In the world of modern warfare, fighter jets represent the pinnacle of speed, precision, and dominance. As Military TV explains, these elite machines are the crown jewels of every nation’s air force. Designed to excel in both air-to-air and air-to-ground roles, today’s fighter jets are engineered with an extraordinary mix of agility, stealth, and firepower.
Whether it’s a cold war-era interceptor with modern upgrades or a fifth-generation stealth fighter built from the ground up, these jets embody technological ambition. Military TV ranks the best of the best, evaluating each aircraft on speed, radar, maneuverability, range, avionics, and mission versatility. Let’s break down their top ten picks – and why each one is a sky-dominating force.
10. Saab JAS 39 Gripen – Sweden’s Agile Workhorse
Starting off Military TV’s list is the Saab JAS 39 Gripen, a Swedish multirole fighter that first flew in 1988. While not as massive or intimidating as others on this list, the Gripen earns its place through simplicity, affordability, and high versatility. It features a delta wing and canard configuration for remarkable maneuverability, and unlike many others, it achieves supersonic speed without afterburner. The Gripen is powered by a Volvo RM12 engine and boasts a top speed of Mach 2 with a 1,300-mile range.
According to Military TV, its standout trait is its modern avionics suite, which includes a helmet-mounted display and radar capable of tracking multiple targets. It can also carry a range of air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions. Its low maintenance needs and high reliability make it ideal for smaller nations seeking cutting-edge air power on a budget.
9. MiG-31 Foxhound – Russia’s Supersonic Interceptor
Coming in at number nine, the MiG-31 Foxhound is a Soviet-era beast that remains deadly even in the 21st century. Designed in the 1970s to intercept high-speed targets like cruise missiles and recon aircraft, the MiG-31 remains in Russian service today thanks to its powerful radar and unmatched speed.
Military TV points out its Zaslon-M radar can detect targets over 120 miles away and track objects flying at altitudes above 98,000 feet. Twin Tumansky R-33 engines propel it to Mach 2.83, making it one of the fastest operational fighter jets in the world. Though not as stealthy or agile as newer jets, it still excels in its role as a long-range interceptor.
8. Eurofighter Typhoon – Europe’s Cutting Edge Coalition Jet
Developed by a European consortium including Airbus, BAE Systems, and Leonardo, the Eurofighter Typhoon ranks eighth on the list. Introduced in 2003, this twin-engine multirole jet offers top-tier agility, thanks to its relaxed stability design and advanced flight control system.
Military TV highlights its captor radar, infrared search and track system, and helmet-mounted symbology system as standout features. With a top speed of Mach 2 and range exceeding 1,800 miles, the Typhoon is an agile powerhouse. It’s still a mainstay for the UK, Germany, Italy, and Spain, and its combat flexibility ensures it will remain relevant well into the 2030s.
7. Sukhoi Su-35 – Russia’s Supermaneuverable Heavyweight
At number seven, the Sukhoi Su-35 “Flanker-E” is Russia’s answer to Western air dominance. As Military TV explains, it builds upon the Su-27 platform but adds thrust-vectoring engines, modern avionics, and enhanced range. This aircraft is known for incredible agility during close-in dogfights, thanks to its AL-41F1S engines and 3D thrust vectoring.
The Su-35 is equipped with a 30mm cannon and 12 hardpoints capable of carrying over 17,000 pounds of ordnance. While not stealthy like newer fifth-generation fighters, its advanced radar and sensor suite, including the Irbis-E radar and OLS-35 infrared search, make it a formidable adversary.
6. Dassault Rafale – France’s Multirole Marvel
Military TV places the Dassault Rafale in sixth place, praising its ability to fulfill multiple roles without compromise. First flown in 1986 and operational since 2001, the Rafale features a delta wing and canard configuration, powered by twin SNECMA M88 engines for Mach 1.8 speed and over 2,300 miles of range.
The Rafale shines in both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, carrying a wide array of munitions including Meteor missiles and laser-guided bombs. Military TV emphasizes its RB2 radar, Spectra electronic warfare suite, and high survivability. France has relied on the Rafale for missions from Afghanistan to Mali, and it’s still winning export contracts.
5. Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet – America’s Carrier King
Fifth on Military TV’s list is the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, a beefed-up version of the classic Hornet designed for carrier operations. Used by the U.S. Navy, Royal Australian Air Force, and Kuwait, this twin-engine fighter offers rugged performance with modern upgrades.
Military TV notes its advanced AESA radar, digital fly-by-wire controls, and helmet-mounted display. The Super Hornet tops out at Mach 1.6 and has a combat radius over 1,200 nautical miles. It’s a reliable workhorse that thrives in naval environments, thanks to its versatile weapons loadout and robust design.
4. Chengdu J-20 – China’s Stealth Contender
China’s stealth fighter, the Chengdu J-20, ranks fourth according to Military TV. Introduced in 2017, this fifth-generation jet features radar-absorbent materials and a sleek shape for low observability. Powered by twin WS-10BG Taihang turbofans, the J-20 can reportedly reach speeds over Mach 2.5.
Military TV credits the J-20 with advanced sensors, an AESA radar, electronic countermeasures, and an infrared search and track system. Though still shrouded in secrecy, the J-20 represents a massive leap in China’s air capabilities and is expected to serve as the backbone of its air force in future conflicts.
3. Sukhoi Su-57 – Russia’s First Stealth Fighter
At number three, the Sukhoi Su-57 marks Russia’s entry into the stealth fighter arena. Developed since 2002 and adopted in 2019, this twin-engine jet boasts stealth geometry, internal weapon bays, and thrust-vectoring nozzles.
Military TV describes its impressive Mach 2.35 speed and 2,100+ mile range. It combines radar-evading design with advanced avionics, infrared tracking, and a modern helmet display system. While only a few have been produced so far, the Su-57 remains a symbol of Russia’s technological ambitions and a potential game-changer.
2. Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II – The Versatile Stealth Jet
Second on the list is the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, a true multirole stealth aircraft. Developed in three variants – A, B, and C – it can operate from conventional runways, short runways, and aircraft carriers.
Military TV praises its cutting-edge sensors, advanced data-sharing capabilities, and electronic warfare systems. Though it maxes out around Mach 1.6, its low-observable design and situational awareness tools make it lethal. With a Pratt & Whitney F135 engine generating 40,000 pounds of thrust, the F-35 has rapidly become a global mainstay in NATO and allied fleets.
1. F-22 Raptor – The Undisputed King of the Skies
Topping Military TV’s list is the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor. First flown in 1997 and operational since 2005, the F-22 remains the most dominant air superiority fighter on Earth. It combines stealth, speed, thrust vectoring, and situational awareness in a single unmatched platform.
Military TV emphasizes its Mach 2 top speed, 60,000-foot ceiling, and double Pratt & Whitney F119 engines. With stealth shaping, internal weapons bays, and a lethal combination of radar and infrared sensors, the F-22 excels at first-strike kills and dogfighting alike. Though expensive and no longer in production, it’s still considered the gold standard.
Mastery of the Air, One Jet at a Time
From Sweden’s cost-effective Gripen to the unparalleled F-22 Raptor, each fighter jet in Military TV’s Top 10 Best Fighter Jets in the World 2024 brings something unique to the battlefield. Whether it’s stealth, speed, agility, or sheer technological depth, these aircraft define what it means to rule the skies.
While debates about rankings will always exist, one thing is certain: air superiority depends on a perfect blend of engineering excellence and tactical versatility. As technology continues to evolve, tomorrow’s fighters may look different, but for now, these are the titans of air combat.
Raised in a small Arizona town, Kevin grew up surrounded by rugged desert landscapes and a family of hunters. His background in competitive shooting and firearms training has made him an authority on self-defense and gun safety. A certified firearms instructor, Kevin teaches others how to properly handle and maintain their weapons, whether for hunting, home defense, or survival situations. His writing focuses on responsible gun ownership, marksmanship, and the role of firearms in personal preparedness.