Stealth technology was first developed in the late 1970s, and since then it has been a game-changer for modern military aircraft. The technology now being put into the fifth-generation of fighter jet aircraft helps these aircraft avoid detection by reducing reflection, radar detection, and certain emissions such as infrared, radio frequency, and audio. As this technology continues to evolve, more aircraft on the global stage are gaining stealth capabilities. (Also see, the 26 military aircraft of the future.)
These advanced crafts have enhanced stealth capabilities, highly integrated computer systems, and superior overall performance. Famous examples of such technology include the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II, both developed in the United States.
To identify the most widely used stealth planes on Earth, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed the 2023 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 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 Military Factory.
Only three countries are producing fifth generation aircraft with new stealth technology – Russia, China, and the United States. Other countries may own some stealth aircraft but they are purchased from one of these three global superpowers. Generally, these aircraft are sold along with military alliances – why many NATO countries own U.S. aircraft. (These are all 30 NATO members ranked by military power.)
Overall, the sophisticated computer systems, stealth features, and improved performance characteristics of these aircraft represent considerable milestones in defense aviation technology. As modern warfare continues to evolve, the importance of incorporating stealth aircraft into air forces across the world would be paramount.
Here are the most widely-used stealth planes on Earth.
14. B-21 Raider
Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
- 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. Sukhoi Felon (Su-57)
Source: Dmitry Potashkin / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
- Number of aircraft in service: 1 (tied)
- Countries in use: Russia
- Top speed: 1,616 mph
- Type: Fighter jet
11. Kratos XQ-58 Valkyrie
Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
- Number of aircraft in service: 1 (tied)
- Countries in use: United States
- Top speed: 652 mph
- Type: Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)
10. Northrop Grumman RQ-180
Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
- Number of aircraft in service: 1 (tied)
- Countries in use: United States
- Top speed: 590 mph
- Type: Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)
9. Hongdu Gongji-11 (GJ-11)
- Number of aircraft in service: 12
- Countries in use: China
- Top speed: 621 mph
- Type: Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)
8. B-2 Spirit
- Number of aircraft in service: 18
- 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
Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
- Number of jets 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: 177
- Countries in use: United States
- Top speed: 1,599 mph
- Type: Fighter jet
2. Shenyang Flanker B+ (J-11)
Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons
- Number of aircraft in service: 255
- Countries in use: China
- Top speed: 1,553 mph
- Type: Fighter jet
1. F-35 Lightning II
Source: my_public_domain_photos / Flickr
- Number of aircraft in service: 716
- Countries in use: Canada, Germany, Israel, Italy, Japan, United States
- Top speed: 1,199 mph
- Type: Fighter jet
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