Fighter aircraft have long been the epitome of military air power, and in 2025, the air is a blend of gleaming, high-tech stealth fighters alongside some of the Cold War’s most classic designs. From cutting-edge multirole fighters to dependable, proven airframes, these planes continue to be the heart of world air forces. Below is a look at the top ten most common fighter aircraft still in service today.
10. Mirage 2000
Debuting in the late 1970s and coming into full service in the mid-1980s, the Mirage 2000 is an emblem of French aeronautical engineering. Its delta wing and agility have made it a capable performer in wars from the Gulf War to Kosovo. There are still approximately 331 of these aircraft flying, dominated by France, India, the UAE, and Taiwan. Recent upgrades have guaranteed that, for all its age, the Mirage 2000 is still a reliable and agile fighter.
9. Sukhoi Su-24
The “Fencer,” as the Su-24 is also called, is a supersonic, all-weather strike fighter that first flew in the late 1960s. It featured side-by-side seating and a swing wing, which was designed for accurate long-range attacks. Russia has the biggest fleet, with minor numbers found in Syria, Algeria, and Ukraine. Although the Su-24 is an older design, around 399 are still in use and actively deployed in numerous operations.
8. Eurofighter Typhoon
The Eurofighter Typhoon is a genuine European product, intended to be the fastest, most agile, and flexible of all military aircraft. Since operational deployment in 2003, it has proved itself a dependable multirole fighter with high-tech avionics and a characteristic delta wing. With 533 in operational service, the Typhoon remains in service throughout Europe and some parts of the Middle East, and continued production guarantees that it will be a prime asset in the years to come.
7. Chengdu J-7
Based on an older, tried-and-true design, the J-7 has been manufactured from the mid-1960s to 2013. More than 2,400 were constructed, and approximately 387 are still in service today. Others are used for training and support purposes. The aircraft is famous for being uncomplicated and inexpensive, still flying in smaller quantities throughout the world, particularly in air forces that prioritize reliability over the newest technology.
6. Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II
The F-35 is the epitome of contemporary fighter technology. A fifth-generation stealth fighter, it combines advanced sensors, networked systems, and multirole mission design. With more than 700 in active duty and production still ongoing, the F-35 is increasingly becoming the backbone of numerous air forces. Initial problems with costs and delays have been addressed, and it is now known to be a highly effective and versatile platform.
5. MiG-29
Emerging in the late 1970s, the MiG-29 “Fulcrum” was created to rival current Western fighters. The MiG-29 is fast, maneuverable, and built for frontline air-to-air missions. Approximately 788 remain in service around the globe, upgrades keeping them useful against current threats. Various countries still use the MiG-29 as a defense and training aircraft.
4. McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet
The F/A-18 was built as a multirole fighter, designed to fight in the air and attack ground targets, making it a favorite in naval aviation. It was introduced in the late 1970s and eventually became the bigger F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. There are approximately 827 Hornets and Super Hornets flying worldwide with nations like the United States, Australia, Canada, Spain, and Kuwait. Its adaptability and dependability make it a genuine workhorse in combat as well as carrier operations.
3. McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle
The F-15 Eagle is renowned for its unparalleled combat history, with more than 100 air-to-air victories and no combat confirmed losses. Upgraded several times since its maiden flight in 1972, it has become the F-15E Strike Eagle and the latest F-15EX variant. Over 900 remain in service in nations such as the United States, Japan, Israel, and South Korea. Its speed, payload, and reliability have cemented it as a world-class fighter.
2. Sukhoi Su-27 Family
The Su-27 “Flanker” and its variants—like the Su-30, Su-34, and Su-35—are renowned for their extended range, aerobatic capability, and heavy weapons load capacity. Collectively, this family of fighters is one of the biggest and most diverse fleets in the world, with approximately 1,284 aircraft in service today. They continue to be at the heart of a number of air forces and are admired for their firepower and performance.
1. General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon
The F-16, or “Viper,” has been a staple of air forces since the mid-1970s. As a lightweight complement to heavy fighters, it was originally designed, and today it is a highly successful multirole platform. With more than 2,000 still in operation in over 25 nations, the F-16 remains pertinent due to ongoing upgrading and continued production. Its versatility and dependability will keep it a presence in the skies for decades to come.