Here’s an introduction to the power of combat aircrafts, exploring engines, armament, avionics, maneuverability and survivability. Discover the key elements of air supremacy.

Combat aircrafts are among the most sophisticated and powerful military tools ever conceived. From the first fighter jet that took to the skies in the early 20th century to today’s ultra-modern stealth fighters, these machines have become the ultimate symbol of a nation’s air power. But what really defines the power of a fighter jet?

The criteria that define the power of a fighter jet

The power of a fighter aircraft can be assessed according to a number of criteria, depending on the mission and role for which it is intended. Here are some key criteria to consider:

Engine and performance :

Thrust: measured in kilograms or newtons. The higher the thrust, the more weapons, fuel and other equipment the aircraft can carry.
Maximum speed: usually measured in Mach.
Operating ceiling: the maximum altitude at which the aircraft can fly efficiently.
Range: the maximum distance an aircraft can cover without refueling.
Rate of climb: speed at which an aircraft can gain altitude.

Maneuverability :

Angular velocity: the ability to turn quickly, often measured in degrees per second.
Wing loading: affecting maneuverability and stall speed.

Armament:

Carrying capacity: the weight and number of weapons the aircraft can carry.
Weapons diversity: types of missiles, bombs, cannons, etc.
Weapon systems: such as target-tracking radars and guidance systems.

Electronics and avionics:

Radar: range, ability to track multiple targets, resistance to jamming.
Electronic warfare systems: ability to detect, jam or thwart enemy threats.
Communication systems: for liaison with other units and command.

Stealth :

Radar signature reduction: absorbent materials, special design to reduce reflectivity.
Infrared signature reduction: thanks to engine heat management techniques.

Endurance and sustainability:

Autonomy: duration of flight without refuelling.
In-flight refueling: ability to be refueled in flight.
Maintenance: ease of maintenance, component service life.

Protection and survivability:

Armor: protection against enemy threats.
Missile avoidance systems: such as decoys or countermeasures.

Cost and availability:

Cost of acquisition, maintenance, training and implementation.
Availability of parts and technical support.

Interoperability: The ability to operate with other systems, equipment and armed forces, especially in multinational coalitions.

Adaptability: Ease of upgrading and integrating new technologies or weapons.

The power of a combat aircraft therefore depends on a combination of all these criteria, and on how they are adapted to the specific needs of a given air force or mission.

The most powerful fighters

Here is a list of the fighter jets that were considered among the most powerful, based on the previous criteria:

F-22 Raptor (USA): Why: Advanced stealth, supermaneuverability, state-of-the-art avionics, powerful engines.

F-35 Lightning II (USA): Why: Stealth, advanced avionics, multi-role attack capability, integration with allies.

Sukhoi Su-57 (Russia): Why: Designed for stealth, supermaneuverability, modern avionics.

Chengdu J-20 (China): Why: Stealth, modern avionics, long-range interception capabilities.

Dassault Rafale (France): Why: Versatility, advanced avionics, diversified weapons range capability.

Eurofighter Typhoon (Europe: UK, Germany, Italy, Spain): Why: High flight performance, modern avionics, multi-role.

Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet (USA): Why: Versatility, weapons-carrying capability, continuous modernization.

Saab JAS 39 Gripen (Sweden): Why: Cost-effectiveness, modern avionics, ease of maintenance.

Mikoyan MiG-35 (Russia): Why: Maneuverability, modern avionics, multi-role.

Sukhoi Su-35 (Russia): Why: Great maneuverability, long range, advanced avionics.

The position of these aircrafts in this list is open to debate, as it depends on the specific criteria considered most important. Some experts would favour stealth, others manoeuvrability or versatility, for example. What’s more, new aircrafts enter service and existing aircrafts are constantly being updated, which can affect their ranking over time.

Fly a jet fighter is the fighter jet experience specialist.