7 Fastest Military Jets In The World

• Max Speed: 2,275 MPH
• Country: USA

The Lockheed YF-12, an experimental interceptor developed by the United States in the 1960s, served as a forerunner to the SR-71 Blackbird. It was notable for its exceptional speed capabilities. The YF-12 was capable of reaching a top speed of about Mach 3.35, translating to roughly 2,275 miles per hour (3,661 kilometers per hour) at high altitudes. This extraordinary velocity ranked it among the fastest aircraft ever constructed, enabling it to intercept and engage enemy aircraft at incredibly high speeds.

The speed of the YF-12 was crucial for its designed role as a high-speed interceptor and reconnaissance aircraft. It provided essential insights for the development of future high-speed aircraft, including the SR-71. Although only a limited number of YF-12 prototypes were produced, they significantly contributed to the advancement of high-speed aviation technology during the Cold War period.

• Max Speed: 1,525 MPH
• Country: USA

The Convair F-106 Delta Dart, an American interceptor jet, was highly regarded for its notable speed. Capable of achieving speeds up to Mach 2.3, this translates to about 1,525 miles per hour (2,455 kilometers per hour) at elevated altitudes. Such impressive velocity enabled the F-106 to swiftly react and intercept potential threats during its tenure with the United States Air Force, categorizing it as one of the fastest single-engine, single-seat interceptors ever constructed.

• Max Speed: 1,600 MPH
• Country: USA

The McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II, a renowned American fighter-bomber, is celebrated for its outstanding speed. It was capable of reaching a top speed of about Mach 2.2, or roughly 1,600 miles per hour (2,575 kilometers per hour) at high altitudes. This impressive velocity enabled the F-4 Phantom II to rapidly engage enemy aircraft and execute precision strikes during its extensive deployment with the United States military and various other nations.

The high-speed performance of the F-4 was crucial in its success in air combat and ground attack missions. Its supersonic operating capabilities provided a significant edge over many of its contemporaries, and it played an instrumental role in several conflicts, notably the Vietnam War. The F-4 Phantom II continues to be an iconic figure in military aviation, remembered for its speed, adaptability, and combat prowess.

• Max Speed: 2,056 MPH
• Country: USA

The XB-70 Valkyrie, an innovative experimental bomber developed by the United States in the 1960s, was celebrated for its exceptional speed. Capable of reaching top speeds of approximately Mach 3.1, this translates to about 2,056 miles per hour (3,308 kilometers per hour). The XB-70’s incredible velocity enabled it to fly at extremely high altitudes and outmaneuver enemy defenses. Its ability to cruise at supersonic speeds ranked it among the fastest aircraft ever designed, intended for swift breaches into hostile airspace.

Despite its impressive speed, the XB-70 Valkyrie project was eventually discontinued due to shifts in strategic focus and the advent of intercontinental ballistic missiles. Only two prototypes were constructed, and the XB-70 remains a symbol of the technological prowess and innovative spirit of that period in aviation history.

• Max Speed: 2,110 MPH
• Country: Russia

The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-25 Foxbat, a storied Soviet interceptor aircraft, is famed for its remarkable speed. It was capable of reaching a top speed of around Mach 3.2, which equates to approximately 2,110 miles per hour (3,390 kilometers per hour) at high altitudes. This extraordinary velocity enabled the MiG-25 to quickly intercept and engage enemy aircraft, securing its status as one of the fastest military aircraft ever built. Its ability to cruise at supersonic speeds made it a key defensive tool for Soviet airspace during the Cold War.

However, the focus on speed meant that the MiG-25 sacrificed some maneuverability, as it was primarily designed for high-speed, high-altitude interception rather than close-range dogfights. It was a crucial component of the Soviet Air Force’s air defense strategy. The MiG-25 Foxbat, symbolizing Soviet aviation innovation, continues to be operational in limited capacities in several countries today.

• Max Speed: 4,520 MPH
• Country: USA

The NASA/USAF X-15, an innovative experimental aircraft from the 1950s and 1960s, is renowned for its exceptional speed achievements. It reached a top speed of about Mach 6.7, translating to around 4,520 miles per hour (7,274 kilometers per hour) at high altitudes, making it the fastest manned aircraft in history.

Utilized for research and testing in Earth’s upper atmosphere and the lower fringes of space, the X-15 set multiple speed and altitude records, significantly advancing our knowledge of high-speed flight and atmospheric reentry. Though the X-15 program concluded in the 1970s, its legacy endures as a testament to groundbreaking aerospace research and development.

• Max Speed: 1,450 MPH
• Country: France