Top 10 Fastest Planes in the World 2025 List
Need for speed is that you? I see you are all geared up to hear all about the fastest planes in the world. I mean let’s face it, apart from the recent advent of space exploration, human kind had not seen anything close to the invention of flying objects.
In this article I will be sharing some of the world’s fastest planes.
You will quickly notice that majority if not all of the aircrafts that will make the list are actually military aircrafts.
To give you an example, the Boeing 747-8 can go up to 1,041km/hr at its maximum rated speed and the 737-800 up to 946km/hr yet the carrier occupying the last position in this article exceeds 2,000km/hr. This easily makes sense since jets are usually relatively small and they do not carry as much weight.
Let’s get into it now, shall we?
1. NORTH AMERICAN X-15
X-15 was designed as an experimental jet rather than one to be used for real situations out in the world by the US Airforce in partnership with NASA. This explains why only three of them were ever built. Tests on this jet ran between 1959 and 1968.That said, the legacy it left behind is so towering that we are talking about it here today as the fastest plane ever built.
This plane is the fastest to ever be built having set the record of highest speed to be reached by a manned aircraft i.e. 7,274km/hr which is seven times the speed of some of the quickest commercial planes today.
This record milestone was set in 1967, just one year before flights on this powerful machine seized. The XLR99 rocket engine that powered the X-15 contributed immensely to the establishment of this record.
The jet also became the first of its kind to exceed the mark of 80km in terms of altitude.
This remarkable feat was made possible by the jet’s external engine that allowed it fly for prolonged periods of time.
Using the data gathered during the decade that the North American X-15 was being flown, NASA has been able to model several rocket projects particularly in regards to manned rockets.
Key features include:
- Role: Research Aircraft
- Max Speed: Mach 6.72 (approximately 4,520 mph)
- First Flight: July 19, 1959
- Notable Features: Rocket propulsion, hypersonic capabilities, significant contribution to aerospace research.
- Altitude Record: 354,200 feet (107.8 km)
- Powerplant: XLR99 rocket engine
- Operational Period: 1959-1968
- Significance: Pioneered high-speed, high-altitude flight, providing valuable data for future spacecraft design.
2. LOCKHEED YF-12
This jet first made its debut appearance in the 60s and flew till 1961 when it was retired. The YF-12 can be better understood as a transitional plane. As the attention of the United States shifted towards the Vietnam war, the country was looking for a powerful air weapon to replace the F-106.
The Lockheed YF -12 laid the foundation for the invention of the SR-71 Blackbird.
Lockheed YF-12 is estimated to have cost $18 million. On its rolling out, it quickly became a high altitude interceptor going as high as 80,000 ft on good days.
It was very efficient even in the face of enemy ballistic missiles.
This fighter jet could fly at 3,661km/hr and it would be carrying advanced armament while at it.
Key features include:
- Role: Interceptor
- Max Speed: Mach 3.35 (approximately 2,275 mph)
- First Flight: July 25, 1963
- Notable Features: Derivative of SR-71, two-seater configuration, advanced avionics.
- Operational Ceiling: 80,000 feet (24,384 m)
- Range: 3,000 miles (4,828 km)
- Powerplant: Pratt & Whitney J58 engines
- Operational Period: 1963-1968 (prototype phase)
- Significance: A precursor to the SR-71, intended to be a high-speed, high-altitude interceptor.
3. LOCKHEED SR-71 BLACKBIRD
Alongside the X-15 however, the SR-71 Blackbird deserves a special mention.
Built in the United States for approximately $ 34 million, this jet is a reconnaissance craft that was built to serve the army during the cold war. It thus operated between 1964 and 1998.
It could fly to a maximum of 3,529km/hr thus making it a very reliable aircraft in combat.
SR-71 was so fast that a thermos shielding system had to be improvised for it post manufacturing in order to mitigate the temperature that resulted from its too fast flying.
This jet particularly played an important role for the USA when it came to gathering enemy intelligence. This was enabled by her two Pratt & Whitney J58 turbojet engines which meant that she could cruise at high altitudes for a prolonged period of time.
To date, the SR-71 still remains the only aircraft to achieve a record 26km flight at high altitude. No aircrafts have been able to attain such speeds.
Two other important related features were her high resolution cameras for spying on enemies and a black titanium covering that made it difficult for it to be detected by the radars of enemy forces. These capabilities proved useful in relation to the USSR’s nuclear programs.
Key features include:
- Role: Reconnaissance aircraft
- Max Speed: Mach 3.2 (approximately 2,193 mph)
- First Flight: December 22, 1964
- Notable Features: Titanium construction, high-altitude capabilities, distinctive black paint for radar absorption
- Operational Ceiling: 85,000 feet (25,908 m)
- Range: 2,900 miles (4,667 km) without refueling
- Powerplant: Pratt & Whitney J58-P4 engines
- Operational Period: 1966-1998
- Significance: Known for its unmatched speed and altitude capabilities, which made it invaluable for reconnaissance missions during the Cold War.
4. NORTH AMERICAN XB-70 VALKYRIE
This is another American manufactured jet– developed by North American Aviation. It started flying in 1964.
It had the capability of flying up to a maximum of 3,300km/hr though this was never realized as those involved in its invention decided that it be limited to 2,700km/hr.
The jet was powered by a huge figure of six engines. Of all the planes to achieve 3,000km/hr speed, the XB-70 is the largest.
This fighter was also famous for the geometry of her wings which gave it an extra edge when it came to extreme maneuverability. It had also been constructed in such a way that no interceptor planes of its time could keep its wrath at bay.
Unfortunately, this project was abandoned after only two prototypes had been but still, that does not take away the fact that it was a pretty impressive one.
Key features include:
- Role: Bomber
- Max Speed: Mach 3.0 (approximately 2,000 mph)
- First Flight: July 25, 1964
- Notable Features: Variable-geometry wings, supersonic cruise capability.
- Operational Ceiling: 77,350 feet (23,560 m)
- Range: 4,288 miles (6,900 km)
- Powerplant: Six General Electric YJ93-GE-3 turbojet engines
- Operational Period: 1964-1969 (prototype phase)
- Significance: Designed to outrun Soviet interceptors and missiles, but ultimately canceled due to high costs and changes in strategic bombing doctrine.
5. MIKOYAN-GUREVICH MiG-31
We have talked about the US side of the Cold war. Well, this was the biggest competition from the USSR that Americans had to put up with. It was released right in the middle of the tension between the US and the Soviets in 1970.
Even with the Cold War days now behind us, the MiG-31 still remains operational making it one of the oldest fighter jets still in use.
The object of its invention was to make a plane that was more user friendly as the MiG-25 without compromising performance particularly when it came to flying at low altitudes i.e. its predecessor struggled in this area.
The MiG-31 could flies as fast as 3,000km/hr thanks to the fact that it employs a 2-stage jet engine. This is a piece of technology that the jet pioneered in. It was also built with an advanced radar thus enabling it to send long range missiles.
To be more specific, this type is the RP-31 Zaslon-A phased array radar. Just so you know, this fighter jet is able to release more than one missile at a time making it very deadly. Some of the armament it carries are R-60M and R-33E which makes it extremely thorough when it comes to air to air combat.
This jet has interceptor capabilities as well. In fact, it was the first of its kind in the world to do this with long range missiles. That notwithstanding, the MiG-31 is not short of weaknesses and one major one is that it is easily detectable by enemy radars.
Key features include:
- Role: Interceptor, long-range escort fighter
- Max Speed: Mach 2.83 (approximately 1,924 mph)
- First Flight: September 16, 1975
- Notable Features: Advanced radar, long-range capabilities, improved avionics.
- Operational Ceiling: 67,500 feet (20,600 m)
- Range: 900 miles (1,450 km)
- Powerplant: Two Soloviev D-30F6 afterburning turbofan engines
- Operational Period: 1981-present
- Significance: Capable of long-range, high-speed interception with advanced radar and missile systems.
6. MCDONELL DOUGLAS F-15 EAGLE
This is another one of many USA fighter jets to make it to the list of the fastest planes in the world. It is most famous for its record of being undefeated in all the official combats it has been engaged in. For the fifty years it has been on the market, it’s incredible performance has stood strong over one hundred different times.
In part, this owes to her build of low weight but high wings hence making it more flexible when it comes to evading assailant attacks.
This capability has also positioned the F-15 high up on the list of jets that are most popular at airshows world-over.
The F-15 travels at a maximum speed of 2,665km/hr. It also has a long range radar system installed in and capability to carry very lethal military wear.
Thanks to its unique features, the F-15 has been and continues to be widely used world over by different military installations such as the armies of South Korea, Israel, and Japan among many others.
Key features include:
- Role: Air superiority fighter
- Max Speed: Mach 2.5 (approximately 1,650 mph)
- First Flight: July 27, 1972
- Notable Features: Excellent maneuverability, powerful engines, heavy armament.
- Operational Ceiling: 65,000 feet (19,812 m)
- Range: 3,450 miles (5,550 km) with external tanks
- Powerplant: Two Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 engines
- Operational Period: 1976-present
- Significance: Proven combat record with unmatched air-to-air capabilities
7. DASSAULT MIRAGE 2000
This is the only French plane to make the list of the fastest planes in the world. It is developed by Dassault. It was developed a little later than most of those that we have looked at i.e. 1980 so it has a touch of some modernity to it by comparison.
The Mirage 2000 can fly to a maximum of 2,530km/hr so yeah, equally impeccable. It is also a jet that can do a number of things which is one of the many reasons that her buyers acquire it for. The roles include ground attacks as well as recoinssance missions.
This in part, is enabled by the agility of the jet’s wings.
Key features include:
Role: Multirole fighter
Max Speed: Mach 2.2 (approximately 1,453 mph or 2,340 km/h)
First Flight: March 10, 1978
Notable Features: Delta-wing design, fly-by-wire controls, advanced avionics, and versatility in air-to-air and air-to-ground missions
Operational Ceiling: 59,055 feet (18,000 m)
Range: 963 miles (1,550 km) without external tanks
Powerplant: One SNECMA M53-P2 afterburning turbofan engine
Operational Period: 1984–Present
Significance: A highly successful French fighter jet used by multiple nations, praised for its agility and reliability in combat scenarios. It played a crucial role in operations like the Gulf War and Kargil War.
8. SUKHOI, SU-27 FLANKER
This is another jet that is popularly used in acrobatics thanks to it maneuverability. This particular characteristic (i.e. its maneuverability) was deliberately envisaged at the jet’s inception given that it had ahead of it the much more demanding task of facing the incredulity of the F-15 (this is another way of saying that the SU-27 was developed by the USSR). It first appeared in action in 1977.
At maximum speed, this jet goes as high as 2,500km/hr. It is also one of the few aircrafts that are capable of making the record climb to an altitude of at least 12km in less than a minute.
It is no wonder then that countries in different parts of the globe continue to buy the plane. Examples here are China, Vietnam, and Ukraine. And of course, the SU-27 continues to be deployed in many strategic ventures that Russia is involved with.
Key features include:
- Role: Air superiority fighter
- Max Speed: Mach 2.35 (approximately 1,565 mph)
- First Flight: May 20, 1977
- Notable Features: Large size, high maneuverability, long range.
- Operational Ceiling: 62,500 feet (19,050 m)
- Range: 2,190 miles (3,530 km)
- Powerplant: Two Saturn AL-31F afterburning turbofan engines
- Operational Period: 1985-present
- Significance: A cornerstone of Russian air defense, known for its agility and powerful armament.
9. EUROFIGHTER TYPHOON
Eurofighter Typhoon is the youngest of all the fastest planes that we have covered since it was first launched in 2003. And like her name suggests, this plane is a symbol of the unity that ran through Europe as it was developed by partners from different nations on the continent including the UK, Germany, as well as Spain.
It is extremely fast, maxing at 2,495km/hr. It is also extremely versatile and has super maneuverability potential.
It is very efficient in both air-air as well as air-ground missions. The typhoon is a single seater but it operates on a twin engine infrastructure.
It is a very popular military aircraft amongst NATO member states.
Key features include:
Role: Multirole fighter
Max Speed: Mach 2 (approximately 1,320 mph or 2,125 km/h)
First Flight: March 27, 1994
Notable Features: Canard-delta wing design, advanced fly-by-wire controls, highly agile with superior dogfighting capabilities, cutting-edge avionics, and AESA radar integration
Operational Ceiling: 55,000 feet (16,764 m)
Range: 1,800 miles (2,900 km) with external tanks
Powerplant: Two Eurojet EJ200 afterburning turbofan engines
Operational Period: 2003–Present
Significance: A cornerstone of European defense, developed by a consortium of the UK, Germany, Italy, and Spain. It is renowned for its adaptability to modern warfare and has been deployed in various NATO and coalition operations.
10. F-22 RAPTOR
The F- 22 Raptor was jointly developed by Lockheed and Boeing for the Advanced Tactical Fighter Program of the US Airforce.
It has a maximum speed of 2,469km/hr and this is due in part to her superior avionics systems.
Additionally, this craft also has enhanced situational awareness and advanced radar systems that help it to engage with enemy planes at very long distances.
The F-22 is also a 5th generation stealth plane with incredible spy capabilities. The aircraft is so advanced that the US government has prohibited its exportation to any other nation.
It is possible that this same reason inspired the cap that was placed on its production (it stopped once the 187th jet was finished). Some attribute the introduction of the cap on its production to the production of a relatively slower plane but more versatile in its nature ie the F-35 LIGHTENING II.
Key features include:
Role: Stealth air superiority fighter
Max Speed: Mach 2.25 (approximately 1,500 mph or 2,414 km/h)
First Flight: September 7, 1997
Notable Features: Stealth technology, thrust-vectoring engines, supercruise capability, advanced sensor fusion, and unparalleled situational awareness
Operational Ceiling: 65,000 feet (19,812 m)
Range: 1,839 miles (2,960 km) with external tanks
Powerplant: Two Pratt & Whitney F119-PW-100 afterburning turbofan engines with thrust vectoring
Operational Period: 2005–Present
Significance: Considered the world’s first fifth-generation fighter, the F-22 is unmatched in air dominance missions, combining stealth, speed, and cutting-edge avionics to outclass any current or projected adversary.
