Some of the Best Fighter Jets in the World Come from Outside America

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Topic: Air Warfare Blog Brand: The Buzz Region: Asia, Eurasia, and Europe Tags: China, Dassault Rafale, Eurofighter Typhoon, European Union (EU), Fighter Jets, J-20 Mighty Dragon, JAS-39 Gripen, NATO, Russia, Su-57 Felon, and Sweden Some of the Best Fighter Jets in the World Come from Outside America February 8, 2026 By: Harrison Kass

From cutting-edge stealth capabilities to blistering speed, these five fighter jets are among the best money can buy.

The United States has differentiated itself, undoubtedly, as the world’s foremost military aerospace designer. In terms of both quality and quantity, across all types and functions, US military aircraft consistently rank as the best. However, competitors have also managed to field impressive aircraft. A handful of non-US aircraft stand out as being especially impressive: the Sukhoi Su-57 Felon, the Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon, the Dassault Rafale, the Eurofighter Typhoon, and the Saab JAS 39 Gripen.

The Su-57 Felon Is Russia’s Most Advanced Fighter Jet

Demonstration of the Sukhoi Su-57 ‘Felon’ stealth fighter jet of the Russian Air Force at MAKS 2019 in September 2019 in Russia. Image: Shutterstock / BeAvPhoto.

  • Year Introduced: 2020
  • Number Built: ~32
  • Length: 20.1 m (65 ft 11 in)
  • Wingspan: 14.1 m (46 ft 3 in)
  • Weight (MTOW): ~35,000 kg (77.160 lb)
  • Engines: Two Saturn AL-41F1 afterburning turbofan engines (future upgrade to Izdliye 177s)
  • Top Speed: ~2,130 km/h (1,320 mph) / Mach 2.0 at altitude
  • Range: 3,500 km (2,175 mi)
  • Service Ceiling: ~20,000 m (65,617 ft)
  • Loadout: Internal 30mm GSh-30-1 cannon and various internal and external missiles and guided bombs, including the long-range R-77M and extended-range R-37M air-to-air missiles, short-range R-74M2 missiles, and precision-guided munitions like KH-59MK2 cruise missiles and KAB-500 guided bombs
  • Aircrew: 1

Arguably the most advanced non-US fighter currently in operation, the Su-57 Felon is Russia’s first fifth-generation stealth fighter, designed for both air superiority and multirole missions. With a stealth-optimized airframe, supercruise, and thrust-vectoring engine nozzles, the Su-57 is the real deal. Capable of carrying hypersonic and long-range missiles in an internal weapons bay, the Su-57 can deliver serious ordnance while maintaining low observability.

The Su-57’s main drawback, however, falls with the scope of Russia’s industrial capabilities. Only a handful of the jets have achieved operational readiness, with full-scale deployment still far from ready. Current models are also using a less impressive, interim engine (AL-41F1), while a more advanced replacement engine (Izdeliye 30) remains under development. Despite the delays, the Su-57 remains a formidable fighter, boasting exceptional maneuverability and survivability. 

The J-20 Mighty Dragon Is a Game Changer for China

Flypast of the Chengdu J-20 during the opening of Airshow China in Zhuhai in November 2016. Image: Wikimedia Commons / alert5.

  • Year Introduced: 2017
  • Number Built: ~200–250+ (production ongoing)
  • Length: ~69 ft (20.9 m)
  • Wingspan: ~42–45 ft (≈13–14 m)
  • Weight (MTOW): ~80,000 lb (36,000+ kg)
  • Engines: Two WS-10C afterburning turbofans; likely upgrade to WS-15 in future
  • Top Speed: ~1,320 mph (2,130 km/h) / Mach 2.0
  • Range: ~1,200 mi (2,000 km)
  • Service Ceiling: ~65,000 ft (20,000 m)
  • Loadout: Internal weapons bays, external hardpoints; 24,000 lb (11,000 kg) payload capacity
  • Aircrew: 1

China’s premier fifth-generation fighter is the Chengdu J-20, also known as the Mighty Dragon. Designed primarily for long-range interception and air superiority, the canard-delta wing J-20 was built for stealth, speed, and range. Equipped with an AESA radar and advanced data fusion, the J-20 features modern and impressive software. Already operational and in mass production, the J-20 is a testament to China’s military ambitions and technological advancements. The aircraft plays a crucial role in China’s anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) strategy and is expected to be a stalwart of the Chinese force structure for the foreseeable future.

The Dassault Rafale Is the Most Capable EU Fighter

Orange Vaucluse, France, 05 26 2019. Dassault Rafale presentation at an air show. Image: Shutterstock / Serge Goujon.

  • Year Introduced: 2001 (entered French Navy service; 2006 for French Air Force)
  • Number Built: ~240+ delivered as of 2024 (production ongoing for export customers)
  • Length: 50 ft 2 in (15.3 m)
  • Wingspan: 35 ft 9 in (10.9 m)
  • Weight (MTOW): ~54,000 lb (24,500 kg)
  • Engines: Two Safran (formerly Smecna) M88-2 turbofans (17,000 lbf each with afterburner)
  • Top Speed: ~1,190 mph (1,915 km/h) / Mach 1.8
  • Range: ~1,000 nmi (1,150 mi, 1,850 km) combat radius; ~2,000 nmi (2,300 mi, 3,700 km) ferry range with drop tanks
  • Service Ceiling: ~50,000 ft (15,240 m)
  • Loadout: 14 hardpoints (13 on Rafale M naval variant); 9,500 kg (20,900 lb) total payload capacity
  • Aircrew: 1 (Rafale C and M); 2 (Rafale B twin-seat variant)

The Dassault Rafale is a French-made fourth-generation-plus aircraft, and arguably the most capable EU aircraft in production right now. While the Rafale made headlines earlier this year after being shot down during an Indian airstrike on Pakistan, the newest Rafale variant (the F4) is a highly capable aircraft with enhanced connectivity, AI-assisted maintenance, and integration with new weapons like the MICA NG and SCALP missiles. The Rafale is fully equipped to handle deep strike, air superiority, nuclear deterrence, and reconnaissance roles. Indeed, the aircraft is a true multirole fighter, showcasing high mission flexibility and a proven combat record. 

The Eurofighter Typhoon Is Highly Adaptable

Royal Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jet plane flying in August 2023 in Radom, Poland. Image: Shutterstock / Soos Jozsef.

  • Year Introduced: 2003
  • Number Built: 609 (+ 7 prototypes)
  • Length: 15.96 m (52 ft 4 in)
  • Wingspan: 10.95 m (35 ft 11 in)
  • Weight (MTOW): 23,500 kg (35,274 lb)
  • Engines: Two Euroject EJ200 afterburning turbofan engines, 60 kN (13,500 lbf) thrust each dry
  • Top Speed: 2,495 km/h (1,550 mph) / Mach 2.35
  • Combat Radius: 1,389 km (863 mi)
  • Service Ceiling: 16,764 m (55,000 ft)
  • Loadout: One 27mm Mauser BK-27 revolver cannon; 13 hardpoints (8 under wing, 5 under-fuselage pylon stations); 9,000 kg (19,800 lb) total payload capacity
  • Aircrew: 1-2, depending on variant

Developed as a joint defense program among the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Spain, the Eurofighter Typhoon is a modern aircraft characterized by excellent aerodynamics and maneuverability, boasting a top speed of Mach 2 (1,480 mph). The Typhoon’s modular architecture also allows for the easy integration of new technology, keeping the fourth-generation-plus aircraft highly adaptable and continuously relevant. The Typhoon excels in both air-to-air and ground-attack missions. With upgrades planned into the 2040s, the Typhoon is expected to remain crucial to the defense of Europe for another generation. 

Sweden’s JAS 39E Gripen Is Extremely Cost-Effective

Hungarian Air Force jet fighter Saab Gripen in the air at full speed in August 2022 in Kecskemet, Hungary. Image: Shutterstock / Photofex_AUT.

  • Year Introduced: 1996
  • Number Built: ~300
  • Length: 14.9 m (48 ft 11 in) JAS 39C/E / 15.6 m (51 ft) JAS 39D/F
  • Wingspan: ~8.4 m (27 ft 6 in)
  • Weight (MTOW): 14,000 kg (30,865 lb)
  • Engines: One GE F414G afterburning turbofan (E/F variants)
  • Top Speed: 2,100 km/h (1,300 mph) / Mach 2
  • Range: 800 km (500 mi, 430 nmi)
  • Service Ceiling: 15,240 m (50,000 ft)
  • Loadout: 27 mm Mauser BK-27 cannon (omitted on the two-seat variants), including air-to-air missiles such as the AIM-9 Sidewinder, air-to-ground missiles such as the AGM-65 Maverick, and anti-ship missiles such as the RBS-15
  • Aircrew: 1–2, depending on variant

The Saab JAS 39E Gripen, particularly the new E variant, is Sweden’s most advanced fighter to date. Designed to be a cost-effective multirole fighter with advanced capabilities, the JAS 39E features a GE F414 engine, offering increased fuel capacity. In addition, the E-variant features an all-new avionics suite including the Raven ES-05 AESA radar, Skyward-G IRST, and an advanced electronic warfare system—all of which together make for an aircraft that is highly survivable in contested airspace.

About the Author: Harrison Kass

Harrison Kass is a senior defense and national security writer at The National Interest. Kass is an attorney and former political candidate who joined the US Air Force as a pilot trainee before being medically discharged. He focuses on military strategy, aerospace, and global security affairs. He holds a JD from the University of Oregon and a master’s in Global Journalism and International Relations from NYU.

Image: Shutterstock / Serge Goujon.

The post Some of the Best Fighter Jets in the World Come from Outside America appeared first on The National Interest.

Источник: nationalinterest.org

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