Meet the world’s most advanced and lethal fighter jets in the world - Chengdu, Sukhoi and more: IN PICS

While the world advances to make the 6th-gen fighter jet, currently, the 5th-gen and 4.5-gen fighter jets are ruling our skies, right from China's Chengdu J-20 to India's Tejas LCA. 

Arjit Garg | Jun 14, 2022, 11:10 AM IST

When it comes to the aviation world, no aircraft can match the ferocity and technological advancement as a fighter jet. These planes are unarguably the most important defence weapon for any country and can change the course of a war in no time. Right from defending the airspace to attacking the enemy, fighter jet can perform innumerous roles and modern day aircrafts are known to be stealthy, and able to carry heavy payloads delivering with pinpoint precision. While the world has advanced to make 6th-gen fighter jets, even a 5th-gen fighter is not a reality for most of the countries with the Air Force. In fact, there are only four 5th-gen fighter jets in the world, 2 each with the US and 1 each with China and Russia. The rest of the most advanced jets are mostly 4.5-gen in built, and India has two of them. Here, we list down the top most lethal and most advanced fighter jets in the world, including the 5th-gen jets like China's Chengdu J20, and 4.5-gen jets like India's Tejas LCA. 

1/9

Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II

Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II

The Lockheed Martin-made F-35 Lightning II is widely considered the world's most advanced fighter jet and is available in three configurations - A, B and C - basis the design and use in the defence industry. While the Air Force uses F-35 A, the F-35 B has short take-off and vertical landing capabilities and the carrier-borne F-35C is used by the US Navy and was part of recently released movie Top Gun: Maverick as well. 

2/9

Sukhoi Su-57

Sukhoi Su-57

Making its debut in movies with Top Gun: Maverick, the Sukhoi Su-57 played a villainous role for obvious reasons. In reality, the Russia-made Su-57 is limited to only 18 units now and has outstanding low-speed manoeuvrability, as well as stealth characteristics and the latest electronics and sensors. 

3/9

Chengdu J20

Chengdu J20

The China-made Chengdu J-20 is a 5th-generation fighter jet, and rivals the F-22 and the Su-57. It has a stealthy design and China is developing new variants as well. 

4/9

F-22 Raptor

F-22 Raptor

The F-22 Raptor is the world's first 5th generation fighter jet, and is not sold to any country, unlike the F-35, which is sold to NATO nations. The Raptor is known for its dogfighting capabilties, and beyond-visual-range (BVR) combat, and stealthy design.

5/9

Dassault Rafale

Dassault Rafale

The French-made Dassault Rafale is the most advanced plane with the Indian Air Force and is known for its weapon carrying capabilities, along with manourverability. 

6/9

Sukhoi Su-35

Sukhoi Su-35

The Russian Sukhoi Su-30, Su-35 and Su-37 are all the same family and is considered as a plane with 4.5-generation capabilities. While India uses Sukhoi Su-30 MKI, the Su-35S is said to be the ultimate version of them all. 

7/9

Eurofighter Typhoon

Eurofighter Typhoon

India chose the Dassault Rafale over the Eurofighter Typhoon and it's a 4th-gen fighter. However, with the recent updates, it can be called a 4.5-gen plane with improved air-to-air and air-to-ground capability, thanks to new radar and electronics. 

8/9

Boeing F-15EX Eagle II

Boeing F-15EX Eagle II

The OG symbol of American air power, the F-15 has been launched in various upgrades over the years, with the F-15 EX being the latest version, Boeing is trying to pitch to the Indian Air Force. It is also the only fighter jet in the world to score more than 100 air-to-air kills and experience no air-to-air losses.  

9/9

HAL Tejas LCA

HAL Tejas LCA

Last on our list is the homegrown Tejas Light Combat Aircraft made by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited in India itself. It is a delta-winged plane with 4.5-gen capabilities and is deployed by the Indian Air Force. 

Most Popular