This Is What Nearly 60 Years of Stealth Aircraft Development Looks Like

The news recently emerged that Pakistan was planning on purchasing 40 J-35s, a fifth-generation stealth multirole combat aircraft, from China. Should this sale go through, it would be the first sale of these fifth-generation jets to an ally for China. The J-35 is incredibly stealthy. It has the ability to travel at high speeds up to Mach 2 (approximately 1,534 mph), has a high payload capacity, and is cheaper and easier to manufacture than some previous versions. The J-35 is also a prime example of how stealth aircraft design and capabilities have shifted over the years. When stealth technology was first conceptualized in World War I, the manufacturers had no idea how far the technology would come to this day. (You won’t believe how fast these military stealth planes fly.)

Stealth aircraft are especially valuable for military forces because of their ability to evade radar detection. Along with advanced warfare systems and sensors, and new weapon capabilities, stealth planes allow militaries to gain a stronger understanding of who they’re up against — and strike first, should the need arise. While some countries are still using stealth aircraft from decades ago, others have pivoted to more modern stealth planes. To identify the oldest and newest stealth planes in world militaries or on order, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed the report 2023 World Air Forces from FlightGlobal, an aviation and aerospace industry website, as well as other sources. We ordered these stealth aircraft, including uncrewed aerial vehicles and aircraft on order, chronologically. Supplemental data regarding the type of aircraft, top speed, manufacturer, and armament came from Military Factory. Data on notable countries that operate these aircraft came from FlightGlobal.

Covert air operations began in World War I with militaries attempting to reduce the visibility or sound of their aircraft. Technology in this regard has made leaps and bounds since the First World War. Companies that manufacture these jets for the military, like Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT), make billions in sales every year, and it’s worth understanding how these companies operate if you’re considering investing in them.

Retirement can be daunting, but it doesn’t need to be.

Imagine having an expert in your corner to help you with your financial goals. Someone to help you determine if you’re ahead, behind, or right on track. With SmartAsset, that’s not just a dream—it’s reality. This free tool connects you with pre-screened financial advisors who work in your best interests. It’s quick, it’s easy, so take the leap today and start planning smarter!

Don’t waste another minute; get started right here and help your retirement dreams become a retirement reality.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.