These Are The 20 Fastest Military Jets In The World

To acquire a tactical edge, nations are continually pushing the limits of technology and speed in the field of military aircraft. The creation of the world’s fastest planes is one of this field’s most thrilling developments. These aircraft are wonders of engineering and design, ranging from fighters built to intercept enemy aircraft to reconnaissance planes that can travel great distances at remarkable speeds.

Some of these aircraft can fly at tremendous speeds, even breaking the sound barrier. Each plane, its peak speed, and the nations operating it will be examined in further detail. So fasten your seatbelts and prepare for a thrilling adventure into the realm of military aviation!

Here is a list of the top 20 best military aircraft in the world according to speed. To view the list, please go to the page below.

1. Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird- 2,193 mph

The United States Air Force flies the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, a supersonic reconnaissance aircraft. With a peak speed of 2,193 mph (3,530 km/h), it is the air-breathing manned aircraft that travels at the fastest speed.

The Blackbird was built to fly at great heights and employed cutting-edge technologies to avoid radar detection. During the Cold War, it was crucial for gathering intelligence and was in use from 1964 until 1998.

2. Lockheed YF-12 – 2,070 mph

The Lockheed YF-12 interceptor aircraft prototype was developed by the US Air Force in the 1960s. It was built on the Lockheed A-12 reconnaissance aircraft and designed to fly at high speeds and altitudes.

One of the fastest military aircraft ever built, the YF-12 had a peak speed of 2,070 mph (3,331 km/h). Its air-to-air missiles were designed to track down and take out enemy bombers. Only three prototypes were created, and the effort was ultimately abandoned because of shifting strategic objectives and financial limitations.

3. North American XB-70 Valkyrie – 2,056 mph

The United States Air Force created the North American XB-70 Valkyrie, a strategic bomber prototype, in the 1960s. One of the fastest military aircraft ever built, it was intended to fly at high altitudes at top speeds of 2,056 mph (3,309 km/h).

The Valkyrie had a range of more than 4,000 miles (6,400 km) and could transport nuclear bombs. However, only two prototypes were completed due to budgetary restrictions and shifting strategic goals, and the initiative was abandoned.

4. McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle – 1,875 mph

The US Air Force developed the McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle, a twin-engine tactical fighter aircraft, in the 1970s. It is still used by the American military and the air forces of several other nations.

The F-15 is renowned for its superior avionics equipment, mobility, and high peak speed of 1,875 mph (3,017 km/h). It can engage numerous targets at once and is equipped with a 20-mm cannon and air-to-air missiles. One of the most effective fighter planes ever created is the F-15.

5. Mikoyan MiG-31 Foxhound – 1,860 mph

The Soviet Union created the supersonic interceptor aircraft Mikoyan MiG-31 Foxhound in the 1970s. With a peak speed of 1,860 mph (3,000 km/h), it is one of the fastest military aircraft currently in use and is still in service with the Russian Air Force.

The MiG-31 is capable of operating at high altitudes and in all weather conditions and is armed with air-to-air missiles for use in intercepting enemy aircraft. Its advanced radar and other avionics systems make it a formidable opponent in air-to-air combat.

6. General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark – 1,655 mph

The General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark was a supersonic tactical fighter-bomber aircraft developed by the United States in the 1960s. It was used primarily by the U.S. Air Force and the Royal Australian Air Force.

The F-111 had a top speed of 1,655 mph (2,660 km/h) and was known for its variable-sweep wings, which could be adjusted to optimize performance at different speeds and altitudes. It was equipped with air-to-ground missiles and bombs and was capable of flying at low altitudes to avoid radar detection. The F-111 played a significant role in several major military conflicts, including the Vietnam War and the Gulf War.

7. F-22 Raptor – 1,498 mph

The F-22 Raptor is a stealth tactical fighter aircraft developed by the United States in the late 1990s. It is still in service with the U.S. military and is known for its advanced technology, including its ability to evade radar detection.

The F-22 has a top speed of 1,498 mph (2,410 km/h) and is equipped with air-to-air missiles and other weapons systems. It is capable of engaging multiple targets simultaneously and has been used in various combat operations. The F-22 is considered one of the most advanced fighter aircraft in the world.

8. Sukhoi Su-35 – 1,491 mph

The Sukhoi Su-35 is a multi-role fighter aircraft developed by Russia in the 1980s. It is still in service with the Russian Air Force and has been exported to several other countries. The Su-35 is known for its high speed, with a top speed of 1,491 mph (2,400 km/h), as well as its advanced avionics systems and weapons capabilities.

It is equipped with air-to-air missiles and can also carry air-to-surface weapons. The Su-35 is capable of performing a wide range of missions, including air superiority, ground attack, and reconnaissance. It is considered one of the most capable fighter aircraft in the world.

9. Mikoyan MiG-23 – 1,553 mph

The Mikoyan MiG-23 is a variable-geometry fighter aircraft developed by the Soviet Union in the 1960s. It was designed to be a highly maneuverable interceptor and ground-attack aircraft and was used by several Soviet allies during the Cold War.

The MiG-23 had a top speed of 1,553 mph (2,500 km/h) and was equipped with air-to-air missiles and cannons. Its variable-geometry wings could be adjusted to optimize performance at different speeds and altitudes.

The MiG-23 was used in several conflicts, including the Iran-Iraq War and the Gulf War. It was eventually replaced by newer aircraft in the Soviet and Russian Air Forces.

10. F-16 Fighting Falcon – 1,500 mph

The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a single-engine supersonic fighter aircraft developed by the United States in the 1970s. It is still in service with the U.S. military and the air forces of several other countries.

The F-16 is known for its high speed, with a top speed of 1,500 mph (2,414 km/h), as well as its maneuverability and ease of maintenance. It is equipped with air-to-air missiles and other weapons systems and is capable of engaging multiple targets simultaneously. The F-16 has been used in various combat operations and is considered one of the most successful fighter aircraft ever built.

11. Sukhoi Su-33 – 1,500 mph

The Sukhoi Su-33 is a carrier-based multirole fighter aircraft developed by Russia in the 1980s. It is the naval version of the Su-27 and is still in service with the Russian Navy. The Su-33 has a top speed of 1,500 mph (2,410 km/h) and is equipped with air-to-air missiles, air-to-surface missiles, and bombs.

It is capable of performing a wide range of missions, including air superiority, ground attack, and reconnaissance. The Su-33 is known for its advanced avionics systems and high maneuverability and has been used in various combat operations.

12. Eurofighter Typhoon – 1,550 mph

The Eurofighter Typhoon is a fourth-generation multirole fighter aircraft designed and built by a consortium of European defense companies, including Airbus, BAE Systems, and Leonardo. It has a top speed of 1,550 mph or 2,495 km/h, making it one of the fastest fighter jets in the world.

The Typhoon is equipped with advanced avionics and weapons systems, including radar and missiles, and is capable of air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. It entered service with several European air forces in 2003 and is expected to remain in service for several decades.

13. F-22 Raptor – 1,498 mph

The F-22 Raptor is a fifth-generation, single-seat, twin-engine stealth fighter aircraft developed by the United States in the 1990s. It is still in service with the U.S. Air Force. The F-22 has a top speed of 1,498 mph (2,410 km/h) and is equipped with advanced avionics systems and air-to-air missiles.

It is capable of performing a wide range of missions, including air superiority, ground attack, and electronic warfare. The F-22 Raptor is known for its advanced stealth technology, which allows it to evade enemy radar detection, and its agility, which allows it to outmaneuver other aircraft in dogfights.

14. Sukhoi Su-35 – 1,491 mph

The Sukhoi Su-35 is a multi-role fighter aircraft developed by Russia in the 2000s. It is an advanced version of the Su-27 and is still in service with the Russian military. The Su-35 has a top speed of 1,491 mph (2,400 km/h) and is equipped with air-to-air missiles, air-to-surface missiles, and bombs.

It is capable of performing a wide range of missions, including air superiority, ground attack, and reconnaissance. The Su-35 is known for its advanced avionics systems and high maneuverability and has been used in various combat operations.

15. Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-29 – 1,490 mph

The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-29 is a twin-engine supersonic fighter aircraft developed by the Soviet Union in the 1970s. It is still in service with several air forces around the world. The MiG-29 has a top speed of 1,490 mph (2,400 km/h) and is equipped with air-to-air missiles, air-to-surface missiles, and cannons.

It is capable of performing a wide range of missions, including air superiority, ground attack, and reconnaissance. The MiG-29 is known for its high maneuverability and advanced avionics systems and has been used in various combat operations.

16. McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II – 1,472 mph

The McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II is a two-seat, twin-engine supersonic fighter aircraft developed by the United States in the 1950s. It was widely used by the U.S. military and its allies during the Cold War and beyond.

The F-4 Phantom II had a top speed of 1,472 mph (2,370 km/h) and was equipped with air-to-air missiles, air-to-surface missiles, and bombs. It was capable of performing a variety of missions, including air superiority, ground attack, and reconnaissance. The F-4 Phantom II was known for its toughness and reliability and saw action in several major conflicts, including the Vietnam War and the Gulf War.

17. Dassault Mirage 2000 – 1,452 mph

The Dassault Mirage 2000 is a multirole fighter aircraft developed by France in the 1970s. It is still in service with several air forces around the world. The Mirage 2000 has a top speed of 1,452 mph (2,335 km/h) and is equipped with air-to-air missiles, air-to-surface missiles, and bombs.

It is capable of performing a wide range of missions, including air superiority, ground attack, and reconnaissance. The Mirage 2000 is known for its agility and advanced avionics systems and has been used in various combat operations.

18. Saab JAS 39 Gripen – 1,372 mph

The Saab JAS 39 Gripen is a multi-role fighter aircraft developed by Sweden in the 1980s. It is still in service with the Swedish Air Force and other air forces around the world. The Gripen has a top speed of 1,372 mph (2,205 km/h) and is equipped with air-to-air missiles, air-to-surface missiles, and bombs.

It is capable of performing a wide range of missions, including air superiority, ground attack, and reconnaissance. The Gripen is known for its advanced avionics systems and ease of maintenance, making it a popular choice for smaller air forces.

19. Chengdu J-20 – 1,305 mph

The Chengdu J-20 is a Chinese fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft designed for air superiority and ground attack missions. It has a top speed of 1,305 mph or 2,100 km/h, making it one of the fastest fighter jets in the world.

The J-20 is equipped with advanced avionics, a high-performance engine, and a low radar cross-section, which enhances its stealth capabilities. It entered service with the People’s Liberation Army Air Force in 2017 and is expected to play a significant role in China’s military strategy.

20. F-35 Lightning II – 1,200 mph

The F-35 Lightning II is a fifth-generation stealth multirole fighter aircraft designed and manufactured by American defense company Lockheed Martin. It has a top speed of 1,200 mph or 1,930 km/h, making it one of the fastest fighter jets in the world.

The F-35 is equipped with advanced avionics, sensors, and weapons systems, making it a versatile platform for air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. It entered service with the United States military and its allies in 2015 and is expected to remain in service for several decades.