Fighter jets can fly anywhere between 1,500 to 1,900 mph, with the average fighter jet flying close to 1,600 mph.
The fastest fighter jet ever was the Soviet-built Mikoyan MiG-25 Foxbat, which had the potential to reach speeds greater than Mach 3.2 or 2,400 mph, but it flew slower than its maximum speed because of concerns with the engine overheating.
Fighter jets routinely fly over double the speed of a commercial airliner, and they can cover between 1,000 to 3,000 miles in a single flight.
Depending on the model, a fighter jet can fly across the U.S. within 2 to 4 hours.
The F-22 Raptor has a top speed of Mach 2 / 2,470 kph / 1,535 mph.
It was designed in the United States as an air superiority fighter that also conducts ground attacks, electronic warfare and reconnaissance.
An F-22 Raptor has an estimated cost of $125 million per unit.
9. Convair F-106 (Not in service)
The Convair F-106 has a speed of Mach 2.3/ 2,455 kph / 1,525 mph.
It’s a military aircraft that was only used by the United States Air Force.
The Convair was also developed in the United States, and it cost $3.3 million when it was used in the 1960s.
8. Grumman F-14 Tomcat (In service only in Iran)
The F-14 has a top speed of Mach 2.34 / 2,485 kph / 1,544 mph.
It was a military plane that served in the United States Navy from 1974 until 2006.
The F-14 Tomcat is still used by the Iranian Air Force.
An F-14 cost between $16-17 million per unit when the plane was used by the US military.
7. Eurofighter Typhoon (In service)
The Eurofighter Typhoon can fly at Mach 2.3 / 2,495 kph / 1,550 mph.
This plane was designed through collaboration between the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, and Germany in 1994.
As a military plane, the Eurofighter Typhoon is primarily used for ground and aerial attacks.
Each unit costs around $124 million.
6. Sukhoi Su-27 (In service)
The Sukhoi Su-27 has an estimated top speed of Mach 2.35 / 2,500 kph / 1,600 mph.
It’s a Russian built fighter plane designed to combat American the American F-14 Tomcat and F-15 Eagle.
The Sukhoi Su-27 is mostly used for air superiority missions and has an estimated cost between $35 to $40 million.
5. McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle (In service)
The F-15 has a top speed of Mach 2.5 / 2,655 kph / 1,650 mph.
It’s a military jet that was designed and produced in the United States, and it’s been used across the world, including by the Air Forces of Japan and Israel.
An F-15 Eagle costs $80 million.
4. General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark (Not In service)
The F-111 Aardvark has a top speed of Mach 2.5 / 2,656 kph / 1,650 mph.
This plane was developed by the US military, where it is used the most.
The F-111 Aardvark has multiple military functions, like conducting ground attacks, engaging in electronic warfare, and gathering reconnaissance.
Each F-111 costs $15 million.
3. Chengdu J-10 (In service)
The Chengdu J-10, nicknamed ‘Firebird’ has an estimated top speed of Mach 2.5 / 3,000 kph / 1780 mph, although this figure is disputed.
The Chengdu J-10 was designed in China, and it is most commonly used by the Chinese Air Force and Navy.
It’s a multirole fighter jet that’s designed to operate under all-weather conditions. Each unit costs $35 million.
2. Mikoyan MIG-31 Foxhound (In service)
The Mikoyan MiG-31 Foxhound has a top speed of Mach 2.83 / 3,000 kph / 1,900 mph.
It’s a Soviet-made supersonic interceptor that was designed to achieve air superiority.
It’s currently used by the Kazakh and Russian Air Force, with each unit costing $60 million.
1. Mikoyan MiG-25 Foxbat (Not In service except in Algeria and Syria)
The MiG-25 has a top speed of Mach 2.93 / 3,000 kph / 1,900 mph.
It’s a Soviet-made interceptor aircraft that was designed to combat American bombers and spy planes.
It’s currently still used by Algeria and Syria.
A Mikoyan MiG-25 Foxbat costs $60 million.
Fastest Fighters Jet Still in Service
Technically, the MiG-25 Foxbat remains the fastest aircraft still in service in any Air Force in the world, since it’s still used by the Algerian and Syrian militaries.
The fastest fighter jet in the American Air Force is the McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle that has a top speed of Mach 2.5 / 2,655 kph / 1,650 mph.
It was first developed in 1964 and entered into service in 1970.
It has a top operational speed of Mach 2.83, but its thrust can even reach Mach 3.2 and higher. The MIG-25’s speed is reduced to Mach 2.83 to prevent the plane’s engines from overheating.
How Fast Fighter Jets Fly Compared to Other Planes
Fighter jets are faster than any other type of aircraft in the world.
Small, Private Planes: Small single-engine planes fly at speeds of between 142 and 333 mph.
Commercial Airliners: Commercial airliners cruise between 547-575 mph or 880-926 kmph.
Private Jets: Private jets usually fly at the same speed as airliners, between 547-575 mph or 880-926 km/h
Fighter jets fly slower during airshows to safely perform stunts.
The highest jet speed during an airshow is 700 mph, less than Mach 1.
The lowest jet speed you can expect to see at an airshow is approximately 126 mph.
How Far Fighter Jets Can Fly
Fighter jets can fly between 1,000 to 3,000 miles depending on multiple factors.
A fighter jet’s design, weight, and whether it can be refueled in the air all affect its range.
For example, the F-35 can fly 1,350 miles without refueling, but the furthest distance a single fighter jet has ever flown was the Su-57, which can fly 3,500 miles without refueling.
In conclusion:
Fighter jets can fly between 1,500 mph to 1,900 mph.
The fastest fighter jet in the world is the Soviet-built Mikoyan MiG-25 Foxbat, which can theoretically fly as fast as 2,400 mph.
Fighter jets are faster than commercial airliners, and they can cover as much as 3,000 miles in a single flight.
Helen Krasner holds a PPL(A), with 15 years experience flying fixed-wing aircraft; a PPL(H), with 13 years experience flying helicopters; and a CPL(H), Helicopter Instructor Rating, with 12 years working as a helicopter instructor.
Helen is an accomplished aviation writer with 12 years of experience, having authored several books and published numerous articles while also serving as the Editor of the BWPA (British Women Pilots Association) newsletter, with her excellent work having been recognized with her nomination of the “Aviation Journalist of the Year” award.
Helen has won the “Dawn to Dusk” International Flying Competition, along with the best all-female competitors, three times with her copilot.
