Fighter planes have come a long way since they were first invented in April 1915. Over time, advancements in their design, materials, and abilities have pushed these machines to new limits.
These planes were first thought of and brought to life by Roland Garros in 1915, and they have developed tremendously since then. The U.S. started using them in the late 1940s to battle the German Luftwaffe, and has continued to advance the technology. According to a poll conducted in the halls of WEGO between Oct. 23-27, 92% of the 103 surveyed think military fighter jets are only in the air force. The Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps actually use fighter jets. They have been used by the branches in every American war since WWII. These are the top 5 military jets and what makes them stand out from the rest.
#5 A-10 Warthog
The only first-generation aircraft to make this list, the A-10 Warthog’s age does not take away from its quality. The Warthog is super durable, as it was designed to continue flying even after being hit by high-explosive and armor-piercing rounds up to 23mm. The most notable thing about the A-10 is its 30mm rotary cannon, which is able to destroy ground targets – such as tanks – with its rounds. The only flaw in the Warthog is its speed, which only reaches up to 420 mph.
#4 F-15 Eagle
The F-15 is argued to be the best fourth-generation fighter jet ever built; however, there are better fourth generations that top this bird. The Eagle was constructed to be fast, and its top speed is above 1,800 mph. Along with the aircraft’s speed, the F-15 offers versatility: it can fly in any type of weather, its air frame keeps its speed while also carrying a ton of cargo, and it is super maneuverable. Its adaptability can only take it so far: the F-15 cannot enter space, but it can take out satellites with anti-satellite missiles designed only for this jet.
#3 F-14 Tomcat
Although it is now a retired aircraft, the F-14 was a very impressive jet. The F-14’s wings are possibly one of its most important qualities. The sweep angle can change while flying, which allows this aircraft to adapt to all kinds of altitudes and speeds. Another notable thing that made this aircraft legendary is its abilities in combat: its radar is one of the most powerful in fighter jet history, and its long-range missiles can hit targets 100 miles away or further. Although this fourth-generation jet is amazing, it was too complex and too high-maintenance to keep repairing for the U.S. military.
#2 F-22 Raptor
The Raptor is one of the most feared jets; it replaced the F-15 Eagle in December 2005. This jet’s stealthiness, due to its coating and shape, makes it hard for enemies to detect it through their radars. This aircraft is fast. Though not as fast as its former F-15, unlike the Eagle, it can travel at fast speeds without the afterburners that use up most of the plane’s fuel. The Raptor also has a specialized radar that gives it a “first-kill opportunity” (USAF).
#1 F/A-18 Hornet
The F/A-18: the greatest fighter aircraft in the world. The Hornet is one of the most versatile jets in the military; it covers all kinds of tasks, like electronic warfare, air-to-ground strike, air superiority, and reconnaissance. It is also the most reliable and affordable aircraft on this list, even though it is a complex and advanced aircraft. The Hornet is still getting better with its ongoing upgrades to maintain its superiority against growing threats. This craft, although the first variant of it is retired, is expected to serve for years as it continues to be built on, and this is why it is the greatest military fighter jet to have ever existed.
Correction
Nov. 17, 2025
The original article claimed fighter “jets” were invented in 1915, when the correct terminology is “planes.” The article has been updated to clarify this wording. Additionally, “WEGO” was not capitalized in the original article.
