TEMPO.CO, Jakarta -Fighter jets are one of the most important components of any country's air force. Nimble and powerful, modern fighters can perform a variety of roles with truly universal functions.
Every country's air force competes to be superior to their enemy. One way is to have the best set of fighter jets. The more sophisticated a fighter jet is, the more effective its role and function will be.
The latest technology is often used in fighter aircraft. Powerful engines, complex weapons systems, and sophisticated radars support a jet's multi-role status.
The Most Advanced Fighter Jets in the World
Some of the most advanced fighter jets even use thrust-vectoring engine nozzles for additional maneuverability. There are also those that use stealth designs to reduce the potential for being easily tracked. The newest and most advanced fighter jets are equipped with complex computer technology with communications links to process data.
Check out AeroTime's list of the ten most advanced fighter jets in the world in 2023:
10. Sukhoi Su-35S
Russia's Sukhoi Su-30, Su-35, and Su-37 as well as China's Shenyang J-16 are based on the Su-27 platform developed with 4.5 generation capabilities. Each jet has a number of variants and modifications.
However, the Su-35S can be considered the ultimate version of the four. The fighter jet features the latest electronic systems produced by Russia. There are also many improvements to the fuselage. Its distinctive characteristic is a thrust-vectoring engine nozzle that can turn in any direction. The Su-35S is so maneuverable that it does not require canards, a feature that was a staple component on previous Su-30 and Su-35 variants.
9. Dassault Rafale
The Rafale and Typhoon are very similar because they both started development as one aircraft. But in the mid-1980s, France decided to split the program and create separate fighters for different needs.
France is also continuing to improve the Rafale. Type F3 is the latest variant with the latest weapon systems and sensors. Meanwhile, the Rafale F4 is currently under development and will include further upgrades to the radar and avionics. France, United Arab Emirates, India and many other customers will start taking delivery of the variant in the near future including Indonesia.
The Indonesian government officially purchased 42 Rafale fighter jets from the French aviation company, Dassault Aviation, in mid-February 2022.
"On behalf of the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Indonesia, I would like to thank the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, for the invitation to this morning's meeting at the Élysée Palace," wrote Prabowo on his Instagram page @prabowo on Wednesday, March 16, 2022.
8. Eurofighter Typhoon
As the name suggests, the Eurofighter Typhoon is designed to be a joint European fighter jet. However, the jet has received a lot of interest from outside Europe and is used by some of the most powerful air forces in the Middle East, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
The Typhoon is one of the most advanced and powerful 4th generation jets. The newest variant, Tranche 3, also uses the latest technology. The even more sophisticated Tranche 4 was then introduced in 2020 with improvements in electronic systems and weapons.
The Typhoon jet was so successful that Europe skipped development of the fifth generation jet and jumped straight to the sixth generation with the FCAS and Tempest.
7. Boeing F-15EX Eagle II
The F-15 was one of the first fourth generation fighter jets. It's hard to believe that this jet will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2022.
Even though it is old, this jet plane is still a powerful war machine. The F-15 is the only fighter jet in the world to score more than 100 air-to-air kills and never suffer a defeat. The components continue to be improved with new variants that have the most advanced technology.
The F-15EX developed by Boeing is the latest variant of this jet. The aircraft features a new radar, new avionics and weapons systems, as well as countless other improvements. The F-15EX has attracted significant attention from across the nation and will likely continue to do so for years to come.
6. Shenyang FC-31 Gyrfalcon
China has finally completed this project after its presentation more than a decade ago. Although the FC-31 was unveiled, it soon became China's new carrier-based jet as well as the first fighter of the fifth generation to be exported to another country.
Little is known about the FC-31's real capabilities. The latest images show the fighter jet has redesigned engines, a new canopy and many other interesting upgrades.
5. Sukhoi Su-57
The Sukhoi Su-57 Felon is Russia's first stealth aircraft. However, development was slowed down due to various problems and delays. The current operations are only in small numbers.
But in the coming years, the Su-57 is ready to receive new engines and various other improvements. The jet would be a major development of the Su-27 concept. The Su-57 is a heavy fighter with low-speed maneuverability, stealth characteristics, and the latest electronics and sensors.
4. KAI KF-21 Boramae
The KF-21 is the newest jet on this list. The fighter has many features that are compatible with fifth generation jets even though it was originally intended to be 4.5 generation. The KF-21 has a stealth design and some of the technology used on the F-35.
This South Korean-made jet made its maiden flight in July 2022. Several other prototypes are currently in production and undergoing testing. The KF-21 is planned to begin being delivered to the military in 2026.
The Boramae aircraft will also receive additional repairs in the near future. The development of an internal weapons bay and improved sensors will make the KF-21 a true fifth-generation fighter jet.
3. Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor
The F-22 was the first fifth generation fighter jet to become operational and the first fighter aircraft with stealth features. Its thrust-vectoring engines provide an advantage in close combat. The F-22 also has a powerful sensor for long-range vision.
The United States Air Force (USAF) is the only service that operates the F-22 because it considers it too advanced to be handed over to other countries. The jet has been used in various combat missions and proven its sophistication.
The USAF also continues to improve its Raptors variant, which was designed more than two decades ago. Raptors remain one of the most advanced aircraft in the world.
2. Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon
China's first fifth-generation fighter jet, the J-20 Mighty Dragon, is a fighter designed to compete with the F-22 and Su-57. This jet may not be as maneuverable as its counterparts without thrust-vectoring engine exhausts, but its stealth design is highly advanced.
More detailed characteristics of the aircraft are kept secret. New variants are also under development, including a two-seater jet for drone control rooms. New, more powerful engines are also being tested for the plane.
1. Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II
Since its production in 2006, the F-35 has embodied the most advanced fighter aircraft development. The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II fighter jet boasts stealth features, the most powerful aircraft engine, and a highly advanced radar. The pilots even wear special augmented reality helmets, giving them an unprecedented level of situational awareness.
The F-35 adopts stealth and sensor fusion capabilities from all aspects to the maximum. This makes him nearly invincible in beyond-visual-range combat. The F-35 scored a kill ratio of 20:1 in one exercise, meaning the aircraft won 20 of its 21 engagements.
This achievement is the result of the F-35's situational awareness function which can track and attack targets in all directions. Trailing the F-35 doesn't necessarily mean it's safe from missiles. The F-35 fighter jet has also been successful in exporting to a number of countries.
NIA HEPPY | SYAHDI MUHARRAM | AEROTIME.AERO
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