The United States Air Force recently provided new updates on its B-21 Raider. This futuristic aircraft is being designed as a next-generation stealth bomber, and is currently undergoing at least two flight tests weekly. So far, the tests have shown that the plane is structurally sound. Moving forward, the Air Force intends to use this stealth aircraft to deter conflicts. It will also carry both nuclear and conventional munition, allowing for more versatility and flexibility. Stealth aircraft are used to avoid detection, gather surveillance, or provide support to ground troops. Their unique combinations of speed and strength allow stealth aircraft like the B-21 Raider to become a valuable part of any fleet. (This is the fastest military stealth plane ever: the top 20, ranked.)
Since its development in the 1970s, stealth technology has become significantly more advanced. Here, 24/7 Wall St. sought out to determine the most widely used stealth planes across the globe. To do so, we reviewed the 2024 World Air Forces report from FlightGlobal, an aviation and aerospace industry website. Stealth aircraft, including uncrewed aerial vehicles, were ranked by the number of units in service in the 163 countries with data on FlightGlobal. UAV figures came from the Military Factory. Supplemental data regarding the type of aircraft and notable countries that use it also came from FlightGlobal. Data on top speed came from the Military Factory.
Why Is This Important?
Maintaining and advancing military technology is important to prevent attacks and maintain the advantage during battle. Technology improves efficiency, communication, and safety and plays an important role in almost every aspect of life today. Stealth aircraft have transformed modern warfare by providing significant tactical advantages to the countries that use them. By identifying which stealth aircraft are most popular around the globe, you gain a deeper understanding of defense capabilities and aircraft features that countries find promising.
Here are the most popular stealth aircraft on Earth:
14. B-21 Raider
- Number of aircraft in service: 0 (100 on order)
- Countries in use: United States
- Top speed: 621 mph
- Type: Stealth bomber
13. Sukhoi Checkmate (Su-75)
- Number of aircraft in service: 1 (tied)
- Countries in use: Russia
- Top speed: 808 mph
- Type: Fighter jet
12. Kratos XQ-58 Valkyrie
- Number of aircraft in service: 1 (tied)
- Countries in use: United States
- Top speed: 652 mph
- Type: Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)
11. Northrop Grumman RQ-180
- Number of aircraft in service: 1 (tied)
- Countries in use: United States
- Top speed: 590 mph
- Type: Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)
10. Hongdu Gongji-11 (GJ-11)
- Number of aircraft in service: 12
- Countries in use: China
- Top speed: 621 mph
- Type: Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)
9. Sukhoi Felon (Su-57)
- Number of aircraft in service: 14
- Countries in use: Russia
- Top speed: 1,616 mph
- Type: Fighter jet
8. B-2 Spirit
- Number of aircraft in service: 17
- Countries in use: United States
- Top speed: 628 mph
- Type: Stealth bomber
7. Chengdu Black Eagle (J-20)
- Number of aircraft in service: 19
- Countries in use: China
- Top speed: 1,305 mph
- Type: Fighter jet
6. Ryan AQM-91 Firefly
- Number of aircraft in service: 28
- Countries in use: United States
- Top speed: 505 mph
- Type: Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)
5. Lockheed Martin RQ-170 Sentinel
- Number of aircraft in service: 50
- Countries in use: United States
- Top speed: 590 mph
- Type: Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)
4. Shenyang Red Eagle (J-16)
- Number of aircraft in service: 105
- Countries in use: China
- Top speed: 1,522 mph
- Type: Fighter jet
3. F-22 Raptor
- Number of aircraft in service: 178
- Countries in use: United States
- Top speed: 1,599 mph
- Type: Fighter jet
2. Shenyang Flanker B+ (J-11)
- Number of aircraft in service: 255
- Countries in use: China
- Top speed: 1,553 mph
- Type: Fighter jet
1. F-35 Lightning II
- Number of aircraft in service: 869
- Countries in use: United States, Canada, Germany, Israel, Italy
- Top speed: 1,199 mph
- Type: Fighter jet
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