In a remarkable evolution of aviation technology, modern fighter jets have reached astonishing speeds, showcasing the pinnacle of engineering and military prowess. The journey began with Captain Charles E. “Chuck” Yeager, who broke the sound barrier in October 1947, flying at over 700 mph at 45,000 feet over Rogers Dry Lake, California. His historic achievement marked the start of a new era in aviation, influencing the development of supersonic jets that have since accelerated beyond the speed of sound.
Since Yeager’s groundbreaking flight, numerous fighter jets have been engineered to exceed these limits. Many of America’s advanced supersonic jets can achieve speeds of Mach 2, or approximately 1,535 mph. Notably, the United States currently lacks operational fighter jets capable of reaching Mach 3, with only a few aircraft, such as the SR-71, having achieved this feat historically.
Ranking the Fastest Fighter Jets
To identify the fastest modern fighter jets, 24/7 Wall St. analyzed data from Military Factory, which includes details on third-, fourth-, and fifth-generation aircraft. Each jet was ranked based on its maximum speed, with supplementary information detailing the aircraft’s type, year of introduction, country of origin, and manufacturer. Notably, prototypes or aircraft that remained in the proposal stage were excluded from this analysis.
The following list highlights some of the fastest fighter jets currently known:
– **F-15 Eagle**
– Maximum speed: 1,875 mph
– Type: Air superiority fighter
– Year introduced: 1976
– Country of origin: United States
– Manufacturer: McDonnell Douglas / Boeing
– **MiG-31 (Foxhound)**
– Maximum speed: 1,864 mph
– Type: Supersonic interceptor
– Year introduced: 1979
– Country of origin: Soviet Union
– Manufacturer: Mikoyan OKB / United Aircraft Corporation
– **F-15E Strike Eagle**
– Maximum speed: 1,653 mph
– Type: Strike fighter
– Year introduced: 1988
– Country of origin: United States
– Manufacturer: McDonnell Douglas / Boeing
– **Sukhoi Su-57 (Felon)**
– Maximum speed: 1,616 mph
– Type: Multi-role stealth aircraft
– Year introduced: 2019
– Country of origin: Russia
– Manufacturer: Sukhoi OKB / United Aircraft Corporation
– **F-22 Raptor**
– Maximum speed: 1,534 mph
– Type: Air dominance fighter
– Year introduced: 2005
– Country of origin: United States
– Manufacturer: Boeing / Lockheed Martin
The list continues with aircraft from various nations, showcasing the global competition in military aviation technology. For instance, the **Sukhoi Su-35**, capable of reaching speeds up to 1,491 mph, highlights Russia’s advancements, while Taiwan’s **F-CK-1 (Ching-Kuo)**, introduced in 1994, achieves a maximum speed of 1,379 mph.
The Significance of Speed in Modern Warfare
Fighter jets represent the culmination of innovation in aviation, reflecting broader advancements in engineering, materials science, and aerodynamics. The speed and capability of these aircraft are critical factors in assessing military strength and influence in international relations. Countries invest heavily in developing advanced jets to maintain air superiority, which is vital for national security.
As military technology continues to evolve, the need for speed remains paramount. Documenting the fastest jets not only highlights technological progress but also illustrates the competitive landscape of global military aviation.
This overview of the fastest fighter jets has been updated as of October 7, 2025, providing clarity on the distinctions between fighters, interceptors, and strike aircraft, as well as the current status of older models like the F-105 Thunderchief, which, despite being retired, still ranks among the fastest tactical fighter-bombers ever built.
Understanding these advancements allows for a better grasp of the capabilities and readiness of nations’ air forces, highlighting the continuous race for supremacy in the skies.
