After the Messerschmitt ME-262 jet fighter made its debut in World War II, jet fighters took over the skies. Although there have been some excellent jet fighters in the years since these are among the greatest. 

Some of the most advanced and stunning machines in the world are fighter jets. These formidable planes are designed to dominate the skies, engage in air-to-air combat with rival fighters, launch ground assaults, and carry out reconnaissance missions. Many fighter jets have made their mark on aviation history as a result of their incredible speed, agility, and cutting-edge technology. Here’s our pick of the top five deadliest jets that are still in use in their native nations. 

The F-22 Raptor 

• Country of origin: USA

• First entered service: 2007

• First use in combat: 2007

One of the most technologically advanced and effective combat jets is the F-22 Raptor. It was jointly created and constructed by Boeing and Lockheed Martin. Its primary objective is to gain air supremacy, but it also has the ability to attack the ground, use electronic weapons, and gather intelligence from signals. One of the most expensive fighter jets ever made is the F-22. The cost of each unit is $150 million. Its vast arsenal of weapons and modest radar profile are among its distinguishing qualities. Its avionics still maintain a lot of other classified features.

F-15 Eagle 

• Country of origin: USA

• First entered service: 1976

• First use in combat: 1979

Among the most effective jet fighters ever are the F-15 Eagle and its variations. It was principally designed and constructed by McDonnell Douglas as a tactical fighter for air superiority. One of the best fighters of the current period is The Eagle. It has never lost a conflict in the air and has defeated forces in more than 100 fights. It has been purchased by numerous other air forces, from Saudi Arabia to Japan. In addition to being lethal, the forces do fit the bill.

The Dassault Rafale

• Country of origin: France

• First entered service: 2001

• First use in combat: 2002

Arguably the most capable multirole fighter in the world is the French-built Dassault Rafale. The French Air Force and Navy finally began utilizing it in 2001, following a protracted and frequently sluggish development process. Since then, it has been exported to numerous additional countries, including Qatar, Egypt, and India. Additionally, Rafale has been actively used in numerous war zones, from Syria to Afghanistan. It now contains some of the most cutting-edge electronics of any plane thanks to years of improvement. The Rafale can simultaneously fire on four targets while tracking 40 targets at once. As evidenced by its capability to "shoot down" an F-22 Raptor in 2009, this aircraft is still dangerous.

The F-18 Hornet/Super Hornet 

• Country of origin: USA

• First entered service: 1983

• First use in combat: 1986 (U.S.)

The most capable and adaptable multirole fighter available to the US Navy is the F-18 Hornet. It has performed well for many years and in numerous war zones all around the world. It was created in the 1970s by McDonnell Douglas and Northrop, and it entered use in the 1980s. It took part in its first combat operation when Libya was bombed in 1986. It also had a big impact on the Gulf Wars of 1991 and 2003. The Royal Australian Air Force and the Spanish Air Force are only two of the air services that operate the Hornet.

The Sukhoi Su-35 

• Country of origin: Russia

• First entered service: 2014

• First use in combat: N/A

The Sukhoi Su-35 is a multipurpose fighter that was modeled after the legendary Su-27, its aged predecessor. In Russia, it received "Full Operational Status" in 2018, and is regarded as a very sophisticated and dangerous 4th generation fighter. The Su-35 is a sleek, quick, and nimble aircraft that can carry a variety of weapons. Although controlling the air is its main objective, it can also assault the ground. It is presently the most cutting-edge fighter in use in Russia.