1. Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II
Some love it, others hate it, but nobody can deny that the F-35 is one of the most advanced and most capable fighter jets. While its early variants were beset by all kinds of problems, the U.S. spent billions of dollars improving this airplane, and many tests and training fights show that it can challenge any other jet.
The aircraft has three distinct variants: F-35A is the basic conventional fighter; F-35B is a variant for short take off and vertical landing; F-35C is the carrier variant, designed to replace the U.S. Navy’s F/A-18 fighter jet.
What makes the F-35 stand out is its incredible fusion of advanced sensors, stealth, electronic warfare, and networking capabilities. The U.S. spent over $1.5 trillion dollars developing this plane, making it the most expensive weapon platform ever. It also made it the most advanced one.
2. Chengdu J-20
Also known as the Mighty Dragon, the J-20 is the most advanced Chinese fighter jet, employing the latest stealth technology. It is also the second 5th generation fighter jet to enter service in the world, an achievement made even more impressive by the fact that China has just recently started developing its own advanced fighter aircraft.
Its true capabilities are a closely guarded secret known only by the highest ranking Chinese officials. Nevertheless, we can tell that China keeps constantly upgrading its J-20s. Most recently, new powerful domestically-made engines were developed for it, and there are also hints that new, more advanced variants are in the works.
3. Sukhoi Su-57
The Su-57 Felon is the Russian answer to the F-22. It is the country's first stealth airplane, combining great close-combat effectiveness of the Su-27 and the Su-30 family with low radar visibility and other fifth-generation fighter jet features.
Although its estimated cost is much lower than other newest fighter jets, the development of the Su-57 was plagued with delays. Its serial production started only in 2020, and in 2021 Russian Air Force already uses its first units of this incredible fighter jet. Also, Russia is currently developing the new engine for it, so, in the near future the Su-57 is going to become even more advanced and even deadlier in the air.
4. Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor
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The F-22 Raptor was the first fifth-generation fighter jet and remains the stealthiest fighter jet in existence. It also laid the course for other aircraft to follow, introducing low radar visibility, supercruise, advanced sensor networks, and supermaneuverability in one package.
Although its production was discontinued in 2011 due to high cost, it remains one of the deadliest fighter jets for beyond-visual-range combat, made even more intimidating by its near-unrivalled dogfighting capability. Lacking multirole capabilities of many other fighter jets, the Raptor is still an incredibly effective air-to-air platform.
5. Shenyang FC-31
The FC-31 is the latest Chinese 5th generation fighter jet. Not much is known about its capabilities, but it is most likely going to be introduced into Chinese military soon, as a light maneuverable counterpart to the J-20 or as a new fighter jet for China’s aircraft carriers.
Lighter and simpler than many 5th generation fighter aircraft, the FC-31 is nevertheless very advanced, showing stealth, supercruise and many other incredible capabilities. Since it is not yet introduced, it still has to prove itself though.
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