In military aviation, speed is often a decisive factor. Whether for reconnaissance missions, interception, or precision-delivering payloads, the ability to traverse vast distances at incredible speeds is vital. Here, we explore the skies and discover the fastest military jets in the world, each pushing the boundaries of speed and technology to defend their nations.
Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird
The legendary SR-71 Blackbird holds the crown as the fastest military jet ever built. Designed in the 1960s, this reconnaissance aircraft can reach speeds exceeding Mach 3 (three times the speed of sound), allowing it to outrun nearly any threat. Each SR-71 Blackbird cost approximately $33 million.
North American X-15
Although technically an experimental aircraft, the X-15 deserves mention for its unmatched speed. The development cost of the X-15 program was about $200 million, and with a top speed of Mach 6.7, it’s easy to see why. The craft set multiple speed and altitude records during its test flights in the 1960s, stamping its mark in aviation.
Mikoyan MiG-25 Foxbat
The Soviet Air Force’s MiG-25 Foxbat, which cost around $15 million, was built to intercept high-flying reconnaissance aircraft. It is one of the quickest military jets, with a top speed of Mach 2.83.
Lockheed YF-12
An early prototype of the SR-71 Blackbird, the YF-12, was created for high-speed interception. Capable of reaching speeds exceeding Mach 3, it showcased the potential for supersonic flight during its test flights in the 1960s. The price of each YF-12 was somewhere around $15 million.
Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor
With each piece costing the military around $150 million, the Lockheed Martin is an engineering feat. As one of the most advanced fighter jets in the world, the F-22 Raptor showcases impressive speeds and maneuverability. Achieving a top speed of Mach 2.25, it can outpace most threats in the air.
Mikoyan MiG-31 Foxhound
Designed as a successor to the MiG-25, the MiG-31 Foxhound is a formidable interceptor with a top speed of Mach 2.83. It remains a vital component of Russia’s air defense network, costing about $65 million each.
Sukhoi Su-57
The cost of each Su-57 is around $50-70 million, and it is made to dominate the skies in both air-to-air and air-to-ground combat. Russia’s fifth-generation stealth fighter combines speed with advanced avionics and weaponry, reaching a top speed of Mach 2.
McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle
A stalwart of the U.S. Air Force, the F-15 Eagle commands a hefty price tag, estimated at $100 million. Even with a top speed of Mach 2.5, it maintains its versatility as an air superiority jet, making it a groundbreaker in the avionics industry.
Eurofighter Typhoon
A collaborative effort between European nations, the Typhoon is a multi-role aircraft revered for its speed and maneuverability. It excels in air-to-air and air-to-ground missions and has a recorded top speed of Mach 2. The price tag of each Eurofighter Typhoon is around $90-120 million.
Dassault Rafale
With an incredible price tag of $80- 100 million, this aircraft is a formidable presence in aerial combat and ground attack missions. Reaching speeds of up to Mach 1.8, France’s premier fighter jet, the Rafale, combines speed with advanced avionics and weapons systems.
Sukhoi Su-35
An evolution of the Su-27, the Su-35 is a highly maneuverable fighter jet with commendable speed. With a top speed of Mach 2.25, it poses a significant threat to adversaries in air-to-air combat. Of course, with an update comes a revised budget, as each one will set back a nation $65-85 million.
Chengdu J-20
China’s first fifth-generation stealth jet, the J-20, was built for speed and agility. Its reported top speed exceeding Mach 2 represents a significant advancement in China’s military aviation capabilities. Its estimated $110 million tag is money well spent.
General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark
A versatile bomber and reconnaissance aircraft, the F-111 Aardvark was famed for its speed and low-level penetration capabilities. The craft was essential during the Cold War era thanks to its Mach 2.5 top speed. Each F-111 Aardvark approximately demands around $20-30 million.
Northrop F-5 Tiger II
One of the cheapest crafts on this list is the F-5 Tiger II, which costs around $2-3 million per unit. Although primarily used as a trainer and light craft, the F-5 Tiger II is famous for its exceptional speed and agility. With a top speed of Mach 1.6, it remains in service with several air forces around the globe.
Saab Gripen
Gripen, Sweden’s lightweight multi-role fighter, is iconic due to its speed and affordability. It costs around $30-40 million per unit and has a top speed of Mach 2, making it among the speediest air-to-air and air-to-ground aircraft in its class.
