Fighter jets are one of the most important components of any country’s air force. Agile and powerful, modern combat aircraft can perform a variety of roles with very universal functions.
Every country’s air force is competing to be superior to their enemy. One way is to have the best set of fighter jets. The more sophisticated the fighter jet, the more effective its role and function.
The latest technology is often used in fighter aircraft. Powerful engines, complex weapon systems, to sophisticated radars support the multirole status of a jet.
The World’s Most Advanced Fighter Jet
Some of the most advanced fighter jets even use thrust-vectoring engine nozzles for added maneuverability. There are also those that use a stealth design to reduce the potential for being easily tracked. The newest and most advanced fighter jets are equipped with complex computer technology with communication links to process data. Check out AeroTime’s list of the ten most advanced fighter jets in the world for 2023.
10. Sukhoi Su-35S
Russia’s Sukhoi Su-30, Su-35, and Su-37 as well as China’s Shenyang J-16 are based on the developed Su-27 platform with generation 4.5 capabilities. Each jet has a number of variants and modifications.
However, the Su-35S can be considered the ultimate version of the four. The fighter jet features the latest electronic systems produced by Russia. There are also many improvements to the fuselage. Its distinctive characteristic is the vector-thrust engine nozzle which can turn in any direction. The Su-35S is so maneuverable that it does not require canards, a feature which has been a staple component in previous Su-30 and Su-35 variants.
9. Dassault Rafale
The Rafale and Typhoon are very similar in that they both started development as a single aircraft. But in the mid-1980s, France decided to split the program and build separate fighters for different needs.
France is also continuing to improve the Rafale. Type F3 is the newest variant with the latest weapon systems and sensors. Meanwhile, the Rafale F4 is currently under development and will include further upgrades to the radar and avionics. France, United Arab Emirates, India and many other customers will start receiving shipments of this variant in the near future including Indonesia.
The Indonesian government officially purchased 42 Rafale fighter jets from the French airline, Dassault Aviation, in mid-February 2022.
“On behalf of the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Indonesia, I thank the President of the Republic of France Emmanuel Macron for the invitation to a meeting this morning at the Élysée Palace,” Prabowo wrote on his Instagram page @prabowo on Wednesday, March 16, 2022.
8. Eurofighter Typhoon
As the name implies, the Eurofighter Typhoon is designed to be a combined European fighter jet. However, the jet has attracted interest from outside Europe and is used by some of the most powerful air forces in the Middle East, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
The Typhoon is one of the most advanced and powerful 4th generation jets. The newest variant, Tranche 3, also uses the latest technology. An even more sophisticated Tranche 4 was then introduced in 2020 with improvements in terms of electronic systems and weapons.
The Typhoon jet was so successful that Europe skipped development of the fifth generation jet and jumped straight into the sixth generation with FCAS and Tempest.
7. Boeing F-15EX Eagle II
The F-15 was one of the first fourth-generation fighter jets. It’s hard to believe that this jet has celebrated its 50th birthday in 2022.
Despite its old age, this jet plane is still a powerful war machine. The F-15 is the only fighter jet in the world to score more than 100 air-to-air kills and never lose. The components are continuously being upgraded with new variants that have the most advanced technology.
The F-15EX developed by Boeing is the latest variant of the jet. The aircraft features a new radar, new avionics and weapons systems, as well as countless other upgrades. The F-15EX has attracted significant attention from across the nation and is likely to remain so for years to come.
6. Shenyang FC-31 Gyrfalcon
China has finally completed this project after its presentation more than a decade ago. Although the FC-31 was unveiled, it soon became China’s new carrier-based jet as well as the first fifth-generation fighter to be exported to other countries.
Little is known about the FC-31’s actual capabilities. Recent images show the fighter jet has a redesigned engine, a new canopy, and many other interesting upgrades.
5. Sukhoi Su-57
The Sukhoi Su-57 Felon is Russia’s first stealth aircraft. However, its development slowed due to various problems and delays. The existence of operations at this time is also only in small numbers.
But in the coming years, the Su-57 is poised to receive new engines and other upgrades. The jet will be a major development of the Su-27 concept. The Su-57 is a heavy fighter with low-speed maneuverability, stealth characteristics, and the latest electronics and sensors.
4. KAI KF-21 Boramae
The KF-21 is the newest jet on this list. The fighter has many features compatible with fifth generation jets even though it was originally intended to be 4.5 generation. The KF-21 has a stealth design and some of the technologies used on the F-35.
This South Korean-made jet made its maiden flight in July 2022. Several other prototypes are currently being produced and undergoing testing. The KF-21 is planned to begin being delivered to the military in 2026.
The Boramae aircraft will also receive additional repairs in the near future. Development of an internal weapons bay and improved sensors will make the KF-21 a true fifth-generation fighter jet.
3. Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor
The F-22 is the first fifth-generation fighter jet to operate as well as the first combat aircraft with stealth features. Its thrust-vectoring engine gives it an edge in close combat. The F-22 also has powerful sensors for long-range vision.
The United States Air Force (USAF) is the sole service operating the F-22 because it considers it too advanced to be outsourced to other countries. The jet has been used in various combat missions and proves its sophistication.
The USAF has also continued to improve its Raptors variant, which it has been designing for more than two decades. Raptors remain one of the most advanced aircraft in the world.
2. Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon
China’s first fifth-generation fighter jet, the J-20 Mighty Dragon, is a fighter designed to rival the F-22 and Su-57. The jet may not be as maneuverable as its counterparts without thrust-vectoring engine exhausts, but its stealth design is highly advanced.
More detailed characteristics of the aircraft are classified. New variants are also in development, including a two-seater jet for the drone control room. A new, more powerful engine is also being tested for the plane.
1. Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II
Since its production in 2006, the F-35 has embodied cutting-edge fighter development. The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II fighter jet boasts stealth features, the most powerful aircraft engines, and a very advanced radar. Its pilots even wear special augmented reality helmets, giving them an unprecedented level of situational awareness.
The F-35 adopts stealth and sensor fusion capabilities from all aspects to the fullest. This makes him nearly invincible in beyond-visual-range combat. The F-35 scored a 20:1 kill ratio in one exercise, winning 20 of its 21 engagements.
This achievement is the result of the F-35’s situational awareness function which can track and engage targets in all directions. Stalking the F-35 doesn’t mean keeping enemy aircraft safe from missiles. The F-35 fighter jet was also successful in export to a number of countries.