Attack aircraft, contrary with fighters, are designed to attack land targets, usually deep behind the first line. On the other side, the main role of fighter aircraft is dogfighting, although many modern military aircraft can perform both types of missions. Consider that attack aircraft also differentiate from bombers due to their light and combat dimensions and the extremely lower payload capabilities. We should note that in terms of dimensions, the light attack aircraft are closer to fighters than bombers. But let’s focus on the primary attack aircraft, and see the top ten of its kind.

This list is based on the most important features of the specific class: the maximum payload, the range, and the armament options of the aircraft. Of course, there are secondary characteristics like reliability, top speed, maneuverability, and more. To make the list more accurate, we tried to put the most battle-proven models that are massively produced.

10/10 AMX International AMX

This aircraft was developed and produced in Italy and Brazil. AMX made its first flight in 1984. The multi-purpose aircraft can carry up to 8,340 pounds in five external hardpoints.

AMX International can achieve a maximum speed of 1,690 miles per hour at a maximum altitude of 8 miles. When it comes to range, the attack aircraft can travel a distance up to 1,120 miles. Although, this number depends heavily on the exact armament of the mission and the fuel tanks that are carried externally.

9/10 SEPECAT Jaguar

Another aircraft on the list that was a joint program. SEPECAT Jaguar was developed by France and the United Kingdom, although it is not active in any of these two countries. The aircraft has been retired and as of today it only serves the Indian Air Force. Jaguar has a payload of 9,920 pounds and five hardpoints.

The aircraft has a top speed of 1,060 miles per hour, can reach a maximum altitude of 8,700, and has a range of 1,060 miles (depending on the equipment).

8/10 Mitsubishi F-2

This unique Japanese aircraft was designed as a close air support aircraft and anti-ship fighter. F-2 features 11 hardpoints and can be equipped with armament with a maximum weight of 17,600 pounds.

During the flight, the Mitsubishi attack aircraft can accelerate at a velocity of up to 1,300 miles per hour and fly up to 11,200 miles high. The range of the Japanese F-2 is almost 2,730 miles (also depending on the equipment).

7/10 Mirage 2000D/N

Of course, the French Mirage couldn’t miss the list. The 2000 and 2000D models have been developed based on the Mirage 2000 and were designed as tactical bombers. The 2000D aircraft is the long-range version, while the 2000N is an aircraft specially designed for carrying nuclear weapons. The first version can carry up to 11,000 pounds of weapons.

Their top speed is almost 3,750 miles per hour, while the maximum altitude is 11,200 miles. Last but not least, Mirage 2000D/N have a range of almost 2,400-2,900 miles (also depending on the equipment).

6/10 JH-7

Until 2014, it was being said that almost 240 JH-7s have been produced for the Chinese armed forces. Half of them serve the Chinese Air Force and half of them serve the Chinese Navy. The attack aircraft features a payload of 19,840 pounds.

The JH-7 can fly with a top speed of 1,120 miles per hour at a maximum altitude of 9,700 miles. Its range is almost 1,240 miles (also depending on the equipment).

5/10 Su-24

Despite its age, the Russian aircraft is still one of the most successful long-range and high precision attack aircraft. Even if the Su-24 isn’t advanced enough to compete with its Western rivals, the Su-24M version is a more complete weapon. Its payload exceeds 17,600 pounds.

The Russian aircraft can fly with a top velocity of 820 miles per hour, at a maximum altitude of 10.5 miles. Its range varies between 745-1,550 miles (also depending on the equipment).

4/10 F/A-18F Super Hornet

The F/A-18F Super Hornet is a US attack aircraft that was designed to operate from aircraft carriers. The Super Hornet can fly with a maximum payload of 15,430 pounds.

The legendary aircraft of the US Navy has a top speed of 1,190 miles per hour and a top altitude of 9.3 miles. When it comes to distance, the aircraft has a range of 1,460 miles (also depending on the equipment).

3/10 Panavia Tornado IDS

Even if it’s too old, the European aircraft is still one of the most important on the continent. The different versions of attack, reconnaissance, and defense have played a significant role in many military operations. The aircraft can carry weapons with a weight of up to 19,840 pounds.

Tornado’s top speed is almost 1,390 miles per hour, while the maximum altitude it can fly is 9.3 miles. The range of the Panavia aircraft is 860 miles (also depending on the equipment).

2/10 Su-34

Su-34 is the successor of the Su-34 in the Russian military. The aircraft has 11 special hardpoints that can carry weapons of 17,630 pounds.

The Russian attack aircraft has a top speed of 1,180 miles per hour, while it can reach a maximum altitude of 8.7 miles. Its range varies between 1,240 and 1,550 miles (also depending on the equipment).

1/10 F-15E Eagle

The dominant aircraft of its kind, the US F-15 Eagle is one of the most legendary aircraft of the United States and for sure on the most powerful in the world. The first fully operational unit was delivered in 1989. Its first participation on the battlefield was during the Gulf War where it performed impressively well and started its successful service life. The aircraft features a payload of 22,930 pounds.

The maximum velocity of the Eagle is 1,650 miles per hour, while the attack aircraft can reach a maximum altitude of 11.3 miles. In terms of range, the F-15E can cover a distance up to 1,550 miles (also depending on the equipment).

The US Air Force’s plans include the acquisition of the new-developed F-15EX aircraft that will replace older versions of the F-15. The new model is even more powerful than its predecessor.