Mach 2+ Monsters: Ranking the World’s Fastest Fighter Jets (U.S., Russia, China & More)
MiG-25 “Foxbat”: Mach 2.83 (about 1,900 mph / 3,058 km/h), the fastest operational fighter; in 1976 a defector flew one to Japan and testing reached Mach 3.2, with only a handful remaining in service as recon aircraft. MiG-31 “Foxhound”: Mach 2.83 (≈1,900 mph / 3,058 km/h) long-range interceptor and one of the fastest jets still in active service with Russia. F-15 Eagle: Mach 2.5+ (about 1,650–1,875 mph), introduced in the 1970s, with the F-15EX reportedly clocking top speeds near Mach 3 in tests while the official operational limit remains about Mach 2.5. Sukhoi Su-27 “Flanker” family: Mach 2.35 (≈1,550–1,600 mph)