Fighter jets are all marvels of technical genius and engineering. But it is tough to decide which one is the most powerful fighter jet in the world. So, we are going to list the most powerful fighter jets in the world.
The world is becoming a horrible place to live. And world’s great powers are worried about their so-called national security. So, in order to feel safe or show off power, they are spending billions on advanced weapons. And the most expensive defense sector is the air force. But what does the air force need to become powerful enough? Advance fighter jets. So, let’s take a look at the possible most advanced fighter jets in the world.
10. Saab JAS 39 Gripen — Sweden
Saab JAS 39 Gripen is a powerful fighter jet developed by Sweden. It is a multirole fighter with a single lightweight engine. The fighter came to service in 2003 by Sweden.
Despite so much backlash, the plane is still considered a technological success, especially suitable for close combat thanks to its agility and aerodynamic design. It is also easy to take off and land on short take-off distances. Operating costs must be reasonable in relation to other plans on the market. A number of countries have bought the plane including Brazil and South Africa and more have shown great interest.
9. Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon — USA
Over 4,500 planes have already been built, which says something about the plane’s popularity. It is considered versatile because it is capable of attacking both aerial as well as ground targets. The F-16, which is significantly lighter and cheaper than its similar jet F-15 Eagle, is currently in service in 26 countries. The small plane is considered easy to maneuver and has already been used successfully in combat.
8. Mikoyan MiG-31 — Russia
According to the experts, Mikoyan MiG-31 had to sacrifice some of its features in order to quickly reach climb speed. This plane is also praised for its versatility. The plane has been in service since 1982. At that time, the Soviet Union had not yet collapsed. The top speed is an impressive 3000 km/h. Syria is one of the countries that has the plane in its defense. There are constant updates to the plane.
7. McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle — USA
Without any doubt, McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle is one of the most powerful fighter jets in the world. The fighter made its first flight in 1972 and entered service in 1976. It is said to be one of the most successful fighter jets during the Cold War.
Also read: Satan-2: Most powerful Missile in the World Can Crash USA
Although it has now been 40 years since its debut, it is still in active service, let alone that the plane has undergone a constant upgrade. The manufacturer knew how to market the plane: “Shoots down whatever’s up. Blows up whatever’s down”. It should be particularly good at detecting and tracking enemy planes. Israel, Japan, and Saudi Arabia are some of the countries that bought the plane.
6. Suchoj SU-35 — Russia
Russia is a direct competitor in defense system development to the USA and when it comes to the power of the air force, it has always dazzled the world. The Su-35 multi-role aircraft is one of them.
The plane has been in service since 1995 when the Cold War ended. But it began to develop when the Soviet Union had not yet dissolved. In the beginning, it was supposed that the plane would knock out the American fighter jets F-15 and F-16 in a sharp position. Connoisseurs like to point to the plane’s ability to carry heavy cargo (read weapons) and its range. Moreover, it was further developed into the Su-27 combat aircraft.
5. Dassault Rafale — France
France also sticks with an in-house manufactured fighter plane. Both the French Air Force and the French Navy use the Rafale. One of the plane’s specialties is that it can track 40 targets and fire shots at four targets simultaneously.
Under extreme conditions, the plane must withstand an acceleration force of +11G. India was impressed by the plane after a demonstration and ordered 126 planes for $10.4 billion. The agreement was later renegotiated to include 36 planes. And without saying anything it is considered to be one of the most powerful fighter jets in the world.
4. Eurofighter Typhoon — European Union
Eurofighter Typhoon is another multi-role aircraft that is actually a co-production of the European giants Germany, Italy, Great Britain, and Spain. Now the British are on their way out of the union, so it remains to be seen what happens to the consortium in the future.
The avionics in the plane is considered to be of a very high standard. The Typhoon has been manufactured in three different versions, of which the two-seater is only used for teaching purposes. It is believed that the Typhoon is only half as effective in combat as the American F-22 Raptor but superior to competitors such as the F-15F, Russian Su-27, and the French Rafale. The latter should sting the French, who dropped out of the European project after having opinions on the Typhoon’s operational requirements and design.
3. Boeing F-A-18E Super Hornet — USA
The Super Hornet is considered the most capable multi-role aircraft in the US Navy. And till now it is one of the most powerful fighter jets in the world. The plane belongs, among other things, on aircraft carriers and is praised for its ability to attack targets both in the air and on land.
The plane is also part of the Australian Air Force. The Super Hornet is a more powerful variant of its predecessor, the F/A-18C/D. For example, it can carry more missiles. The avionics are more refined and the larger fuel compartment allows for an improved fly time.
2. Lockheed Martin F-35 — USA
Lockheed Martin is a very popular name that holds a very strong position in aircraft building. But until now F-35 is a popular name with the highest development, maintenance, and operational cost of $1.7 trillion. It means, in its lifetime, the USA taxpayers will have to bear the amount till 2070.
F-35 is the most expensive aircraft project in the world with so many controversies. The development of the fighter started back in 1995 and had its first flight in 2006. Currently, it has three different versions available and unlike F-22, the USA will sell it to other nations.
1. Lockheed Martin / Boeing F-22 Raptor — USA
The US has the world’s highest defense budget. Thus, it is perhaps not so strange that they then produce the world’s best fighter aircraft. The F-22 Raptor looks like a futuristic dream. A layman would have happily placed this fighter jet at the top for its evocative design alone. But it is the plane’s performance that has made the plane one of the most powerful fighter jets in the world.
It seems almost impossible to catch the plane on the radar. The F-22 Raptor is the most expensive and most advanced ever produced. Much of its avionics are still top secret. But the advanced technology has also made the plane so sensitive – and dangerous – that some pilots refused to fly the plane.
Among other things, it concerns the substandard oxygen supply to the pilot, which was a difficult nut for the plane’s engineers to crack. Even the electronic monitoring system has been judged to be too sensitive. Another problem has been the unprecedented costs of $125 million per aircraft.
