The world of aviation is packed with incredible machines, but nothing beats the thrill of the top ten fastest aircraft ever built. Speed defines these engineering marvels, from sleek military jets to experimental planes pushing the limits of human innovation. Imagine the roar of engines as these aircraft soar through the skies, breaking sound barriers and setting records that still amaze us today. This list dives into the fastest planes ever, highlighting their jaw dropping velocities, cutting edge designs, and the daring pilots who flew them. Whether its the iconic SR71 Blackbird or lesser known speed demons, each aircraft showcases a unique blend of power and precision. For aviation enthusiasts and curious minds alike, exploring the top ten fastest aircraft in the world reveals a legacy of speed that continues to inspire. Discover what makes these planes the ultimate kings of the sky and how they shaped the future of flight.

Top Ten Fastest Aircraft In The World

10. Eurofighter Typhoon

Starting the top ten fastest aircraft countdown is the Eurofighter Typhoon, a sleek powerhouse born from European collaboration. Developed in the 1980s by Airbus, BAE Systems, and Leonardo, this twin engine fighter first soared in 1994 and entered service in 2003. With a top speed of Mach 2, around 1350 miles per hour, its EJ200 turbofan engines deliver thrilling performance up to 55000 feet. The delta wing design and advanced flight controls make it a master of air combat and ground attack missions. Over 600 units fly for nations like the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Saudi Arabia, equipped with cutting edge radar and a deadly mix of missiles. Among the fastest aircraft today, the Typhoon showcases speed and versatility, proving Europe’s place in modern aviation excellence.

9. General Dynamics F16 Fighting Falcon

At number 9 sits the General Dynamics F16 Fighting Falcon, a nimble jet that redefined fighter design. Emerging from the U.S. Air Force’s 1970s Lightweight Fighter program, this single engine aircraft first flew in 1974 and joined the ranks in 1979. Clocking Mach 2, about 1350 miles per hour, its Pratt & Whitney or General Electric engine pushes it to 50000 feet with agility that dazzles. Over 4500 have been built, serving the U.S. and allies like Israel and Turkey, armed with a 20mm cannon and precision missiles. From the Gulf War to recent conflicts, its combat record shines. Among the top ten fastest aircraft, the F16 blends speed with affordability, keeping it a global force into 2025.

8. Lockheed F104 Starfighter

Number 8 brings the Lockheed F104 Starfighter, a trailblazer in supersonic flight. Designed in the 1950s by genius Clarence “Kelly” Johnson, this single engine interceptor first flew in 1954 and entered service in 1958, reaching Mach 2.2, roughly 1450 miles per hour. Its General Electric J79 engine powers it to 60000 feet, with a slim fuselage and tiny wings built for speed. Over 2500 served the U.S. Air Force and NATO nations like Canada and Germany, wielding a 20mm cannon and Sidewinder missiles. Known as the first to sustain Mach 2 in level flight, its daring design left a mark despite a tricky safety record. Among the fastest aircraft ever, the Starfighter’s legacy echoes in aviation history.

7. Lockheed Martin F22 Raptor

At number 7 lands the Lockheed Martin F22 Raptor, a stealth juggernaut of the skies. Developed in the 1980s, this twin engine fighter first flew in 1997 and entered service in 2005, hitting Mach 2.25, around 1500 miles per hour. Its Pratt & Whitney F119 engines allow supercruise at Mach 1.8 without afterburners, soaring to 65000 feet. Only 187 were crafted for the U.S. Air Force, armed with a 20mm cannon and hidden missile bays for stealth strikes. Advanced radar and sensor fusion give it an edge in combat. Among the top ten fastest aircraft, the F22’s mix of speed and invisibility sets a new standard for modern warfare technology.

6. Grumman F14 Tomcat

Number 6 introduces the Grumman F14 Tomcat, a naval legend with adjustable wings. Built for the U.S. Navy in the 1960s, this twin engine fighter first flew in 1970 and entered service in 1974, reaching Mach 2.34, about 1544 miles per hour. Powered by General Electric F110 engines, it climbs to 50000 feet, armed with a 20mm cannon and long range AIM-54 Phoenix missiles. Over 700 were produced, serving the U.S. until 2006 and still active in Iran. Its radar tracked multiple targets, guarding fleets with precision. Among the fastest aircraft in the world, the Tomcat’s speed and cinematic fame in “Top Gun” cement its top ten status.

5. Sukhoi Su27 Flanker

At number 5, the Sukhoi Su27 Flanker dominates as a Soviet born titan. Developed in the 1970s to rival U.S. jets, this twin engine fighter first flew in 1977 and entered service in 1985, hitting Mach 2.35, around 1550 miles per hour. Its Saturn AL-31 engines lift it to 66000 feet, with a design built for range and agility. Over 800 serve Russia, China, Ukraine, and others, armed with a 30mm cannon and air to air missiles. Famous for acrobatic feats like the Cobra maneuver, its power endures. Among the top ten fastest aircraft, the Flanker’s speed and combat legacy make it a global aviation icon.

4. McDonnell Douglas F15 Eagle

Number 4 showcases the McDonnell Douglas F15 Eagle, a king of air superiority. Designed in the 1960s to counter Soviet threats, this twin engine jet first flew in 1972 and entered service in 1976, boasting Mach 2.5, about 1650 miles per hour. Pratt & Whitney F100 engines drive it to 60000 feet, with over 1500 built for the U.S., Israel, Japan, and more. Armed with a 20mm cannon and advanced missiles, its perfect combat record of over 100 wins shines. Upgrades like the F15EX keep it cutting edge in 2025. Among the fastest aircraft ever, the Eagle’s speed and dominance secure its top ten rank.

3. Mikoyan MiG31 Foxhound

At number 3, the Mikoyan MiG31 Foxhound charges in as a speed focused interceptor. Developed in the 1970s from the MiG25, this twin engine jet first flew in 1975 and entered service in 1981, reaching Mach 2.83, around 1915 miles per hour. Soloviev D-30F6 engines push it to 67000 feet, built to chase high flying targets. Over 500 serve Russia and Kazakhstan, armed with a 23mm cannon and long range missiles. Its pioneering Zaslon radar tracks threats across vast distances. Among the top ten fastest aircraft, the Foxhound’s blend of speed and reach keeps it a sky sentinel.

2. Mikoyan MiG25 Foxbat

Number 2 features the Mikoyan MiG25 Foxbat, a Cold War speed marvel. Developed in the 1950s to counter U.S. bombers, this twin engine interceptor first flew in 1964 and entered service in 1970, hitting Mach 2.83, about 1915 miles per hour. Tumansky R-15 engines propel it to 80000 feet, with a steel frame favoring velocity. Over 1100 were built for the Soviet Union and allies like Libya, armed with a 23mm cannon and missiles. Its record breaking flights stunned the West, especially after a 1976 defection. Among the fastest aircraft in history, the Foxbat’s raw speed earns its top ten spot.

1. Lockheed SR71 Blackbird

Crowning the list at number 1 is the Lockheed SR71 Blackbird, the ultimate air breathing speed king. Developed in the 1960s by Lockheed’s Skunk Works, this twin engine jet first flew in 1964 and entered service in 1966, soaring at Mach 3.3, around 2190 miles per hour. Pratt & Whitney J58 engines drive it to 85000 feet, outpacing all threats. Only 32 were built for the U.S. Air Force, retiring in 1998, with no weapons but unmatched spy gear. Its titanium skin endured blistering heat, setting unbroken speed records. Among the top ten fastest aircraft, the Blackbird’s engineering and legacy reign supreme in aviation lore.