Sukhoi Su-57 – Russia

• Manufacturer: Sukhoi (UAC)
• Estimated Unit Cost: $40–50 million
• Top Speed: Mach 2
• Range: 2,175 miles
• Key Features:
  • Stealth design with radar-absorbing materials
  • 3D thrust-vectoring engines
  • Internal weapons bay
  • Integrated radar and electronic warfare suite

Operator: Russian Air Force, with plans to export to India and Algeria. The Su-57 is Russia’s flagship fifth-generation stealth fighter.

4. Dassault Rafale – France

• Manufacturer: Dassault Aviation
• Estimated Unit Cost: $100 million
• Top Speed: Mach 1.8
• Range: 2,300 miles
• Key Features:
  • Multirole design: nuclear strike, air superiority, ground support
  • RBE2 AESA radar
  • High agility with canard-delta configuration
  • Capable of carrier operations (Rafale M variant)

Operators: France, India, Egypt, Qatar, Greece, UAE. Rafale is praised for its versatility in combat missions and naval capability.

5. Eurofighter Typhoon – Europe (Consortium)

• Manufacturer: Airbus, BAE Systems, Leonardo
• Estimated Unit Cost: $115 million
• Top Speed: Mach 2
• Range: 1,800 miles
• Key Features:
  • Canard-delta wing for high agility
  • Upgraded with Captor-E AESA radar
  • Supercruise capable
  • Advanced self-protection suite

Operators: UK, Germany, Italy, Spain, Austria, Saudi Arabia, Qatar. The Typhoon is Europe’s leading multirole fighter jet.

6. Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon – China

• Manufacturer: Chengdu Aerospace Corporation
• Estimated Unit Cost: $110–$120 million
• Top Speed: Mach 2+
• Range: 3,400 miles
• Key Features:
  • Stealth capabilities with forward canards and hidden weapons bays
  • Long-range strike capability
  • AESA radar and sensor fusion
  • Currently being upgraded with indigenous WS-15 engines

Operator: People’s Liberation Army Air Force (China). The J-20 represents China’s ambition to rival the F-22 and F-35 in stealth and range.

7. F-15EX Eagle II – United States

• Manufacturer: Boeing
• Estimated Unit Cost: $90 million
• Top Speed: Mach 2.5
• Range: 2,400 miles
• Key Features:
  • Largest payload capacity of any current fighter (22 air-to-air missiles)
  • Advanced Eagle Passive/Active Warning Survivability System (EPAWSS)
  • Open Mission Systems architecture for rapid upgrades

Operator: United States Air Force. Designed as a modernized version of the F-15, the EX is aimed at complementing stealth fighters.

8. Shenyang FC-31 Gyrfalcon – China

• Manufacturer: Shenyang Aircraft Corporation
• Estimated Unit Cost: $70 million (projected)
• Top Speed: Mach 1.8+
• Range: 1,200 miles
• Key Features:
  • Twin-engine stealth fighter
  • Compact design for carrier-based operations
  • Designed with export potential in mind

Operator: Under development by China, with potential use by its Navy. May also be marketed to allies like Pakistan.

9. MiG-35 Fulcrum-F – Russia

• Manufacturer: Mikoyan
• Estimated Unit Cost: $45 million
• Top Speed: Mach 2.25
• Range: 1,240 miles
• Key Features:
  • AESA radar and optical targeting systems
  • Compatible with a wide range of air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions
  • Enhanced thrust-vectoring control for improved maneuverability

Operators: Russian Air Force (limited), with interest from India and Egypt. The MiG-35 aims to be a cost-effective alternative for modernizing air forces.

10. Saab JAS 39 Gripen – Sweden

• Manufacturer: Saab AB
• Estimated Unit Cost: $60–70 million
• Top Speed: Mach 2
• Range: 2,000 miles
• Key Features:
  • Small radar cross-section and electronic warfare superiority
  • High sortie rate and easy maintenance
  • Compatible with NATO weapon systems
  • Gripen E variant includes AESA radar and extended range

Operators: Sweden, Brazil, Hungary, Czech Republic, South Africa. The Gripen is praised for its operational affordability and adaptability.

In reviewing the top ten fighter jets and the countries that have them, it’s evident that technological innovation is a key factor in military strategy today. Nations are investing in advanced aircraft that provide multi-role versatility, stealth, and electronic warfare capabilities. Whether it’s the ultra-expensive F-22 or the budget-effective Gripen, each fighter has a strategic role in the global balance of air power. As warfare becomes increasingly digital and autonomous, the next generation of fighter jets will likely combine artificial intelligence, drone swarming, and hypersonic technology — but these ten aircraft represent the pinnacle of current aerial combat power.