Best Fighter Jets In The World: Curiosity they said; is the mother of invention. Science and scientists are the drivers of the world of invention. From the invention of a bell to the invention of an automobile car and to the invention of an airplane. The invention of airplane seem to be one of the world’s greatest inventions considering the fact that it is an invention that defied the natural law of gravity.
The ability of an airplane to rise and fly above the earth surface without external support and still maintain stability and control remains one of man’s greatest wonder and discovery. The airplane was invented by the Wright brothers who also flew the first airplane in the year 1903, the plane was recognized as “the first sustained and controlled heavier-than-air powered flight” in history. The invention was built on George Cayley’s that dates back to 1799. Having conquered the law of gravity through the invention of the self-propelled planes built to fit different sizes and designs, it paved way for improvement and exploitation of the theory for further modifications.
The emerging growth in human population and habitation of habitable territories by people comes with its challenges. The increase in population invariably leads to acquisition of more habitable territories and consequently leads to territorial expansion. The expansion of territories is one of the major factor that stems crisis and most times war amongst states and nations. The sovereignty of a State is one of its pillars and anything or anyone that poses a threat to the sovereignty of a State or Nation most often do not go unchallenged.
The emergence of technology and civilization has brought about invention of new ways of tackling national security challenges and defense against external invaders. These has equally brought about the scientific modification of the plane to come up with a more specific pattern of restructuring it to produce an arsenal. One of the greatest technical achievements in relation to national security and weapons of defense and assault is the manufacturing of fighter jets.
The fighter jets are special kind of aircraft that is built for combat purposes with special features such as assault rifles, bombs, speed and flexibility. A jet engine aircraft or Jet is an aircraft that is propelled by a jet engine. One distinguishing element between the regular aircraft and the Jets or aircraft with a jet engine is that the engines in propeller-powered aircraft in general achieve maximum efficiency at a much lower speeds and altitudes whereas the Jets or aircraft with jet engines achieve maximum efficiency at a speed compared to or even above the speed of sound.
Though research and other work started much earlier, the first Jet made its first flight in August 1939 and ever since then, work has continued as scientists keep working on improving and modifying the jets and the jet engine aircrafts to achieve even better performance that suits it purpose.
We shall take a look at some of the best fighter jets in the world.
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Top 12 Best Fighter Jets In The World 2024
1. LOCKHEED MARTIN F-22 RAPTOR: The American single-seat, twin-engine, and all-weather stealth tactical fighter jet was developed for the United States Air Force (USAF) by the Lockheed Martin Aeronautics based in fort worth, Texas. It is the best in the world. Designed with amazing features that makes it exceptional, the jet has signal intelligence, electronic warfare capabilities and apart from being a superior air fighter, it equally has ground attack abilities.
Lockheed Martin and Boeing were the two contractors that assembled the jet. With Lockheed building most of the F-22’s airframe and weapon systems and the final assembly, Boeing provided the wings, avionics integration, aft fuselage and training systems for it operation. It made its first flight in 1997.
2. EUROFIGHTER TYPHOON: The jet was developed originally as an air superiority fighter and manufactured by Eurofighter and Jagdflugzeug GmbH. It is used by the Royal Air Force, German Air Force, Italian Air Force as well as the Spanish Air and Space Force. It is one of the world’s finest jets ever made and in operation. It production started 1994. It made it first flight on 27th of March, 1994.
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3. DASSAULT RAFALE: The French multirole fighter twin-engine, canard delta wing jet was designed by Dassault Aviation. Designed and built with a wide range of weapons to achieve air supremacy, aerial reconnaissance, ground support, interdiction, anti-ship strike, in-depth strike, and nuclear deterrence missions.
It made it first flight in July 1986. The French multirole air fighter is used by the French Air and Space Force, French Navy, Indian Air Force and Qatar Emiri Air Force. It is one of the best fighter jets in the world.
4. MCDONNELL DOUGLAS F-15 EAGLE: The McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle American twin-engine, and all-weather tactical fighter jet has recorded over a hundred aerial combat victories with no loss since 1976 when it was listed into the US air force. It made it first flight in 1971 having been designed and built by Donnell Douglas and Boeing Defense, Space & Security. The war aircraft is used by the United States Air Force, Japan Air Self-Defense Force, Royal Saudi Air Force and the Israeli Air Force. It is one of the best in the world.
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5. GENERAL DYNAMICS F-16 FIGHTING FALCON: Unlike many others, the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon is a single-engine multirole fighter jet developed for the United States Air Force by General Dynamics and Lockheed Martin. The jet made its first flight in 1974. It is one of the best fighter jets in the world and used by USAF.
6. BOEING F/A-18E/F SUPER HORNET: The multirole fighter, Boeing F/A-18E and F/A-18F Super Hornet are both twin-engine, carrier-capable and multirole fighter jets designed by McDonnell Douglas and Boeing Defense, Space & Security.
Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet made it first flight in 1995 and used by the United States Navy, Royal Australian Air Force as well as the Kuwait Air Force. It remains one of the best in the world.
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7. SAAB JAS 39 GRIPEN: Saab JAS 39 Gripen is being produced by the Swedish aerospace and defense company Saab AB. It is a light single-engine multirole fighter jet. Introduced in 1996, the Gripen is being used by the Swedish Air Force, South African Air Force, Brazilian Air Force and Czech Air Force. It remains one of the best fighter jets in the world.
8. SUKHOI SU-27: The Sukhoi designed Sukhoi Su-27 is of Soviet-origin. It is a twin-engine super maneuverable fighter jet designed for air superiority missions and all aerial warfare operations. It is used by the Russian Air Force, People’s Liberation Army Air Force, Uzbekistan Air and Air Defense Forces and is one of the best in the world.
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9. MCDONNELL DOUGLAS F-15E STRIKE EAGLE: The American F-15E Strike Eagle is an all-weather multirole strike fighter designed for long-range and high-speed interdiction without having to rely on escort or electronic-warfare aircraft. The jet is used by the United States Air Force, Royal Saudi Air Force, the Israeli Air Force and the Republic of Korea Air Force. It is a sophisticated fighter jet and one of the best in the world.
10. MIKOYAN MIG-31: Mikoyan MiG-31 is a Russian supersonic interceptor jet aircraft specially developed for the Soviet Air Force use. It is an upgraded version of the MiG-25 and remains one of the fasted jets in the world. The attack aircraft made its first flight in September 1975. It is used by the Russian Aerospace Forces and the Kazakh Air Force. It is one of the best fighter jets in the world.
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11. Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II: At the very top of the US fifth-generation fighter development ladder is the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II. Embracing the most recent advancements in combat aircraft development, the F-35 has been in production since 2006. With its most potent fighter engine, sensor fusion, data networking capabilities, and cutting-edge radar, it offers unparalleled stealth features. In order to give them unmatched situational awareness, its pilots even don specialised augmented reality helmets.
This jet is supposed to push the boundaries of all-aspect stealth and sensor fusion, rendering it nearly unbeatable in combat situations beyond visual range. Moreover, it is also capable of competing in traditional dogfights. During the first Red Flag exercise of the model in 2017, the F-35 achieved a 20:1 kill ratio, which indicates that it won 20 engagements for every one it lost. This kind of advantage stems primarily from the F-35’s unparalleled situational awareness. Being on the tail of an F-35 does not necessarily shield you from its missiles because the aircraft is capable of tracking and attacking targets in any direction. The F-35 is available in three different versions: the F-35A, which can take off and land like a typical fighter jet; the F-35B, which can take off and land vertically; and the F-35C, which is intended to land on an aircraft carrier.
Although meant to be a less expensive option to the F-22, this jet initially encountered a number of developmental issues and soon rose to become the most costly weapons system globally. But as the price of the updated F-35s decreases and the flaws are worked out, more nations are placing orders for them, proving the aircraft’s export success.
12. Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon: The J-20 Mighty Dragon, China’s first fifth-generation fighter jet, was unveiled in 2017 and is a heavy, potent aircraft meant to compete with the F-22 and Su-57. This marks a significant advancement in Chinese fighter jet technology, providing the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) with cutting-edge avionics and enhanced performance. Though the Chengdu J-20’s stealthy design may not make it as manoeuvrable as its counterparts without thrust-vectored engine exhausts, it is still extremely advanced.
Even though the specifics of this aircraft are kept under wraps, continuous improvements guarantee that it will always be a threat in aerial combat. There are presently new versions under development, one of which is a two-seater jet designed to operate drones. This aircraft is also presently being used for testing a new, more potent engine. China has not disclosed the precise capabilities of the J-20.
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In summary, the advent of fighter jets marked the dawn of a new era for combat artilleries as combat was taken to a whole new level. The operation of an assault aircraft is a skillful art as it requires a lot of concentration, precision, mastery and confidence. It has been found in many Nations as a tool of national defense and Security.
Edeh Samuel Chukwuemeka, ACMC, is a lawyer and a certified mediator/conciliator in Nigeria. He is also a developer with knowledge in various programming languages. Samuel is determined to leverage his skills in technology, SEO, and legal practice to revolutionize the legal profession worldwide by creating web and mobile applications that simplify legal research. Sam is also passionate about educating and providing valuable information to people.