Identifying the best fighter jets in the world isn’t simple. Each jet is built for specific missions, often excelling in one area while sacrificing another. Still, some jets stand out with exceptional performance. In this list, we highlight the top 10 air superiority fighter jets of 2025 that are currently operational and in active service — excluding prototypes and experimental models.
The 10 Air Superiority fighter jets in 2025
Leading the list of the Air Superiority fighter jets in 2025 is Russia’s Su-57, known for its agility, stealth, and surprisingly low cost of $50 million per unit. Next is the F-35 Lightning II from Lockheed Martin — a true multirole fighter with outstanding stealth and balanced performance. In third place is China’s Chengdu J-20 ‘Mighty Dragon’, praised for its internal 24,000 lb weapons payload and stealth capabilities.
Explore the full top 10 list below and discover what makes each of these fighter jets stand out.
1. Sukhoi Su-57 Felon
- Country: Russia
- Key Features: Fifth-generation stealth fighter with a thrust-to-weight ratio of 1.20, supercruise capability, and a payload capacity of 22,000 lbs. It features advanced avionics and the N036 Belka radar for superior target detection.
- Speed: Mach 2
- Units in Service: Approximately 22
- Cost: ~$50 million
- Why It Ranks High: The Su-57 combines stealth with exceptional agility, making it a formidable air superiority fighter. Its thrust-vectoring engines allow for supermaneuverability, ideal for dogfights, while its stealth capabilities help it evade radar detection.
2. Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II
- Country: USA
- Key Features: Multirole stealth fighter with a radar cross-section (RCS) of 0.0015, equipped with AN/APG-81 AESA radar and Distributed Aperture System (DAS) for 360-degree situational awareness. It has a payload capacity of 18,000 lbs.
- Speed: Mach 1.6
- Units in Service: Over 712
- Cost: ~$109 million
- Why It Ranks High: The F-35’s advanced stealth and sensor fusion make it highly effective in air superiority roles, despite its multirole design. Its widespread use across the U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps, as well as allied nations, underscores its versatility.
3. Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon
- Country: China
- Key Features: Fifth-generation stealth fighter with a payload capacity of 24,000 lbs, supercruise capability, and advanced AESA radar. It is designed for long-range air superiority missions.
- Speed: Mach 2
- Units in Service: Approximately 195
- Cost: ~$110 million
- Why It Ranks High: The J-20’s stealth and long-range capabilities make it a key player in China’s air dominance strategy. Its internal weapons bays enhance its stealth profile, making it a significant threat in air-to-air combat.
4. Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor
- Country: USA
- Key Features: Dedicated air superiority fighter with the smallest RCS (0.0001), thrust-to-weight ratio of 1.26, and supercruise capability. It carries a 12,000 lbs payload and is equipped with AN/APG-77 AESA radar.
- Speed: Mach 2.25
- Units in Service: Approximately 178
- Cost: ~$143 million
- Why It Ranks High: The F-22 is widely regarded as the ultimate air superiority fighter due to its unmatched stealth and agility. Its 2D thrust-vectoring system enhances maneuverability, making it a top choice for air dominance.
5. Boeing F-15EX Eagle II
- Country: USA
- Key Features: Fourth-generation air superiority fighter with a massive 29,500 lbs payload, APG-82 AESA radar, and a top speed of Mach 2.5. It can carry up to 22 air-to-air missiles.
- Speed: Mach 2.5
- Units in Service: Approximately 8
- Cost: ~$97 million
- Why It Ranks High: The F-15EX is a modernized version of the legendary F-15, boasting advanced avionics and unmatched payload capacity. Its combat record, with over 100 air-to-air kills and no losses, solidifies its place as a top air superiority fighter.
6. General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon
- Country: USA
- Key Features: Fourth-generation multirole fighter with a payload capacity of 15,000 lbs, known for its agility and widespread use. It features upgraded avionics for modern combat.
- Speed: Mach 2
- Units in Service: Over 2,084
- Cost: ~$80 million
- Why It Ranks High: Despite its age, the F-16 remains a cornerstone of air forces worldwide due to its versatility and agility. Its upgrades keep it relevant in air superiority roles, though it is less competitive against fifth-generation jets.
7. Sukhoi Su-35
- Country: Russia
- Key Features: Fourth-generation air superiority fighter with thrust-vectoring nozzles, a payload capacity of 17,632 lbs, and a powerful Irbis-E radar with a 400 km detection range.
- Speed: Mach 2.25
- Units in Service: Over 118
- Cost: ~$85 million
- Why It Ranks High: The Su-35, nicknamed the “Super Flanker,” excels in dogfights due to its supermaneuverability and advanced electronic warfare systems. It remains a key pillar of Russia’s airpower.
8. Eurofighter Typhoon
- Country: Europe (UK, Germany, Italy, Spain)
- Key Features: Fourth-generation multirole fighter with a delta wing design, CAPTOR radar, and a payload capacity of 20,000 lbs. It can supercruise at Mach 1.5.
- Speed: Mach 2
- Units in Service: Approximately 533
- Cost: ~$117 million
- Why It Ranks High: The Typhoon’s agility and advanced avionics make it a strong contender in air superiority missions. Its Meteor and AMRAAM missiles enhance its air-to-air combat capabilities.
9. Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet
- Country: USA
- Key Features: Fourth-generation multirole fighter with a payload capacity of 17,750 lbs, advanced avionics, and carrier-based operations. It is highly reliable in air superiority roles.
- Speed: Mach 1.8
- Units in Service: Approximately 827
- Cost: ~$73 million
- Why It Ranks High: The Super Hornet’s versatility and combat-proven performance make it a valuable asset for the U.S. Navy. Its air superiority capabilities are enhanced by its advanced radar and weapons systems.
10. Dassault Rafale
- Country: France
- Key Features: Fourth-generation multirole fighter with a payload capacity of 20,900 lbs, RBE2 AESA radar, and SCALP missiles. It is highly agile and capable of nuclear deterrence.
- Speed: Mach 1.8
- Units in Service: Approximately 299
- Cost: ~$125 million
- Why It Ranks High: The Rafale’s agility and advanced weaponry make it a strong performer in air superiority missions. Its combat record, including operations in Libya and Syria, highlights its effectiveness.
Final Thoughts
The top 10 air superiority fighter jets of 2025 showcase a balance of stealth, speed, and firepower. While the Su-57 impresses with agility and cost-effectiveness, the F-35 leads in versatility and advanced technology. The J-20 and F-22 remain key players in stealth and air dominance. Upgraded fourth-generation jets like the F-15EX and Su-35 continue to hold strong roles. Ultimately, the best jet depends on mission needs, but these fighters represent the cutting edge of modern aerial combat.
