Ground combat is often widely discussed, including tactics and techniques for infiltrating enemy lines; however, aerial combat is not given so much attention that we forget how cool the best fighter jets they are using in combat are. It’s like playing your favorite war planes on your Xbox or PlayStation. For decades, these jets have been undergoing improvements to become the most advanced and powerful tool to defend the country. Here are some of the best fighter jets in the world used by the Air Force.
The Best Fighter Jets in the World
Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II
The F-35 is the standard jet of the United States’ fifth-generation fighter development. It reigns above all due to its versatility and seamless air-to-air combat, reconnaissance, and ground attacks. Even pilots can experience having a special augmented reality helmet offering extraordinary situational awareness; it’s like a ghost that foes cannot detect while delivering advancing weaponry and sensors.
This powerful aircraft entered the scene in 2006 and was tagged by then as one of the best fighter jets in the world. It has three variants: the regular fighter jet F-35A, the F-35B, which can take off and land vertically, and the F-35C, designed to land on aircraft carriers.
Sukhoi Su-35
Its predecessors, the Sukhoi Su-27, which had high-speed maneuverability and a heavy weapon payload, can be traced back to the Cold War. However, the Su-35 is as powerful as the 27. It is capable of GPS-guided bombs, engaging in long air-to-air combat, and launching anti-radiation rockets. Considered one of the best fighter jets in the world, it boasts a standout feature of Irbis-E radar that detects targets up to 217 miles. Additionally, the aircraft can also be undetected by the enemy due to its infrared and optical scanner.
Dassault Rafale
The Dassault Rafale is a powerful fighter jet developed in France. It can carry nuclear weapons launched from above the ground. Since its production, the Rafale has undergone many upgrades to be considered one of the best fighter jets.
It has advanced sensors and a number of air-combat weapon systems. Aside from this, its agility is outstanding, seamlessly tracking 40 target aircraft and engaging four simultaneously. Its software is easily upgradable, providing faster arsenals, sensor types, and avionics upgrades.
Currently, Rafale 4 is in production, and its powerful radar and analog avionic systems are undergoing significant upgrades. As a result, some countries are now considering these modifications.
Boeing F-15EX Eagle II
The F-15 Eagle has been in aero combat for quite some time, having turned 52 this year. Don’t be deceived by its age, as it is still a powerful war machine. No fighter jet has yet defeated its record as the only one to score more than 100 air-to-air kills and has no air-to-air losses.
The F-15 received various upgrades, including its new variant, the F-15EX Eagle II. Its high-tech features include updated avionics, advanced weapons systems, new radars, and numerous modifications assuring its relevance in aerial warfare.
KAI KF-21 Boramae
This is one of the best fighter jets produced by South Korea in collaboration with Indonesia. The KF-21 is a huge leap for the Korean aerospace industry as it has an advanced AESA radar system, stealth features, and other powerful technology based on the F-35. Constant upgrades are under consideration for the Boramae. It is receiving updates on its internal weapons bays, sensors, and electronic warfare system.
Eurofighter Typhoon
A product of European collaboration, its intent was to be a joint European fighter jet boasting exceptional performance and cutting-edge technology. It is one of the best fighter jets in the world. Additionally, it is used by numerous strong nations, namely Germany, Qatar, Italy, the United Kingdom, the Middle East, and Saudi Arabia.
Aside from being a fourth-generation advanced fighter jet, its newest variant, the Tranche 3, features the latest technology. A more developed version, the Tranche 4, was produced in 2020, with improved electronics and weaponry.
Shenyang FC-31 Gyrfalcon
The FC-31 was just a project a decade ago and is now nearing completion, once made public it will be China’s new carrier jet. However, the fighter jet’s capabilities remain unknown. But, recent photos show a new canopy, a redesigned engine housing, and other upgrades.
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