Fighter aircraft are the cutting edge of any country’s air force, and in 2025, the air is filled with an intriguing combination—neatly designed fifth-generation stealth fighters sharing the skies with tried-and-tested Cold War legends. With everything from cutting-edge multirole machines to battle-hardened veterans, here is a top 10 countdown of the most commonly utilized fighters that are operational across the world today.
10. Mirage 2000
First deployed in 1978 and entering service in the mid-1980s, Dassault Aviation’s Mirage 2000 took on an iconic profile with its delta wing and reputation for flexibility. This one-engined French multirole jet has seen combat in conflicts that include the Gulf War, Kargil, and Kosovo. It is estimated that roughly 331 Mirage 22000s are currently in service, mostly for France, India, the UAE, and Taiwan. Recent upgrades have rendered the aircraft combat-effective in spite of its vintage, making it a reliable and agile fighter.
9. Sukhoi Su-24
The “Fencer,” as the Soviet-made Su-24 is commonly known, is a supersonic, all-weather strike fighter that made its maiden flight in 1967. Its side-by-side cockpit design and variable-sweep wings were intended for deep precision strikes.
Russia has the biggest fleet—divided between its air force and navy—followed by Syria, Algeria, and Ukraine. The Su-24 has been immersed in recent wars, especially in Ukraine, with both sides experiencing losses. Despite being an aging aircraft, around 399 are still operational.
8. Eurofighter Typhoon
A collaborative effort of the UK, Germany, Italy, and Spain, the twin-engine Eurofighter Typhoon was created to excel at speed, maneuverability, and versatility. Deployed in 2003, with a delta wing and advanced avionics, it is an effective multirole fighter. There are currently 533 Typhoons in active service, not just in Europe but even in the Middle East. Production still goes on, and as such, it will be a mainstay of NATO air defense for years to come.
7. Chengdu J-7
Based on the Soviet MiG-21 and Chengdu J-7 came off production lines from 1965 until as late as 2013. Over 2,400 were produced, and the type remains in service with the People’s Liberation Army Air Force—387 are thought to be airworthy, with others serving with the navy and in training capacities. Exported as the F-7, it has found customers in Asia and Africa. Though progressively being phased out, around 650 are still operational globally, appreciated for their simplicity and low costs of operation.
6. Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II
The F-35 is the most technologically advanced fighter on this list—a fifth-generation stealth fighter filled with high-tech sensors, networked combat, and multirole capabilities. Operated by the US and an expanding list of allies, the F-35 has 712 aircraft operating and in production, still ramping up. While its initial development was marred by delays and cost blowouts, it is now set solidly to be the heart of many air forces well into the future.
5. MiG-29
Debuted in the late 1970s, the MiG-29 “Fulcrum” was the Soviet response to the American F-16—high-speed, high-g, and intended for front-line air-to-air combat. It still serves with a number of nations, including Russia, India, and Ukraine.
Russia still has the largest fleet, though attrition is slowly reducing the worldwide fleet. Approximately 788 Fulcrums are still in service, many upgraded to maintain relevance against contemporary threats.
4. McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet
The F/A-18 Hornet was designed to perform both fighter and attack duties, so it is a favorite of the US Navy and Marine Corps. It entered service in the late 1970s and later developed into the larger and more advanced F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.
There are currently approximately 827 Hornets and Super Hornets on duty worldwide, including in Australia, Canada, Spain, Kuwait, and Switzerland. The aircraft’s design has been successfully used in both carrier missions as well as combat operations across the world.
3. McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle
With over 100 air-to-air victories and zero combat losses, the F-15 Eagle is regularly referred to as the most effective fighter ever. Originally flying in 1972, it has since been upgraded to the F-15E Strike Eagle and the current F-15EX Eagle II.
More than 900 are in service today across the US, Japan, Israel, South Korea, and several Gulf states. Its unmatched speed, payload, and reliability continue to place it at the top level of air combat platforms.
2. Sukhoi Su-27 Family
Designed to challenge the F-15, the Su-27 “Flanker” and its various offspring—Su-30, Su-34, Su-35, and Chinese-assembled J-11 and J-16—are one of the largest fighter families in the world. Known for their range, maneuverability, and heavy weapons load, these aircraft are staples of Russian and Chinese airpower. Together, the family has around 1,284 active aircraft worldwide, distributed among many operators.
1. General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon
The F-16, or “Viper,” has ruled the world’s fighter squadrons for decades. First taking to the skies in 1974, it was intended as a light, low-cost complement to the F-15, but matured into a mission-silent platform.
More than 2,000 are still in service with more than 25 nations, with the US Air Force flying the largest fleet. Continuous upgrades and new production runs keep the F-16 relevant, ensuring it will be a fixture in the world’s skies for years to come.