Fighter jets form the cornerstone of contemporary airpower, and in 2025, the skies host a blend of sophisticated, cutting-edge stealth planes and stalwart Cold War-era workhorses. Ranging from cutting-edge multirole fighters to battle-hardened classics, here is a ten-countdown of the most popular fighter jets in use globally.
10. Mirage 2000
First flying in 1978 and entering into service in the mid-1980s, France’s Mirage 2000 can be recognized in an instant due to its delta-winged design. The versatile multirole fighter has been used in such conflicts as the Gulf War, Kargil, and Kosovo. Around 331 remain in service in countries such as France, India, the UAE, and Taiwan. Upgrades over time have maintained the jet nimble and combat-capable despite having been in service for decades.
9. Sukhoi Su-24
Nicknamed the “Fencer,” Su-24 is a supersonic strike fighter that specializes in precision strikes under all weather. First flown in 1967, it has a side-by-side cockpit and variable-sweep wings. Russia has the largest fleet, with few planes in Syria, Algeria, and Ukraine. Old as it is, there are still about 399 Su-24s that are operational and remain in combat use.
8. Eurofighter Typhoon
A joint development of the UK, Germany, Italy, and Spain, the twin-engine Eurofighter Typhoon made its service debut in 2003. It matches speed, agility, and cutting-edge avionics in a highly versatile multirole airframe. Around 533 remain active, operating both in Europe and the Middle East. Production is ongoing, so it will continue to be an important part of NATO air defense for decades to come.
7. J-7
Based on an old Cold War model, the J-7 has been manufactured sporadically since 1965 up to 2013. Over 2,400 were produced, and around 387 are still airworthy today, mainly for training and local defense. It has been exported as the F-7 and is still utilized by various countries in Asia and Africa. Its low cost and simplicity result in it being a utilitarian choice, with some 650 still operational across the globe.
6. Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II
The F-35 is the most technologically advanced fighter on this list. This fifth-generation stealth fighter has cutting-edge sensors, networked combat systems, and multirole capability. Flown by the US and allied countries, 712 are in service or production. Following a troubled development process, the F-35 is now poised to become the backbone of many future air forces for decades to come.
5. MiG-29
The MiG-29, or “Fulcrum,” was introduced into service in the late 1970s as a high-speed, highly maneuverable air-to-air fighter for front-line employment. It is still active in Russia, India, and Ukraine, among others. Russia continues to have the largest fleet, though attrition has cut the worldwide fleet. About 788 remain in service, many of which have been upgraded to meet today’s operating demands.
4. McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet
The F/A-18 Hornet was designed for both attack and fighter missions, and it served as an all-around workhorse for the US Marine Corps and Navy. The system developed into the bigger F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, which is also used in Australia, Canada, Spain, Kuwait, and Switzerland. There are approximately 827 Hornets and Super Hornets that are still flying around the world, carrying out carrier-based and land-based missions.
3. McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle
With more than 100 air-to-air victories and zero combat losses, the F-15 Eagle is commonly recognized as the most successful fighter ever constructed. First taking to the skies in 1972, it has developed into the F-15E Strike Eagle and the current F-15EX Eagle II. Over 900 continue in service with the US, Japan, Israel, South Korea, and other countries. Its speed, payload, and reliability remain unmatched.
2. Sukhoi Su-27 Family
The Su-27 family, comprising Su-30, Su-34, and Su-35, is among the world’s biggest families of fighter jets. Famous for heavy weapons carrying capacity, range, and maneuverability, these planes constitute the backbone of many air forces. Combined, the family has around 1,284 active jets in service across the globe.
1. General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon
The F-16, which has earned the nickname “Viper,” has been the dominant fighter for decades. It first took to the skies in 1974 as a lightweight addition to heavier planes but grew into a multirole, versatile fighter. Over 2,000 continue to be used by more than 25 nations, with the US Air Force operating the most. Ongoing updates have kept the F-16 in the game, and it will continue to be a staple in the air forces of the world for many years to come.