When it comes to stealth fighter jets, the only one that is in service right now is the F-22 Raptor, used by the United States. Quite a few of them are being developed around the world though.
The F-22, which is the best fighter jet at the moment, is no longer being produced because it costs a bit too much, but it's a highly capable model nonetheless. It can be used to project air superiority, but it can also be used for multirole purposes, attacking ground targets, or conducting intelligence work.
The US has another project in the works, the F-35, which will be used both as a fighter and as a bomber, and it's a joint project between multiple countries, with versions designed to fit the needs of each of them. There are even versions which are designed to land and to take off vertically, without the need for a runway. Once it starts full production, it will probably one of the most valuable airplanes of the world.
China has the Chengdu J-20 in the works, a model which has advanced stealth characteristics, but for now it's still in the testing phase. The first flight of the J-20 was in 2011. This airplane is a single seater, with twin engines, comparable to the Sukhoi T-50 and the F-22.
The Sukhoi PAK FA T-50 is another stealth aircraft that is being tested right now, this time in Russia. Once it starts production, it will be the place to replace the much respected Mig-29 and Su-27 models. Russia develops it together with India, and each of them will buy 200 of these stealth planes.
Japan also has a stealth fighter jet in the works, a model called ATD-X Shinshin, from Mitsubishi. Right now it's still a project though, with the first flight for it being scheduled in 2014. It's not a country that you would expect to have a fighter jet, but they are preparing for the world of tomorrow, when the countries that have this technology implemented will definitely have an advantage in case of a conflict. With the enemies that Japan has in the area, North Korea and China being among them, it's only logical for them to make this step.
For the moment, the United States Air Forces have the advantage, thanks to the stealth fighter they already have deployed, and because they have a second model, the F-35, in development. With an advance of a decade ahead of the other countries, they are set for domination in this area for the foreseeable future.
The stealth fighter jets capture the imagination of many, thanks to their capabilities. If you're looking to discover more about them and find out which is the best fighter jet, know that you're one of the many that do the same. Airplanes like the F22 Raptor, or the Japanese Mitsubishi ATD-X Shinshin fighter jet have been incredibly popular ever since they were announced. Enjoy the rest of the articles on this topic.
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