It is difficult to choose the world’s best fighter aircraft. Each plane excels at something—some at stealth, some at raw speed, and some at sheer versatility. Something that makes one plane great may limit another. That notwithstanding, here is a look at ten 2025 fighters that combine new tech, battlefield effectiveness, and legend to dominate the skies.
10. Dassault Rafale
The Rafale is the pride of French aviation—thin, supple, and highly versatile. Conceived for “omnirole” missions, it can undertake air-to-air combat, ground attacks, reconnaissance, and even nuclear deterrence in one mission. Fitted with the SPECTRA electronic warfare system and upgrades like the F-4 standard, it can detect and track stealthy targets at phenomenal ranges. Although not fully stealthy, its equilibrium of agility, survivability, and versatility places it at or near the top.
9. Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet
The Super Hornet has been a workhorse of U.S. Navy carriers. A refined version of the F/A-18, it offers greater range, payload capacity, and maintainability. It can deliver over 17,000 pounds of ordnance and take off nicely from carriers, making it a reliable multi-role fighter. Its toughness and versatility have given it a reliable position in naval aviation.
8. Eurofighter Typhoon
The Typhoon is an engineering success of Europe, developed through multinational collaboration. Originally intended to dominate air superiority, it has evolved into an all-out multirole fighter. It is respected for possessing exceptional maneuverability and the ability to supercruise even when weaponized. Recent enhancements include enhanced sensors, advanced connectivity, and the ability to coexist alongside drones. Supported by multiple European air forces, it’s one of the frontline’s finest fighters.
7. Sukhoi Su-35
Stealth is not the Su-35’s game, but its supermaneuverability makes it a killer dogfighter. Twin thrust-vectoring engines allow it to out-turn almost any opponent, with a heavy payload, long range, and state-of-the-art radar, making it a formidable air-superiority fighter. Its electronic warfare and infrared suites make it a champion in attack and defense missions, too.
6. General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon
The F-16 is the most produced fighter plane ever made, and it’s easy to see why. Introduced to the market in the late 1970s, the F-16 has been increasingly equipped with current avionics, sensors, and weapons. The latest Block 70/72 variants include high-end radar and computer hardware, making the F-16 remain a multirole competent aircraft. Low-cost, attractive, agile, and battle-tested, it remains a good all-around performer decades after its debut.
5. Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor
The F-22 is universally considered the stealthiest and most agile fighter ever built. Its low radar cross-section and supercruise without afterburners ensure it has a huge advantage. Despite its production being curtailed, Raptors still in service today remain capable of combining stealth, speed, and agility, making them among the most lethal jets in the world.
4. Boeing F-15EX Eagle II
The F-15EX is a heavy-hitting, payload-carrying fighter. It can deliver nearly 30,000 pounds of ordnance, including more than 20 air-to-air missiles, and operate at Mach 2.5 speeds. With its storied history of air combat success and revamped modernizations, it will be a stalwart of the U.S. fleet for the years to come.
3. Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon
The J-20 is a stealth air dominance fighter with extended range. It is a compromise between speed, range, and sophisticated avionics and has massive internal weapons bays that maintain stealth while providing immense strike ability. Continuous improvement and production ramps make it an ever more significant 5th-generation player.
2. Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II
The F-35 is more than a fighter plane—it’s a command post for modern combat missions. With all-aspect stealth, sensor fusion, and advanced data-sharing, it is the battlefield brain. Though not the most rapid airframe in flight, its ability to integrate air, ground, sea, and space operations makes it one of the strongest planes ever to fly.
1. Sukhoi Su-57 Felon
The Su-57 brings stealth, maneuverability, and advanced weapons together in one aircraft. Its thrust-vectoring engines provide it with amazing maneuverability, and its sensor and weapons systems allow it to carry out nearly any mission. While its stealth is not quite as effective as some Western aircraft, its aerodynamics and fuel efficiency make it a formidable presence in the skies.
Air superiority is a constantly evolving problem. With next-generation fighter aircraft on the immediate horizon, the battle for domination of the skies grows only more intense.