1. Stealth fighters

While America holds the current stealth-jet lead with the only fielded fifth-generation fighter, Russia and China are both gunning for it.

There are only 187 F-22s, and the F-35 that is supposed to be joining them is running into all sorts of problems in test phase, including the hi-tech helmet that is supposed to put all kinds of info in the pilot’s visor but doesn’t work right yet.

Meanwhile, China is developing four stealth fighters.

The J-31 debuted in air shows in 2014 and is the most advanced current threat, and the J-20, which may have just entered full-scale production, is probably a match for the F-35, if not the F-22.

The two newest designs, the J-23 and J-25, are mostly rumors and Chinese propaganda right now.

Russia is developing only one stealth fighter but it has capabilities that some put on par with the F-22.

The T-50 will likely enter service in late 2016 or early 2017. Also known as the PAK FA, it’s less stealthy than the Raptor but more maneuverable. The F-22 would likely get a jump on the Russians in a war, but would be in serious trouble if it was spotted first.

Likely winner: As long as the other planes are still more hypothetical than real, the F-22 remains the clear victor.

Still, Raptor drivers can’t rest easy knowing that multiple aircraft are being developed with the primary mission of bringing them down, and those planes are being developed with engineers who have the F-22’s schematics.