What are the Fastest Military Jets in the World in 2025?

Speed has always been a defining factor in modern military jets and aviation as a whole. In high-stakes combat situations, the ability to outrun or outmaneuver an opponent can determine the outcome of an engagement.

Advancements in jets and their engines have revolutionized military capabilities, enabling modern aircraft and helicopters to reach incredible speeds while maintaining precision and agility.

Early jets prioritized speed to gain an edge in dogfights and interception missions, but modern designs have shifted focus toward stealth, maneuverability, and weapon systems without sacrificing high-speed performance.

Without further ado, let us talk about the fastest military jets in the world in 2025.

10. McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II

F-4 Phantom II earned a reputation as one of the most versatile and widely used fighter jets of the Cold War era. Developed by McDonnell Douglas, the F-4 entered service with the U.S. Navy in 1961 as a long-range, all-weather interceptor.

With a top speed of Mach 2.23 (1,470 mph), the F-4 could engage enemy aircraft and evade threats with superior acceleration and climb rate. Its two-seat configuration allowed for a pilot and a radar intercept officer, enabling effective target tracking and engagement during complex combat scenarios.

The F-4 was also one of the first jets to incorporate radar-guided missiles alongside traditional guns, giving it a significant edge in beyond-visual-range combat.

The F-4 saw extensive combat use during the Vietnam War, where it served as an air superiority fighter, ground-attack aircraft, and reconnaissance platform. Its ability to carry up to 18,000 pounds of munitions, including bombs, missiles, and rockets, made it one of the most heavily armed jets of its time.

Retired by the U.S. military in the 1990s, the F-4 remains operational in several countries, including Japan, Greece, Turkey, and Iran.

9. Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor

F-22 Raptor stands as the world’s first fifth-generation fighter jet, setting the benchmark for modern air superiority for the jets we have today. Designed for dominance in both air-to-air and air-to-ground combat, the F-22 combines speed, agility, stealth, and cutting-edge avionics to outclass any potential adversary.

Its maximum speed of Mach 2.25 (1,500 mph) allows it to engage targets quickly and escape threats when necessary.

Supercruise capability allows the F-22 Raptor to maintain supersonic speeds without the need for afterburners, significantly reducing its heat signature and making it harder for enemy radar to detect. Its radar-evading design, featuring a diamond-shaped airframe and radar-absorbent materials, enhances its stealth profile.

The F-22’s thrust-vectoring engines provide unmatched maneuverability, enabling it to execute sharp turns and evasive maneuvers that most aircraft cannot match.

Despite its high production cost and limited fleet size, the F-22 remains the backbone of the U.S. air superiority strategy. Its technological edge ensures that it will continue to dominate in aerial combat scenarios for years to come.

8. IAI Kfir

IAI Kfir is an Israeli-built fighter aircraft developed in the 1970s based on the French Mirage 5. Its development came in response to France’s arms embargo on Israel, which restricted the supply of Mirage 5 aircraft.

Israeli Aircraft Industries (IAI) reverse-engineered the Mirage 5 and incorporated modifications to improve performance and versatility.

One of the major upgrades involved replacing the original Atar engine with a more powerful General Electric J79 turbojet engine, the same type used in the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II.

Kfir’s maximum speed of Mach 2.3 (1,520 mph) allows it to perform high-speed interception and tactical strike missions. Its reinforced airframe enhances durability and allows for higher payload capacity, including air-to-air missiles, bombs, and electronic warfare pods.

Originally introduced into the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in the mid-1970s, the Kfir served as a front-line multirole fighter until the late 1990s. It saw action in several conflicts, including the Lebanon War, where it demonstrated its effectiveness in air superiority and ground attack roles.

Though phased out of Israeli service, the Kfir remains operational with several foreign air forces, including:

• Colombia
• Ecuador
• Sri Lanka

7. Mikoyan MiG-29 “Fulcrum”

MiG-29 “Fulcrum” remains one of the most versatile and widely used fighter jets in the world. Developed during the Cold War by the Mikoyan Design Bureau, it was intended to counter American fighters like the F-15 and F-16.

First flown in 1977, the MiG-29 entered service with the Soviet Air Force in 1982. It was one of the first jets to feature a helmet-mounted targeting system and infra-red search and track (IRST) sensor, which allowed pilots to target enemies without relying solely on radar.

Its aerodynamic design includes leading-edge root extensions (LERX) that enhance lift and control during high-angle-of-attack maneuvers. The MiG-29’s ability to perform the “Cobra maneuver,” where the jets momentarily flies nose-up at a high angle of attack, remains one of its most impressive traits.

Exported to over 30 countries, the MiG-29 has seen extensive combat use in conflicts across the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and South Asia. It has been continuously upgraded with modern avionics, weapons, and structural improvements.

Variants such as the MiG-29M and MiG-35 have enhanced range, radar, and multi-role capabilities. Its rugged landing gear and short takeoff and landing (STOL) capability make it suitable for operations from unprepared runways and rough airstrips.

6. Grumman F-14 Tomcat

F-14 Tomcat became one of the most iconic fighter jets in history, largely due to its appearance in Top Gun and its critical role in the U.S. Navy’s fleet defense strategy. Developed during the Cold War, the F-14 was designed to protect carrier battle groups from long-range Soviet bombers and anti-ship missiles.

Its variable-sweep wing design allowed it to adjust wing position during flight, optimizing for high-speed interception and tight maneuverability during dogfights.

First introduced in 1974, the F-14 featured the advanced AN/AWG-9 radar and AIM-54 Phoenix missile system, allowing it to track and engage multiple targets at distances exceeding 100 miles.

Retired by the U.S. Navy in 2006, the F-14 remains operational in Iran, which acquired a fleet of Tomcats before the 1979 revolution. Iran has maintained and modified its F-14s, equipping them with modern avionics and weaponry to keep them effective in modern aerial combat.

Despite its age, the F-14 continues to serve as a capable platform in the Iranian Air Force.

5. Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23 “Flogger”

MiG-23 was a groundbreaking addition to the Soviet Union’s fighter fleet when it entered service in the 1970s. Its introduction of a variable-geometry wing design allowed it to adjust the wing’s sweep angle in flight, providing increased maneuverability and better performance at both high and low speeds.

Engineers designed the MiG-23 to replace the earlier MiG-21, which lacked advanced radar and was limited in terms of payload and maneuverability.

The variable-sweep wings enabled the MiG-23 to take off and land on shorter runways, while also increasing its stability in dogfights and improving high-speed performance.

Armed with a 23mm GSh-23L cannon and capable of carrying a variety of air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, the MiG-23 could engage enemy aircraft and provide ground support in one platform. Its RP-23 radar system gave it superior target acquisition capabilities compared to earlier models.

The MiG-23 was exported to over 20 countries and remains in service with Syria, North Korea, and several African nations. Despite being phased out by Russia in the 1990s, the MiG-23 continues to be a capable platform for smaller air forces due to its speed, versatility, and rugged design.

4. Sukhoi Su-27 “Flanker” Family

Su-27 emerged as a direct response to the American F-15 Eagle jets, reflecting the Soviet Union’s need to counter Western air superiority in the late 1970s. Its development began in the early 1970s under the direction of the Sukhoi Design Bureau.

Soviet engineers aimed to create a fighter with unmatched speed, range, and maneuverability. The Su-27’s design incorporated advanced aerodynamics, a powerful engine configuration, and a fly-by-wire control system that allowed it to outperform most Western fighters in close combat.

The Su-27’s agility was enhanced by its large lifting surfaces and thrust-vectoring capabilities, which allowed it to perform high-angle-of-attack maneuvers such as the famous “Pugachev’s Cobra.”

First flown in 1977 and introduced into service in 1985, the Su-27 quickly established itself as one of the most formidable fighters of its generation. Its performance led to the development of several variants, including:

• Su-30
• Su-33
• Su-34
• Su-35

The Su-27’s combat record includes missions in Georgia, Ukraine, and Syria, where it demonstrated its dominance in both offensive and defensive operations.

The Su-27 remains in service with Russia, China, India, and several other countries.

3. McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle

F-15 Eagle remains one of the most successful air superiority fighters in history. First introduced in the early 1970s, it was designed to dominate the skies through superior speed, agility, and firepower.

With a maximum speed of Mach 2.5 (1,650 mph), the F-15 outperforms many of its contemporaries, providing unmatched performance in high-speed interception and dogfighting scenarios. Its combination of powerful engines, lightweight frame, and advanced avionics gave it an edge over Soviet aircraft during the Cold War.

The twin-engine design allowed the F-15 to maintain high speed while carrying a significant weapons load. Its radar system, capable of tracking multiple targets simultaneously, gave it an advantage in beyond-visual-range (BVR) combat.

Its ability to engage multiple targets with air-to-air missiles made it a versatile platform for air superiority missions. During Operation Desert Storm, the F-15 achieved an impressive kill ratio, further solidifying its reputation.

Modern variants like the F-15C and the F-15E Strike Eagle have incorporated improved avionics, weapons systems, and structural enhancements.

2. Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-31 “Foxhound”

Developed as a direct successor to the MiG-25, the MiG-31 “Foxhound” retains its predecessor’s blistering speed while incorporating significant improvements in avionics, weaponry, and radar technology.

Introduced in the early 1980s, the MiG-31 was designed to counter high-speed threats, including strategic bombers and reconnaissance aircraft. Its primary mission remains high-altitude interception, and it excels at long-range target acquisition and engagement.

The MiG-31 was the first Soviet aircraft equipped with a phased array radar, the Zaslon S-800, which allowed it to track up to ten targets simultaneously and engage four at once.

Its powerful R-33 air-to-air missiles give it the ability to intercept targets at ranges exceeding 100 miles, making it one of the most effective long-range interceptors ever built.

Capable of operating in harsh Arctic conditions, the MiG-31 is a key element of Russia’s northern air defense network. Its ability to patrol vast stretches of territory at high speeds ensures rapid response to potential intrusions.

Though designed during the Cold War, modern upgrades have kept the MiG-31 relevant in modern warfare. It remains one of the fastest operational jets in the world, with Russia continuing to upgrade its fleet to extend service life and improve combat capability.

1. Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-25 “Foxbat”

MiG-25 remains one of the fastest military aircraft ever built, holding a legendary status among Cold War-era jets. Its maximum speed of Mach 2.83 (1,900 mph) allowed it to intercept high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft and bombers with unmatched precision.

Introduced in the 1960s, it was designed primarily to counter American spy planes such as the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird. Equipped with powerful R-15B-300 engines, the MiG-25 could sustain high speeds at extreme altitudes, making it a difficult target for enemy defenses.

First flown in 1964, the MiG-25 became the backbone of the Soviet Union’s air defense strategy, serving as a high-altitude interceptor and reconnaissance platform.

During the Cold War, the MiG-25 was feared by Western forces due to its speed and altitude performance. The aircraft’s ability to reach 80,000 feet in altitude made it virtually untouchable by most Western fighter jets of the time.

Although retired by Russia in the early 2000s, several MiG-25s remain in service with countries such as Syria, Algeria, and Libya.

The Bottom Line

The fastest military jets are largely Cold War-era designs, built to counter high-speed bombers and reconnaissance aircraft.

Modern designs emphasize stealth, radar evasion, and advanced avionics over maximum speed.

Ongoing improvements in missile guidance, radar systems, and data sharing continue to shape the future of military aviation.