Tier

Aircraft

🟪 S Tier

ADFX-02 Morgan, EA-36, FA-36 Game, F-22A, F-35C, F/A-18E, Rafale M, Su-35S, Su-47, Su-57, Typhoon, X-40

🟦 A Tier

A-10C, F-2A, F-14D, F-15C, F-15J, F-16C, F/A-18F, Gripen E, MiG-31B, Mirage 2000-5, Su-33, Su-34, EA-18G

🟩 B Tier

F-4E, F-14A, F-15E, F/A-18C, MiG-21bis, MiG-29A, Su-25SM

🟨 C Tier

A-6E, EA-6B

S Tier Aircraft

Details

ADFX-02 Morgan

Best For: Heavy multirole combat, special-weapon attacks, mixed missions

Key Strength: Exceptional special-weapon versatility

The ADFX-02 Morgan stands out because of its unusually powerful special-weapon package. MPBM gives it strong area-damage potential, while TLS provides a completely different attack option and ECM adds tactical utility. Its ability to approach different mission situations with very different weapons makes it one of the most flexible high-end aircraft in the roster.

EA-36

Best For: Electronic warfare, team support, specialized multiplayer roles

Key Strength: Advanced EW capability combined with offensive options

The EA-36 is not a conventional fighter, but its specialized electronic-warfare capability gives it a unique place in the roster. IEWS provides its defining utility, while 4AAM and XSDB give it ways to contribute directly to combat. Its value becomes especially noticeable when the mission rewards support and disruption rather than straightforward dogfighting.

FA-36

Best For: High-end air combat, mixed missions, aggressive multirole play

Key Strength: Strong balance of mobility and advanced weapon options

The FA-36 combines a high-end fighter platform with SASM, HPAA, and SOD. This gives it options for both aerial engagements and wider attack situations. Its overall package makes it highly effective when a mission demands speed, maneuverability, and flexible weapon selection.

F-22A

Best For: Air superiority, PvP, high-end fighter combat

Key Strength: Excellent air-to-air performance and weapon flexibility

The F-22A is one of the most complete conventional fighters in the roster. QAAM gives it a powerful close-to-medium-range option, while 4AAM expands its ability to engage multiple aerial targets. XSDB also gives it useful ground-attack capability, making the aircraft far more versatile than a pure air-superiority fighter.

F-35C

Best For: Carrier operations, multirole missions, long-range attacks

Key Strength: Carrier compatibility and exceptional multirole flexibility

The F-35C combines a high-end airframe with LACM, HCAA, and 8AGM. Its loadout allows it to switch between aerial combat, long-range ground attacks, and multi-target engagements. Its carrier capability also makes it particularly valuable for campaign situations where aircraft availability is restricted by mission requirements.

F/A-18E

Best For: Carrier missions, balanced campaign play, multirole combat

Key Strength: Excellent combination of 6AAM, SOD, and QAAM

The F/A-18E is one of the most balanced aircraft in the roster. 6AAM gives it strong multi-target air combat capability, SOD provides a different attack profile, and QAAM offers a strong close-range option. Combined with its carrier compatibility, this gives the Super Hornet an unusually useful combination of campaign practicality and combat flexibility.

Rafale M

Best For: Multirole missions, carrier operations, long-range combat

Key Strength: HCAA, LACM, and LAAM weapon coverage

The Rafale M is one of the strongest all-round multirole aircraft available. HCAA gives it a dependable air-to-air option, while LACM allows it to attack ground targets from range and LAAM extends its aerial engagement capability. Its carrier compatibility further increases its usefulness across the campaign.

Su-35S

Best For: Mixed combat, multi-target engagements, aggressive multirole play

Key Strength: 6AAM + LAGM + HVAA versatility

The Su-35S covers several important combat situations with a very efficient weapon combination. 6AAM is useful when multiple aerial targets need to be engaged, LAGM adds strong ground-attack capability, and HVAA gives the aircraft another long-range air-to-air option. This broad coverage makes the Su-35S extremely difficult to pigeonhole into a single role.

Su-47

Best For: Advanced dogfighting, aggressive pilots, mixed combat

Key Strength: High maneuverability and strong special-weapon options

The Su-47 combines a highly maneuverable airframe with SAAM, UGB, and HPAA. Its weapon set allows it to switch between aerial combat and ground attack, while its handling gives experienced pilots considerable room to exploit its strengths. It has a higher skill ceiling than some easier aircraft, but that potential is a major reason it reaches S Tier.

Su-57

Best For: Air superiority, long-range combat, multirole endgame missions

Key Strength: QAAM, HCAA, and LACM combination

The Su-57 offers one of the strongest all-round weapon packages in the roster. QAAM gives it a strong close-range option, HCAA provides additional air-to-air flexibility, and LACM lets it engage ground targets from a distance. The result is an aircraft that can remain effective even when the mission shifts between different target types.

Typhoon

Best For: Air superiority, long-range engagements, mixed missions

Key Strength: 4AAM, LAAM, and 8AGM coverage

The Typhoon is built around speed, maneuverability, and a highly flexible weapon selection. 4AAM gives it multi-target air combat capability, LAAM extends its reach against aircraft, and 8AGM provides a strong answer to groups of ground targets. That combination makes it one of the most adaptable conventional fighters in the roster.

X-40

Best For: Endgame combat, advanced special-weapon use, high-investment builds

Key Strength: Unique high-end weapon systems

The X-40 sits at the extreme end of the aircraft progression, reflected by its high acquisition cost. Its UAVT, EMLB, and QAAM package gives it capabilities that conventional aircraft cannot easily reproduce. It is therefore best suited to players looking for an advanced endgame aircraft rather than an economical early or mid-game choice.

A Tier Aircraft

Details

A-10C

Best For: Ground attack, close air support, heavy ground-target missions

Key Strength: Strong 4AGM, UGB, and RKT ground-attack capability

The A-10C is built around sustained ground attack rather than high-speed aerial combat. Its 4AGM gives it a reliable way to engage multiple ground targets, while UGB and RKT provide additional attack options. Its lower speed limits its flexibility, but when a mission is dominated by ground targets, the A-10C can be extremely effective.

F-2A

Best For: Anti-ship missions, ground attack, mixed combat

Key Strength: LASM combined with UGB and HVAA

The F-2A is particularly valuable when a mission requires strong surface-target capability without completely sacrificing air combat. LASM gives it an effective long-range attack option, while UGB provides additional ground-target coverage and HVAA gives it a useful answer against aerial targets.

F-14D

Best For: Long-range air combat, carrier missions, mixed fighter missions

Key Strength: LAAM with SAAM and GPB flexibility

The F-14D builds on the Tomcat's long-range fighter identity with LAAM as its defining weapon. SAAM provides another air-to-air option, while GPB gives it some ground-attack utility. It is especially useful when a mission rewards keeping enemy aircraft at distance while retaining carrier compatibility.

F-15C

Best For: Air superiority, PvP, multi-target aerial combat

Key Strength: 4AAM, HCAA, and SASM weapon coverage

The F-15C is one of the strongest conventional air-superiority choices in the A Tier. 4AAM lets it pressure multiple targets, HCAA provides a strong general-purpose air-to-air option, and SASM adds another way to punish aerial targets. It sacrifices some of the multirole flexibility of the S Tier fighters but excels when air combat is the priority.

F-15J

Best For: Air-to-air combat, aggressive fighter builds, mixed missions

Key Strength: HPAA and HCAA combination

The F-15J offers a strong fighter-focused weapon package while retaining UGB for ground attacks. HPAA gives it a powerful option for aerial engagements, HCAA adds flexibility at longer ranges, and UGB prevents it from becoming completely dependent on air-to-air combat.

F-16C

Best For: Accessible multirole combat, early-to-mid campaign progression

Key Strength: 2AAM, QAAM, and LAGM versatility

The F-16C is an unusually well-rounded aircraft for its position in the progression. 2AAM provides multi-target air combat, QAAM offers a stronger specialized air-to-air option, and LAGM gives it useful ground-attack capability. It is easy to understand, flexible, and capable of handling a wide variety of missions.

F/A-18F

Best For: Carrier missions, mixed objectives, flexible multirole combat

Key Strength: LASM, 4AAM, and GPB coverage

The F/A-18F offers a strong combination of carrier compatibility and multirole capability. LASM makes it particularly useful against surface targets, 4AAM gives it reliable multi-target air combat capability, and GPB provides another ground-attack option. It is a strong choice when a mission requires one aircraft to handle several target types.

Gripen E

Best For: Multirole missions, ground attack, long-range air combat

Key Strength: SASM, 6AGM, and LAAM flexibility

The Gripen E has one of the more interesting weapon combinations in the A Tier. SASM provides a specialized air-to-air option, 6AGM allows it to attack groups of ground targets efficiently, and LAAM gives it long-range aerial reach. Its versatility makes it particularly useful for pilots who frequently switch between target types.

MiG-31B

Best For: Long-range interception, high-speed combat, aerial target hunting

Key Strength: LAAM backed by SAAM and QAAM

The MiG-31B is heavily oriented toward speed and long-range interception. LAAM gives it excellent reach against distant aircraft, while SAAM and QAAM provide alternatives when the engagement moves closer. Its specialization makes it less flexible than the best multirole aircraft, but it can be extremely effective when range is the priority.

Mirage 2000-5

Best For: Multirole missions, ground attack, early progression

Key Strength: UGB, 4AAM, and LASM combination

The Mirage 2000-5 offers a balanced loadout that covers both aerial and surface targets. UGB provides dependable ground-attack capability, 4AAM handles multiple aerial targets, and LASM adds useful reach against surface targets. It does not have the raw performance of the top-end aircraft, but its practical flexibility makes it a dependable A Tier option.

Su-33

Best For: Carrier operations, air combat, mixed naval missions

Key Strength: QAAM, RKT, and HVAA combination

The Su-33 combines carrier capability with a strong fighter-oriented loadout. QAAM gives it a powerful close-range air-to-air option, HVAA provides additional reach, and RKT adds another attack method for surface targets. It is particularly useful for players who want a capable carrier fighter without moving into the more specialized high-end aircraft.

Su-34

Best For: Heavy ground attack, mixed strike missions, experienced pilots

Key Strength: 4AGM, UGBL, and HCAA versatility

The Su-34 is one of the strongest dedicated strike aircraft in the A Tier. 4AGM provides multi-target ground attack, UGBL gives it another powerful strike option, and HCAA prevents it from being completely helpless against aerial targets. Its large and specialized attack package makes it particularly effective when ground targets dominate the mission.

EA-18G

Best For: Electronic warfare, team support, specialized multiplayer roles

Key Strength: ESM, ECM, and 2AAM support package

The EA-18G sacrifices conventional fighter specialization for electronic-warfare utility. ESM and ECM give it capabilities that standard fighters do not provide, while 2AAM allows it to contribute directly against aerial targets. Its effectiveness depends heavily on the mission and team composition, but in situations where electronic support matters, it can provide value that raw fighter statistics cannot replicate.

B Tier Aircraft

Details

F-4E

Best For: Early campaign, budget builds, mixed combat

Key Strength: Useful combination of HVAA, UGB, and MGP

The F-4E is a capable low-cost multirole aircraft that can handle both aerial and ground targets. HVAA gives it useful reach against aircraft, while UGB and MGP provide straightforward ground-attack options. It lacks the performance and flexibility of later aircraft, but its low cost and balanced loadout make it a dependable choice during the early stages of progression.

F-14A

Best For: Early carrier missions, long-range air combat, mixed objectives

Key Strength: HVAA and SAAM air-to-air options

The F-14A provides a solid introduction to long-range carrier-based combat. HVAA gives it useful reach against aerial targets, while SAAM offers a more specialized option for skilled pilots. UGB adds some ground-attack capability, but the aircraft is ultimately more comfortable when used as a fighter.

F-15E

Best For: Strike missions, ground attack, mixed air-to-ground combat

Key Strength: XSDB and SFFS strike capability with HCAA backup

The F-15E is a powerful strike-oriented aircraft with a strong selection of ground-attack weapons. XSDB and SFFS allow it to approach ground targets in different ways, while HCAA gives it useful air-to-air capability. Its specialization keeps it below the most versatile aircraft, but it can perform extremely well when the mission favors precision and sustained strike operations.

F/A-18C

Best For: Starter aircraft, carrier operations, balanced campaign play

Key Strength: Simple and reliable 4AAM, UGB, and LASM loadout

The F/A-18C is the dependable starting point for players who want a balanced aircraft from the beginning. 4AAM provides multi-target air combat, UGB handles ground targets, and LASM gives it useful surface-attack reach. It eventually gets surpassed by more advanced aircraft, but its balanced weapon package makes it useful well beyond the opening missions.

MiG-21bis

Best For: Low-cost combat, close-range fighting, skilled pilots

Key Strength: Extremely affordable platform with SASM, QAAM, and MGP

The MiG-21bis demonstrates that a low-cost aircraft can still be dangerous when used effectively. SASM and QAAM give it strong offensive options, while MGP provides a straightforward close-range attack tool. Its lower speed, durability, and overall aircraft performance place limits on it, but its low acquisition cost and surprisingly effective weapons give it plenty of value.

MiG-29A

Best For: Balanced fighter combat, mixed missions, early progression

Key Strength: HCAA, HPAA, and LAGM versatility

The MiG-29A offers a practical mix of air-to-air and air-to-ground capability. HCAA provides a reliable aerial combat option, HPAA adds a more specialized high-damage attack, and LAGM gives it useful ground-target capability. It does not reach the performance of the higher-tier fighters, but it remains a flexible and reliable aircraft for mixed missions.

Su-25SM

Best For: Close air support, ground-heavy missions, area attacks

Key Strength: 4AGM, SFFS, and MGP ground-attack package

The Su-25SM is a dedicated attacker built around putting serious pressure on ground targets. 4AGM provides multi-target capability, SFFS offers another powerful strike option, and MGP works well against targets that require sustained close-range attacks. Its slower speed and limited air-to-air flexibility keep it out of the higher tiers, but on ground-focused missions it can be extremely effective.

C Tier Aircraft

Details

A-6E

Best For: Early ground attack, surface-target missions, budget builds

Key Strength: LAGM, LASM, and UGB attack coverage

The A-6E is a straightforward attacker that gives players several useful options against surface targets. LAGM provides ranged ground-attack capability, LASM expands its usefulness against surface targets, and UGB gives it a conventional bombing option. Its limited air-to-air capability and lower overall performance make it difficult to compete with the stronger attackers and multirole aircraft later in the progression.

EA-6B

Best For: Electronic warfare, support-focused missions, specialized team play

Key Strength: ECM and ESM support capabilities

The EA-6B is a highly specialized aircraft whose value comes from electronic warfare rather than conventional fighter performance. ECM and ESM give it a unique role that standard fighters cannot directly replace, while LAGM allows it to contribute against ground targets. However, its limited direct combat flexibility means it depends heavily on the mission and situation to reach its full potential.

Recommendation

Aircraft

Why We Recommend It

Best Overall Plane

F-22A

One of the most complete conventional fighters in the roster, combining excellent air-to-air performance with QAAM, 4AAM, and XSDB for additional flexibility.

Best Multirole Plane

F-35C

Excellent balance between aerial combat and ground attack, with HCAA, LACM, and 8AGM providing strong coverage across different objectives.

Best for PvP

F-22A

Its strong fighter performance, QAAM, 4AAM, mobility, and ability to maintain pressure across different engagement ranges make it a strong PvP choice.

Best for Air-to-Air Combat

Su-57

QAAM and HCAA give it strong aerial combat flexibility, while its overall performance allows it to remain effective across different engagement distances.

Best for Ground Attack

Su-34

4AGM and UGBL give the Su-34 a powerful ground-attack package, while HCAA prevents it from being completely limited to surface targets.

Best for Carrier Missions

F/A-18E

Carrier compatibility combined with 6AAM, SOD, and QAAM gives it excellent flexibility when operating from carrier-based missions.

Best Long-Range Fighter

MiG-31B

LAAM gives the MiG-31B a strong long-range identity, with SAAM and QAAM providing additional options when engagements move closer.

Best Multirole Carrier Aircraft

Rafale M

HCAA, LACM, and LAAM give it strong coverage against both aerial and surface targets while retaining carrier capability.

Best Budget Fighter

MiG-21bis

Its low acquisition cost combined with SASM, QAAM, and MGP makes it one of the most interesting low-cost options for players willing to work around its limitations.

Best Early Multirole Aircraft

F-16C

2AAM, QAAM, and LAGM give the F-16C useful options against both aircraft and ground targets without requiring a high-end aircraft.

Best Ground-Attack Specialist

A-10C

Its 4AGM, UGB, and RKT loadout is heavily focused on destroying ground targets and sustaining pressure during ground-heavy missions.

Best High-Skill Aircraft

Su-47

Its combination of strong mobility and SAAM/UGB/HPAA options gives experienced pilots plenty of room to exploit its strengths.

Best Electronic-Warfare Aircraft

EA-36

Its IEWS system gives it a specialized support role that conventional fighters cannot directly reproduce, while 4AAM and XSDB allow it to contribute offensively.

Best Support Aircraft

EA-18G

ESM and ECM provide specialized electronic-warfare utility, while 2AAM allows it to contribute to aerial engagements.

Best Endgame Aircraft

X-40

Its high acquisition cost reflects its position as an advanced endgame platform, with UAVT, EMLB, and QAAM providing a distinctive high-end weapon package.

Best Starter Aircraft

F/A-18C

Its balanced 4AAM, UGB, and LASM loadout makes it easy to use across different mission types while players build toward more advanced aircraft.

Best Naval / Surface Attack Option

F-2A

LASM gives the F-2A a strong surface-attack option, while UGB and HVAA allow it to remain useful outside dedicated anti-surface missions.

Best Multi-Target Air Combat

Typhoon

4AAM provides multi-target aerial pressure, while LAAM and 8AGM give the aircraft useful reach and ground-attack flexibility.