Check out the 5 fastest fighter jets in service

Aerial combat with fighter jets has changed a lot since its inception in World War I.

However, although maximum speed has become less significant compared to the advancements in weapon technology, it remains a relevant point for combat aircraft. Below, find out which are the fastest fighter jets in the world still in service.

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5 – Sukhoi Su-27

Mach 2.35

Emerging in the times of the Soviet Union with the mission of challenging the American F-15, the Sukhoi Su-27 remains a relatively popular fighter jet.

With the ability to reach Mach 2.35, it’s present in the arsenals of various African countries and former Soviet republics, in addition to Russia and Ukraine.

4 – Shenyang J-15

Mach 2.4

Designed as a naval fighter jet, based on China’s aircraft carriers, the Chinese Shenyang J-15 is kind of an unauthorized copy of the Russian Sukhoi Su-33 and entered service in 2013.

Currently used only by China, the jet can reach a maximum speed of Mach 2.4.

3 – F-15EX

Mach 2.5

The F-15EX is the latest version of the veteran fighter from the 1970s, which, with the incorporation of more modern electronics, will be able to keep the plane in service in the United States Air Force for the coming decades.

A capability present in the EX and in older versions of the fighter is the ability to reach a top speed of Mach 2.5.

2 – MiG-31

2.83

The MiG-31 is an evolution of the MiG-25, with improvements in range, electronics, and maneuverability. Tasked with intercepting everything from bombers to cruise missiles, it reaches a top speed of Mach 2.83.

It entered service in 1981 in the Soviet Union and is still in service in the Russian Air Force and also in Kazakhstan.

1 – MiG-25

Mach 3.2

When it entered service in 1970, the Soviet MiG-25 was one of the most powerful fighter jets on the planet. Developed for reconnaissance and interception missions, it reached Mach 2.83.

However, it could hit Mach 3.2 under special circumstances, risking irreversible damage to its two engines. Or over three times the speed of sound. Currently, it is considered a museum piece in Russia. But it remains in the arsenals of Algeria, Libya, and Syria.