For the past two years, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine has resulted in major losses and brought some of today’s most advanced military technology to the forefront, including Russia’s newest fighter jet, the Sukhoi fighter (Felon). Introduced in 2019, this supersonic stealth aircraft can reach incredible speeds of up to 1,616 mph. However, on June 8, 2024, Ukraine’s military reported they had successfully destroyed one of these advanced jets. (This is every plane in Russia’s air force.)
Speed is just one element of what makes today’s warplanes so impressive. As technology continues to improve and evolve, nations are developing even more advanced weaponry. These cutting-edge fighters are equipped with heavy firepower and can reach unbelievable speeds. (Conversely, this is the slowest airplane still in use by the U.S. military.)
To identify the fastest warplanes in the world today, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed Modern Aircraft, Helicopters & Drones, a list compiled by Military Factory, an online database of military vehicles, aircraft, arms, and more. We ranked military aircraft by their top speed. In addition, we only considered aircraft currently in service with a top speed of over 1,500 miles per hour. Supplemental information about the year entered service, crew, type, roles, and which nations employ these aircraft also came from Military Factory.
Why We’re Covering This
Source: sndr / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
The warplanes included in this list are the fastest and most advanced military aircraft today. Not only can they provide insights into technological innovations and engineering, but they also reflect global affairs and military spending.
Here are the fastest warplanes in the world today.
20. Lockheed F-16I Sufa (Storm)
The Lockheed F-161 Sufa (Storm) is a lightweight multirole fighter used by the military in Israel. Entering service in 2004, it specializes in air-to-air combat fighting and interception. It is a two-person aircraft and reaches a top speed of 1,501 mph.
19. IAI Kfir (Lion Cub)
The IAI Kfir (Lion Cub) is a multi-role combat aircraft used by the military in Ecuador, Israel, Sri Lanka, and the United States. Entering service in 1976, it specializes in air-to-air combat fighting, interception, ground attacks (bombing, strafing), and intelligence-surveillance-reconnaissance. It is a one-person aircraft with a top speed of 1,516 mph.
18. Mikoyan MiG-29 (Fulcrum)
Source: Milous / iStock via Getty Images
The Mikoyan MiG-29 (Fulcrum) is a lightweight multirole fighter used by militaries in 27 nations, including Germany, Russia, and Ukraine. Entering service in 1984, it specializes in air-to-air combat fighting, interception, and ground attacks (bombing, strafing). It is a one-person aircraft with a top speed of 1,519 mph.
17. Grumman F-14 Tomcat
Source: Willard / iStock via Getty Images
The Grumman F-14 Tomcat is a swing-wing carrier-borne fleet defense fighter used by the military in Iran and previously in the United States (now retired). Entering service in 1974, it specializes in air-to-air combat fighting, interception, ground attacks (bombing, strafing), and maritime combat. It is a two-person aircraft with a top speed of 1,544 mph.
16. Eurofighter Typhoon (EF2000)
The Eurofighter Typhoon (EF2000) is a multi-role combat aircraft used by militaries in 9 nations, including Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom. Entering service in 2003, it specializes in air-to-air combat fighting, interception, ground attacks (bombing, strafing), anti-ship, and training. It is a one-person aircraft with a top speed of 1,550 mph.
15. Shenyang (AVIC) J-16 (Red Eagle)
Source: Ministry of National Defense / Attribution / Wikimedia Commons
The Shenyang (AVIC) J-16 (Red Eagle) is a multi-role strike fighter used by the military in China. Entering service in 2013, it specializes in air-to-air combat fighting and ground attacks (bombing, strafing). It is a two-person aircraft with a top speed of 1,552 mph.
14. Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23 (Flogger)
The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23 (Flogger) is a swing-wing fighter-interceptor used by militaries in 35 nations, including Russia, Ukraine, and the United States. Entering service in 1970, it specializes in air-to-air combat fighting, interception, and ground attacks (bombing, strafing). It is a one-person aircraft with a top speed of 1,553 mph.
13. Mitsubishi F-2
The Mitsubishi F-2 is a multi-role fighter used by the military in Japan. Entering service in 2000, it specializes in air-to-air combat fighting, interception, and anti-ship. It is a one-person aircraft with a top speed of 1,553 mph.
12. Shenyang (AVIC) J-11 (Flanker B+)
The Shenyang (AVIC) J-11 (Flanker B+) is a multi-role combat aircraft used by the military in China. Entering service in 1998, it specializes in air-to-air combat fighting. It is a one-person aircraft with a top speed of 1,553 mph.
11. Sukhoi Su-27 (Flanker)
Source: Jozsef Soos / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
The Sukhoi Su-27 (Flanker) is a multi-role fighter used by militaries in 13 nations, including China, Russia, and Ukraine. Entering service in 1985, it specializes in air-to-air combat fighting, interception, ground attacks (bombing, strafing), anti-ship, maritime combat, and training. It is a one-person aircraft with a top speed of 1,553 mph.
10. Sukhoi Su-33 (Flanker-D)
Source: Robert Sullivan / Public Domain / Flickr
The Sukhoi Su-33 (Flanker-D) is a carrier-based air defense fighter used by the military in Russia. Entering service in 1994, it specializes in air-to-air combat fighting, interception, and ground attacks (bombing, strafing). It is a one-person aircraft with a top speed of 1,553 mph.
9. Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor
The Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor is an air-dominance fighter used by the military in the United States. Entering service in 2005, it specializes in air-to-air combat fighting and interception. It is a one-person aircraft with a top speed of 1,559 mph.
8. Sukhoi Su-57 (Felon)
Source: Dmitry Potashkin / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
The Sukhoi Su-57 (Felon) is a multi-role stealth aircraft used by the military in Russia. Entering service in 2019, it specializes in air-to-air combat fighting and interception. It is a one-person aircraft with a top speed of 1,616 mph.
7. Boeing (McDonnell Douglas) F-15E Strike Eagle
Source: Robert Sullivan / Public Domain / Flickr
The Boeing (McDonnell Douglas) F-15E Strike Eagle is a strike fighter aircraft used by militaries in 6 nations, including The United States, Saudi Arabia, and South Korea. Entering service in 1988, it specializes in air-to-air combat fighting and ground attacks (bombing, strafing). It is a two-person aircraft with a top speed of 1,653 mph.
6. McDonnell Douglas F-15I (Ra am)
The McDonnell Douglas F-15I (Ra am) is a strike fighter aircraft used by the military in Israel. Entering service in 1996, it specializes in air-to-air combat fighting. It is a two-person aircraft with a top speed of 1,656 mph.
5. Mitsubishi F-15J (Peace Eagle)
Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
The Mitsubishi F-15J (Peace Eagle) is an air superiority fighter used by the military in Japan. Entering service in 1981, it specializes in air-to-air combat fighting, intelligence-surveillance-reconnaissance, and training. It is a one-person aircraft with a top speed of 1,656 mph.
4. Boeing F-15EX Eagle II
Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
The Boeing F-15EX Eagle II is a multi-role fighter aircraft used by militaries in Egypt, Qatar, and the United States. Entering service in 2021, it specializes in air-to-air combat fighting, interception, and ground attacks (bombing, strafing). It is a one-person aircraft with a top speed of 1,864 mph.
3. Mikoyan MiG-31 (Foxhound)
The Mikoyan MiG-31 (Foxhound) is a long-range high-speed interception aircraft used by militaries in Kazakhstan and Russia. Entering service in 1979, it specializes in air-to-air combat fighting and interception. It is a two-person aircraft with a top speed of 1,864 mph.
2. Boeing (McDonnell Douglas) F-15 Eagle
Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
The Boeing (McDonnell Douglas) F-15 Eagle is a multi-role air superiority fighter used by militaries in 7 nations, including the United States, Japan, and Singapore. Entering service in 1976, it specializes in air-to-air combat fighting, interception, and ground attacks (bombing, strafing). It is a one to two-person aircraft with a top speed of 1,875 mph.
1. Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-25 (Foxbat)
The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-25 (Foxbat) is a supersonic interceptor used by militaries in 13 nations, including Georgia, Turkmenistan, and Ukraine. Entering service in 1972, it specializes in interception and intelligence-surveillance-reconnaissance. It is a one-person aircraft with a top speed of 2,156 mph.
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