Quantcast

Enduring legacy: five old air superiority fighters still flying

Spirit Airlines Explores Bankruptcy Filing
Airlines turn to AI to allocate gates and cut waiting times
American Airlines Passengers Save Woman from Alleged Violent Male Companion on Flight
Garuda Indonesia and Japan Airlines (JAL) Form Joint Business Agreement — What To Know
Here's how Southwest Airlines' new seating and boarding process will work
Delta Adds New Route to Asia
Southwest Airlines will begin selling assigned seats in 2025
United Airlines Pilot Buys Passengers Pizza In Albuquerque After Flight Was Delayed 7 Hours
Czech Airlines to Cease Operations, Ending 23-Year SkyTeam Partnership
An Asian airline hopes launching one of the world's longest narrowbody routes will actually be a comfort upgrade for passengers
Airlines begin canceling flights, offering rebooking ahead of Hurricane Helene
Southwest Airlines to cut service and staffing in Atlanta to slash costs
New heights, new features: Discover Alaska’s enhanced Flight Pass subscription service
Alaska Airlines completes acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, expanding benefits and choice for travelers
American Airlines welcomes JetSMART to the award-winning AAdvantage program
Explore Japan for free? Japan Airlines offers free domestic flights to foreign travelers
Delta named Official Airline Partner of Birmingham City Football Club
American Airlines to Cut These Routes to Las Vegas, Orlando, and More — Here's Why
Alaska Airlines completes acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, expanding benefits and choice for travelers
Southwest wouldn't really start charging for bags — right?
JD Power ranked this Midwest airport as the best among largest airports in North America
Alaska Airlines Chief Plans More Routes After a Deal With Hawaiian
Air Canada could begin suspending flights soon as strike deadline nears
JetBlue's new ticket policy entitles every passenger to a carry-on bag
Why United Airlines’ CEO makes as few decisions as possible
American invests in the future of aviation maintenance with new jobs, additional work
DOT probe seeks to determine if frequent flyer programs are fair to travelers
American Airlines flight diverted after passenger starts vaping
Russian Airline Wants $100 Million From Canada for Seizing Its Giant Cargo Plane
Here's where American Airlines is adding flights to Europe in summer 2025
Enduring legacy: five old air superiority fighters still flying
Policy
Webp 9d8e4n9zvnq6npvse1f7c4oouh5n
Airbus A380 | Airbus

The McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle, first introduced in 1976, remains one of the most enduring air superiority fighters still in service today. Initially manufactured by McDonnell Douglas and later by Boeing, the F-15 was designed as a twin-engine, all-weather fighter. Despite advancements in military technology, it is considered one of the fastest fighters ever put into service by the United States. "The aircraft remains the fastest fighter jet ever put into service by the United States," according to reports.

Japan's Mitsubishi F-15J is another long-serving fighter. Manufactured under license from McDonnell Douglas, 213 units were produced by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries for Japan's Air Self-Defense Force in the 1980s. These aircraft are notable for being the only F-15 jets produced outside of the United States.

The Mikoyan MiG-29, developed during the 1970s by the Mikoyan Design Bureau in the Soviet Union, continues to be operational with several air forces worldwide. The MiG-29 was intended to counter U.S.-built fighter aircraft like the F-15 Eagle and remains one of the oldest air superiority fighters still in production.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Soviet-built Sukhoi Su-27 entered service in 1985 and was designed to combat fourth-generation fighters such as the F-15 and Grumman F-14 Tomcat. Over 680 units were produced between 1982 and 2010. Variants of this aircraft remain active with several air forces including Russia and China.

Finally, the Sukhoi Su-33 is a carrier-capable fighter that entered service officially in 1998 but began operations three years earlier on Russia's Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier. Only 24 units were produced, with some later versions built under license in China as Shenyang J-15.

These aircraft highlight how some designs have proven so capable or difficult to replace that they continue serving decades after their introduction.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Airbus has released its order and delivery statistics for May, revealing that the company did not secure any new orders during the month.

Jun 9, 2025

Wizz Air is set to increase its capacity by approximately 20% in the year leading up to March 2026, despite facing challenges with a portion of its fleet being grounded due to Pratt & Whitney GTF engine issues.

Jun 9, 2025

ITA Airways is reportedly planning to expand its operations by launching over a dozen new long-haul routes in the next five years.

Jun 9, 2025

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) plans to suspend airline operations at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on the evening of June 14.

Jun 9, 2025

Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, a joint venture between Hungary-based Wizz Air and Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company (ADQ), has experienced significant changes since its launch in January 2021.

Jun 9, 2025

Southwest Airlines, the fourth-largest airline in the United States, has reported a total of 4,194 daily movements for June.

Jun 9, 2025