This 60-Year-Old Fighter Jet Is Still Going Strong

24/7 Wall St. Insights

Fighter jets, primarily designed for air-to-air combat, have evolved significantly over time.
While modern fifth-generation fighter jets dominate, older models (some dating back six decades), remain in service. Despite their age, these jets remain reliable and valuable assets.
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The first generation of fighter jets emerged shortly after World War II. Today, military agencies rely on advanced fifth-generation fighter jets, with plans for even more sophisticated sixth-generation models. (These are the newest aircraft in the U.S. Air Force.)

Despite these technological advancements, however, many older fighter jets remain in service worldwide. Militaries also employ newer 21st-century aircraft, but these older models work right alongside them. Although some may call them relics of a bygone era, these aging aircraft continue to deliver exceptional performance.

The F-16 Fighting Falcon, for example, was first introduced by the United States in the 1970s. Today, it remains a staple for several military units, including (but not limited to) the U.S. Air Force Reserve, the Air National Guard, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, and the U.S. Navy. (These are the largest air forces on Earth.)

24/7 Wall St. compiled a list of aircraft (including the F-16) currently used in modern air forces. We reviewed the Military Factory catalogs of third-, fourth-, and fifth-generation aircraft. We then ranked these jets from the newest to the oldest to determine the youngest and oldest fighter models used by modern air forces today. We’ve also included additional information from Military Factory, including aircraft type, top speed, country of origin, manufacturer, and production run of each aircraft. Only aircraft currently in service with production runs of at least 10 were included.

Why Are We Writing About Combat Aircraft?

Entrance sign at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado

The strength of a country’s military is a key component of how that country projects geopolitical power. Modern militaries today need to have a strong air force. Although the U.S. is developing even newer models, it’s interesting to see how many older fighter jets are still operational and effectively used in militaries around the world today.

Here are the oldest and newest fighter jets in modern air forces.

42. MiG-35 (Fulcrum-F)

Year introduced: 2020
Type: Multi-role fighter aircraft
Maximum speed: 1,491 mph
Country of origin: Russia
Manufacturer: Russian Aircraft Corporation MIG
Production run: 10

41. Sukhoi Su-57 (Felon)

Year introduced: 2019
Type: Multi-role stealth aircraft
Maximum speed: 1,616 mph
Country of origin: Russia
Manufacturer: Sukhoi OKB / United Aircraft Corporation
Production run: 25

40. Chengdu J-20 (Black Eagle)

Year introduced: 2017
Type: Multi-role fighter aircraft
Maximum speed: 1,305 mph
Country of origin: China
Manufacturer: Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corporation (CAIC) / Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC)
Production run: 55

39. F-16V (Viper)

Year introduced: 2017
Type: Multi-role fighter aircraft
Maximum speed: 917 mph
Country of origin: United States
Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin / Hellenic Aerospace Industry
Production run: 100

38. F-35 Lightning II

Year introduced: 2016
Type: Advanced multi-role strike fighter aircraft
Maximum speed: 1,199 mph
Country of origin: United States
Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin / Northrop Grumman / BAE Systems
Production run: 785

37. HAL Tejas LCA

Year introduced: 2015
Type: Lightweight multirole fighter aircraft
Maximum speed: 1,227 mph
Country of origin: India
Manufacturer: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
Production run: 33

36. Sukhoi Su-35 (Flanker-E / Super Flanker)

Year introduced: 2014
Type: Multi-role heavy combat fighter aircraft
Maximum speed: 1,491 mph
Country of origin: Russia
Manufacturer: Sukhoi OKB
Production run: 130

35. Shenyang J-15 (Flying Shark)

Year introduced: 2013
Type: Carrier-based multi-role fighter aircraft
Maximum speed: 1,305 mph
Country of origin: China
Manufacturer: Shenyang Aircraft Corporation / Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC)
Production run: 25

34. PAC JF-17 Thunder

Year introduced: 2007
Type: Lightweight multi-role fighter aircraft
Maximum speed: 1,218 mph
Country of origin: Pakistan
Manufacturer: Pakistan Aeronautical Complex
Production run: 132

33. F-22 Raptor

Year introduced: 2005
Type: Air dominance fighter aircraft
Maximum speed: 1,599 mph
Country of origin: United States
Manufacturer: Boeing / Lockheed Martin
Production run: 195

32. Chengdu J-10 (Vicious Dragon)

Year introduced: 2005
Type: Fighter-bomber aircraft
Maximum speed: 1,452 mph
Country of origin: China
Manufacturer: Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corporation (CAIC) / Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC)
Production run: 350

31. Eurofighter Typhoon (EF2000)

Year introduced: 2003
Type: Fighter-bomber aircraft
Maximum speed: 1,550 mph
Country of origin: Germany
Manufacturer: BAE Systems / Eurofighter GmbH
Production run: 570

30. Dassault Rafale

Year introduced: 2001
Type: Fighter-bomber aircraft
Maximum speed: 1,383 mph
Country of origin: France
Manufacturer: Dassault Aviation
Production run: 201

29. Mitsubishi F-2

Year introduced: 2000
Type: Multi-role fighter aircraft
Maximum speed: 1,553 mph
Country of origin: Japan
Manufacturer: Mitsubishi / Lockheed Martin
Production run: 98

28. F/A-18 Super Hornet

Year introduced: 1999
Type: Carrier-based strike fighter aircraft
Maximum speed: 1,187 mph
Country of origin: United States
Manufacturer: McDonnell Douglas / Boeing
Production run: 615

27. Shenyang J-11 (Flanker B+)

Year introduced: 1998
Type: Multi-role air superiority fighter
Maximum speed: 1,553 mph
Country of origin: China
Manufacturer: Shenyang Aircraft Corporation / Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC)
Production run: 255