Tech & Auto
The Top 12 Fighter Jets In The World As Of 2023
By ANDY ZAHN
F-35 Lightning II
Built for stealth and striking at an extreme distance, the F-35 Lightning II is one of the most advanced fighter jets today and comes in three variations.
Pilots are equipped with a helmet-mounted display system that connects to the jet’s electro-optical distributed aperture system to provide 360 degrees of visibility.
F-22 Raptor
Despite first taking flight almost 26 years ago, the F-22 Raptor remains a terrifying predator. With a top speed of Mach 2.25, it’s one of the fastest jets in service.
The F-22 has three weapons bays and an advanced augmented reality vision system for pilots. The jet’s maneuverability makes it particularly suited for air-to-air combat.
F-15EX Eagle II
The F-15EX Eagle II is the latest in Boeing’s long and prestigious line of fighter jets. Capable of Mach 2.5, the Eagle II is the fastest fighter jet today.
The Eagle II wasn’t designed for stealth, but for bold and brash air-to-air combat or devastating lightning-fast air-to-ground strikes with its four more missile stations.
Dassault F-4 Rafale
The Dassault F-4 Rafale is a French fighter jet designed for high maneuverability. The jet can operate from carriers and land bases.
Its top speed of Mach 1.8 and maximum altitude of 50,000 feet make the Rafale competitive with other modern jet fighters, but it’s not designed for stealth.
Typhoon
A critical NATO aircraft used throughout the EU and abroad, the Eurofighter Typhoon is a highly effective dogfighting craft with advanced features.
Like the Rafale, the Typhoon is not intended to be a stealth aircraft. However, it does have highly versatile armaments like its Storm Shadow and Brimstone air-to-ground missiles.