Becoming a fighter pilot in the United States military is no easy feat. The role of the fighter pilot in the air force is highly regarded, and candidates are selected only if they are in optimal health, have shown exemplary academic success, excelled in leadership roles, and established themselves to be team players. Most fighter pilots are only asked to train in flight school if they are commissioned officers. These high standards have produced elite pilots, such as Buzz Aldrin and James Jabara.
In order to engage in air-to-air combat, a fighter pilot relies heavily on their jet. The modern fighter jet is now in its fifth generation, boasting a wide range of new technology, including stealth, low-probability-of-intercept radar, and super cruise performance. (Click here to learn more about the fastest military stealth planes ever: the top 20, ranked.)
24/7 Wall St. reviewed Military Factory’s catalogs of third-, fourth-, and fifth-generation aircraft to determine all modern fighter jets from slowest to fastest. Each aircraft was ranked by its maximum speed, and supplemental information from Military Factory regarding the type of aircraft, the year it was introduced, country of origin, manufacturer, and production was included. Aircraft that did not make it out of the prototype or proposal stage were excluded.
The majority of fighter jets mentioned here were built in the 1970s or later, and while this might suggest newer jets are faster, this is not necessarily the case. The focus of militaries in recent decades has been to improve stealth capabilities and modernize fleet technology as opposed to focusing on speed. (These are the 24 planes that form the backbone of the U.S. Air Force.)
Why This Matters
Source: rgrundke / Shutterstock.com
24/7 is covering technology in the aerospace industry to help you better understand how national defense affects our economy. A sizable portion of the Department of Defense’ yearly budget goes into the research and development of new military technologies. Investing into tools that aid our homeland security has proven to be worthwhile during times of conflict — during the Cold War, aircraft such as the F-14 Tomcat served successfully as a naval interceptor due to its speed. Times of war can have a devastating effect on our economy — through the increase in government spending, destruction of property, and lowered economic output — therefore investing into national defense helps protect your personal finances.
Here are all modern fighter jets ranked from slowest to fastest.
42. AV-8B Harrier II
Source: Stocktrek Images / Stocktrek Images via Getty Images
- Maximum speed: 665 mph
- Type: Short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) strike aircraft
The AV-8B Harrier II aircraft was first introduced in the United States in 1985. Manufacturers McDonnell Douglas, Boeing, and BAe Systems produced 500 units.
41. Sukhoi Su-17 / Su-20 / Su-22 (Fitter)
- Maximum speed: 718 mph
- Type: Strike fighter aircraft
The Sukhoi Su-17 / Su-20 / Su-22 aircraft was first introduced in China in 1970. Manufacturer Sukhoi produced 2,867 units.
40. KAI KF-16 Fighting Falcon
Source: Public Domain / Defense Visual Information Distribution Service
- Maximum speed: 870 mph
- Type: Multi-role fighter aircraft
The KAI KF-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft was first introduced in South Korea in 1991. Korean Aerospace Industries produced 140 units.
39. F-16V (Viper)
Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
- Maximum speed: 917 mph
- Type: Multi-role fighter aircraft
The F-16V (Viper) aircraft was first introduced in the United States in 2017. Manufacturers Lockheed Martin and Hellenic Aerospace Industry produced 100 units.
38. Xian JH-7 (Flounder) / FBC-1 (Flying Leopard)
Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
- Maximum speed: 1,118 mph
- Type: Fighter-bomber aircraft
The Xian JH-7 (Flounder) / FBC-1 (Flying Leopard) aircraft was first introduced in China in 1992. Xian Aircraft Industry Corporation produced 240 units.
37. F/A-18 Super Hornet
- Maximum speed: 1,187 mph
- Type: Carrier-based strike fighter aircraft
The F/A-18 Super Hornet aircraft was first introduced in the United States in 1999. Manufacturers McDonnell Douglas and Boeing produced 615 units.
36. F/A-18 Hornet
Source: JohnnyPowell / E+ via Getty Images
- Maximum speed: 1,190 mph
- Type: Carrier-based strike fighter aircraft
The F/A-18 Hornet aircraft was first introduced in the United States in 1983. Manufacturers McDonnell Douglas, Boeing, and Northrop produced 1,480 units.
35. F-35 Lightning II
- Maximum speed: 1,199 mph
- Type: Advanced multi-role strike fighter aircraft
The F-35 Lightning II aircraft was first introduced in the United States in 2016. Manufacturers Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman and BAe Systems produced 785 units.
34. PAC JF-17 Thunder
Source: Public Domain via my_public_domain_photos / Flickr
- Maximum speed: 1,218 mph
- Type: Lightweight multi-role fighter aircraft
The PAC JF-17 Thunder aircraft was first introduced in Pakistan in 2007. Pakistan Aeronautical Complex produced 132 units.
33. HAL Tejas LCA
- Maximum speed: 1,227 mph
- Type: Lightweight multirole fighter aircraft
The HAL Tejas LCA aircraft was first introduced in India in 2015. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited produced 33 units.
32. Shenyang J-15 (Flying Shark)
- Maximum speed: 1,305 mph
- Type: Carrier-based multi-role fighter aircraft
The Shenyang J-15 (Flying Shark) aircraft was first introduced in China in 2013. Manufacturers Shenyang Aircraft Corporation and Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) produced 25 units.
31. Chengdu J-20 (Black Eagle)
- Maximum speed: 1,305 mph
- Type: Multi-role fighter aircraft
The Chengdu J-20 (Black Eagle) aircraft was first introduced in China in 2017. Manufacturers Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corporation (CAIC) and Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) produced 55 units.
30. Mirage III
Source: edurivero / Getty Images
- Maximum speed: 1,312 mph
- Type: Interceptor aircraft / Strike fighter
The Mirage III aircraft was first introduced in France in 1961. Dassault Aviation produced 1,422 units.
29. F-16 Fighting Falcon
Source: Stocktrek Images / Stocktrek Images via Getty Images
- Maximum speed: 1,317 mph
- Type: Lightweight multi-role fighter aircraft
The F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft was first introduced in the United States in 1978. Manufacturers General Dynamics and Lockheed Martin produced 4,604 units.
28. Sukhoi Su-30 (Flanker-C)
Source: scaliger / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
- Maximum speed: 1,317 mph
- Type: Twin-engine air superiority strike fighter aircraft
The Sukhoi Su-30 (Flanker-C) aircraft was first introduced in China in 1996. Sukhoi Design Bureau produced 635 units.
27. JAS 39 Gripen (Griffin)
Source: dynasoar / iStock Unreleased via Getty Images
- Maximum speed: 1,370 mph
- Type: Lightweight multi-role fighter aircraft
The JAS 39 Gripen (Griffin) aircraft was first introduced in Swede in 1997. Manufacturer Saab AB produced 247 units.
26. F-CK-1 (Ching-Kuo)
- Maximum speed: 1,379 mph
- Type: Lightweight multirole fighter aircraft
The F-CK-1 (Ching-Kuo) aircraft was first introduced in Taiwan in 1994. Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation produced 131 units.
25. Dassault Rafale
Source: Andrew_Harker / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
- Maximum speed: 1,383 mph
- Type: Fighter-bomber aircraft
The Dassault Rafale aircraft was first introduced in France in 2001. Dassault Aviation produced 201 units.
24. MiG-21 (Fishbed)
Source: VanderWolf-Images / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
- Maximum speed: 1,386 mph
- Type: Single-seat supersonic fighter aircraft
The MiG-21 (Fishbed) aircraft was first introduced in the Soviet Union in 1959. Manufacturer Mikoyan-Gurevich produced 11,496 units.
23. Chengdu J-10 (Vicious Dragon)
Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
- Maximum speed: 1,452 mph
- Type: Fighter-bomber aircraft
The Chengdu J-10 (Vicious Dragon) aircraft was first introduced in China in 2005. Manufacturers Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corporation (CAIC) and Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) produced 350 units.
22. Mirage F1
Source: Maltaguy1 / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
- Maximum speed: 1,453 mph
- Type: Interceptor aircraft
The Mirage F1 aircraft was first introduced in France in 1973. Dassault Aviation produced 750 units.
21. Shenyang J-8 / J-8 II (Finback)
Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
- Maximum speed: 1,453 mph
- Type: Fighter-bomber aircraft
The Shenyang J-8 / J-8 II (Finback) aircraft was first introduced in China in 1980. Aviation Industry Corporation of China produced 325 units.
20. Mirage 2000 (M2000)
- Maximum speed: 1,453 mph
- Type: Strike fighter aircraft
The Mirage 2000 (M2000) aircraft was first introduced in France in 1979. Dassault Aviation produced 611 units.
19. F-4 Phantom II
Source: VanderWolf-Images / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
- Maximum speed: 1,473 mph
- Type: Carrier-based strike fighter aircraft
The F-4 Phantom II aircraft was first introduced in the United States in 1960. Manufacturer McDonnell Douglas produced 5,195 units.
18. MiG-35 (Fulcrum-F)
Source: Artyom_Anikeev / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
- Maximum speed: 1,491 mph
- Type: Multi-role fighter aircraft
The MiG-35 (Fulcrum-F) aircraft was first introduced in Russia in 2020. The Russian Aircraft Corporation MIG produced 10 units.
17. Panavia Tornado ECR
- Maximum speed: 1,491 mph
- Type: Suppression of Enemy Air Defense (SEAD) Aircraft
The Panavia Tornado ECR aircraft was first introduced in Germany in 1990. Manufacturers Panavia Aircraft GmbH, British Aviation Systems, and MBB produced 52 units.
16. Panavia Tornado IDS
Source: Public Domain via my_public_domain_photos / Flickr
- Maximum speed: 1,491 mph
- Type: Low-level strike aircraft
The Panavia Tornado IDS aircraft was first introduced in the United Kingdom in 1979. Manufacturers Panavia Aircraft GmbH and British Aviation Systems produced 400 units.
15. Sukhoi Su-35 (Flanker-E / Super Flanker)
Source: Flight Video & Photo / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
- Maximum speed: 1,491 mph
- Type: Multi-role heavy combat fighter aircraft
The Sukhoi Su-35 (Flanker-E / Super Flanker) aircraft was first introduced in Russia in 2014. Manufacturer Sukhoi OKB produced 130 units.
14. IAI Kfir (Lion Cub)
- Maximum speed: 1,516 mph
- Type: Multi-role combat aircraft
The IAI Kfir (Lion Cub) aircraft was first introduced in Israel in 1976. Israel Aircraft Industries produced 230 units.
13. MiG-29 (Fulcrum)
Source: Milous / iStock via Getty Images
- Maximum speed: 1,519 mph
- Type: Lightweight multi-role fighter aircraft
The MiG-29 (Fulcrum) aircraft was first introduced in the Soviet Union in 1984. Manufacturers Mikoyan OKB and United Aircraft Corporation produced 1,625 units.
12. Grumman F-14 Tomcat
Source: Willard / iStock via Getty Images
- Maximum speed: 1,544 mph
- Type: Swing-wing, carrier-based fleet defense fighter
The Grumman F-14 Tomcat aircraft was first introduced in the United States in 1974. Manufacturer Grumman Aircraft produced 712 units.
11. Eurofighter Typhoon (EF2000)
- Maximum speed: 1,550 mph
- Type: Fighter-bomber aircraft
The Eurofighter Typhoon (EF2000) aircraft was first introduced in Germany in 2003. Manufacturers BAe Systems and Eurofighter GmbH produced 570 units.
10. MiG-23 (Flogger)
- Maximum speed: 1,553 mph
- Type: Swing-wing fighter-interceptor aircraft
The MiG-23 (Flogger) aircraft was first introduced in the Soviet Union in 1970. Manufacturer Mikoyan-Gurevich produced 5,047 units.
9. Mitsubishi F-2
- Maximum speed: 1,553 mph
- Type: Multi-role fighter aircraft
The Mitsubishi F-2 aircraft was first introduced in Japan in 2000. Manufacturers Mitsubishi and Lockheed Martin produced 98 units.
8. Shenyang J-11 (Flanker B+)
- Maximum speed: 1,553 mph
- Type: Multi-role air superiority fighter
The Shenyang J-11 (Flanker B+) aircraft was first introduced in China in 1998. Manufacturers Shenyang Aircraft Corporation and Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) produced 255 units.
7. Sukhoi Su-27 (Flanker)
Source: Jozsef Soos / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
- Maximum speed: 1,553 mph
- Type: Multi-role air superiority fighter
The Sukhoi Su-27 (Flanker) aircraft was first introduced in the Soviet Union in 1985. Manufacturers Sukhoi OKB and United Aircraft Corporation produced 809 units.
6. Sukhoi Su-33 (Flanker-D)
- Maximum speed: 1,553 mph
- Type: Carrier-based air defense fighter aircraft
The Sukhoi Su-33 (Flanker-D) aircraft was first introduced in Russia in 1994. Manufacturer Sukhoi OKB produced 35 units.
5. F-22 Raptor
- Maximum speed: 1,599 mph
- Type: Air dominance fighter aircraft
The F-22 Raptor aircraft was first introduced in the United States in 2005. Manufacturers Boeing and Lockheed Martin produced 195 units.
4. Sukhoi Su-57 (Felon)
Source: Dmitry Potashkin / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
- Maximum speed: 1,616 mph
- Type: Multi-role stealth aircraft
The Sukhoi Su-57 (Felon) aircraft was first introduced in Russia in 2019. Manufacturers Sukhoi OKB and United Aircraft Corporation produced 25 units.
3. F-15E Strike Eagle
- Maximum speed: 1,653 mph
- Type: Strike fighter aircraft
The F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft was first introduced in the United States in 1988. Manufacturers McDonnell Douglas and Boeing produced 420 units.
2. Mig-31 (Foxhound)
- Maximum speed: 1,864 mph
- Type: Supersonic interceptor aircraft
The Mig-31 (Foxhound) aircraft was first introduced in the Soviet Union in 1979. Manufacturers Mikoyan OKB and United Aircraft Corporation produced 500 units.
1. F-15 Eagle
Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
- Maximum speed: 1,875 mph
- Type: Air superiority fighter aircraft
The F-15 Eagle aircraft was first introduced in the United States in 1976. Manufacturers McDonnell Douglas and Boeing produced 1,500 units.
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