When it comes to speed, these military jets redefine the limits of engineering, with each flying at Mach 2 or faster—twice the speed of sound. The fastest, NASA’s X-15, reached an astonishing Mach 6.72, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in aviation.
These 16 jets showcase the power, innovation, and ambition that make them icons of the skies. Which one impresses you the most?
1. NASA/USAF X-15
- Top Speed: Mach 6.72 (4,520 mph)
- Maker: NASA and the U.S. Air Force
- Cost: N/A
The X-15 isn’t just a jet—it’s like a rocket with wings. You’ll be amazed to know it flew so fast that it almost left the atmosphere! Pilots used it to study how aircraft behave at extreme speeds.
Even though it’s not a traditional fighter jet, it paved the way for modern space and military technology.
2. SR-71 Blackbird
- Top Speed: Mach 3.4 (2,500+ mph)
- Maker: Lockheed Martin
- Cost: $34 million
An absolute legend, the sleek and stealthy Blackbird was built to spy on enemies at incredible speeds. If someone fired a missile at this jet, the pilot could simply speed away! It’s no longer in service, but its legacy lives on.
3. Lockheed YF-12
- Top Speed: Mach 3.2 (2,275 mph)
- Maker: Lockheed Martin
- Cost: $18 million
This jet looks a lot like the SR-71 because they share the same roots. It was designed as an interceptor, to chase down enemy planes and shoot them out of the sky.
It tested technology that later went into other high-speed aircraft.
4. MiG-25 Foxbat
- Top Speed: Mach 3.2 (2,190 mph)
- Maker: Mikoyan-Gurevich (Russia)
- Cost: $60 million
The MiG-25 is proof of Russian engineering brilliance. It was built to outrun anything in the sky, including American jets. While it wasn’t very agile, its raw speed made it a serious threat.
Some are still in use today for reconnaissance missions.
5. Bell X-2 Starbuster
- Top Speed: Mach 3.2 (2,094 mph)
- Maker: Bell Aircraft
- Cost: N/A
Think of the Bell X-2 as a science experiment in the sky. It was made to study what happens at incredible speeds in high altitudes.
While it didn’t stay in service for long, the knowledge gained from this jet helped shape the future of aviation.
6. XB-70 Valkyrie
- Top Speed: Mach 3.02 (2,056 mph)
- Maker: North American Aviation
- Cost: $750 million
The XB-70 looks like it came straight out of a sci-fi movie with its massive size and incredible speed. It was designed as a bomber that could outrun any enemy plane.
Unfortunately, it never went into full service, but it remains an engineering marvel.
7. MiG-31 Foxhound
- Top Speed: Mach 2.83 (1,864 mph)
- Maker: Mikoyan-Gurevich (Russia)
- Cost: $33 million
The MiG-31 is a powerhouse with its role as a high-speed interceptor, built to catch and destroy enemy aircraft or missiles. It can still operate in freezing conditions and patrol huge areas, making it a reliable jet even today.
8. F-15 Eagle
- Top Speed: Mach 2.5 (1,650 mph)
- Maker: McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing)
- Cost: $30 million
Regarded as one of the most successful fighter jets, the F-15 Eagle has amazing speed and can dominate in air battles. It’s been in service for decades, and pilots trust it for its power and agility.
9. F-111 Aardvark
- Top Speed: Mach 2.5 (1,650 mph)
- Maker: General Dynamics
- Cost: $10 million
The F-111 was designed to fly fast and carry a heavy load of bombs. It could fly at low altitudes to avoid radar and still reach incredible speeds.
Its swing-wing design let it change shape mid-flight.
10. Su-27 Flanker
- Top Speed: Mach 2.35 (1,553 mph)
- Maker: Sukhoi (Russia)
- Cost: $41 million
A true performer, the Su-27 is impressive with its combination of speed, agility, and combat power. It was built to compete with American jets like the F-15 and has become a favorite for many air forces worldwide.
11. MiG-29 Fulcrum
- Top Speed: Mach 2.3 (1,520 mph)
- Maker: Mikoyan-Gurevich (Russia)
- Cost: $22 million
The MiG-29 is like the Su-27’s smaller sibling. It’s fast, agile, and perfect for dogfights. Its balance of speed and maneuverability makes it a favorite for pilots who need to react quickly in battle.
12. Chengdu J-10
- Top Speed: Mach 2.2 (1,445 mph)
- Maker: Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (China)
- Cost: $28 million
Often called the “Vigorous Dragon,” the J-10 is sleek and powerful. It’s designed for air-to-air combat and ground attacks.
It’s one of China’s most advanced fighter jets, and its speed makes it a serious player in the skies.
13. Dassault Mirage 2000
- Top Speed: Mach 2.2 (1,400 mph)
- Maker: Dassault Aviation (France)
- Cost: $31 million
The Mirage 2000 is a beauty in the air with its simple yet effective design, built for speed and precision. It’s been a favorite for many air forces worldwide, known for its reliability in defense and attack missions.
14. F-22 Raptor
- Top Speed: Mach 2.0 (1,355 mph)
- Maker: Lockheed Martin and Boeing (USA)
- Cost: $150 million
The superhero of fighter jets, the F-22 Raptor is fast, stealthy, and loaded with advanced tech. It can fly at high speeds while staying almost invisible to radar. It’s built for dominance in the air.
15. Eurofighter Typhoon
- Top Speed: Mach 2.0 (1,320 mph)
- Maker: Airbus, BAE Systems, and Leonardo (Europe)
- Cost: $105 million
The Typhoon is a teamwork masterpiece, made by multiple countries. It blends speed, agility, and firepower and is used by several air forces in Europe and beyond, proving it’s a jet you can count on in any mission.
16. Sukhoi Su-57
- Top Speed: Mach 2.0 (1,320 mph)
- Maker: Sukhoi (Russia)
- Cost: $42 million
The Su-57 is Russia’s answer to the F-22. It’s fast, stealthy, and full of advanced features. This jet combines speed with cutting-edge tech to handle modern warfare challenges and is the future of Russian airpower.
These jets aren’t just fast—they’re examples of what humans can achieve when pushing the limits of technology. Each has its own story, purpose, and unique features that make it stand out.
Source:
Read Next:
Nancy Maffia
Nancy received a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.