The Top 10 Fighter Jets in the World

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By Katherine Owens — Warrior Maven Editorial Fellow

The US dominates the airspace when it comes to the world’s most advanced fighter jets. However, today’s list of top ten fighter jets still includes some close competition.

Battle for First: F-35 vs. F-22

#1: F-35 Lightning II

Three years ago Lockheed Martin’s F-35 might not have even made the list. Its development was behind schedule, over budget, and plagued with technical problems to the point where the New York Times called it a “dysfunctional.”[i] However, since then the F-35 has been climbing to the top of the fighter jet pyramid.

The F-22 Raptor is also a serious contender for the top spot. By the latest reports, the F-35 has a maximum speed of only about Mach 1.61 or about 1,235 mph, while the F-22 can reach Mach 2.25. The F-35 is also reported to be slightly less maneuverable than the two-engine F-22.[ii]