F-15EX Tops World’s Heaviest Armed Fighters

Some fighter jets prioritize speed or stealth, but the true measure of firepower lies in weapons payload, and the Boeing F-15EX Eagle II leads the pack. With a maximum capacity of 29,500 lbs (13,300 kg) across 23 hardpoints, the Eagle II can carry AIM-9X Sidewinders, AIM-120 AMRAAMs, AGM-158 JASSMs, GBU-31/38 JDAMs or GBU-39 Small Diameter Bombs. Its open mission systems architecture allows rapid integration of next-generation weapons and electronic warfare pods, making it a “bomb truck” designed to unleash saturation strikes coordinated by stealthy F-22s or F-35s.

China’s Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon follows with an estimated 27,000 lbs (12,250 kg) payload distributed between eight external stations and two internal bays. It can field PL-10, -12, -15, -16 and -21 air-to-air missiles, LS6 small-diameter bombs, PL-17 long-range missiles and anti-radiation ordnance. Designed for stealthy sensor reach rather than dogfights, the J-20 depends on a powerful AESA radar to manage drones and supporting aircraft across the Western Pacific.

In third place, Russia’s Sukhoi Su-57 Felon carries up to 22,000 lbs (10,000 kg) in two main internal bays, two side bays and six underwing stations. It can launch R-77M and R-37 air-to-air missiles, Kh-35 and Kh-31 anti-ship weapons, Kh-38 and Kh-59 air-to-surface missiles, 500 kg cluster bombs and Kh-58UShK anti-radiation missiles while maintaining a reduced radar cross-section.

Following these top three are the Dassault Rafale with a 20,900 lb (9,500 kg) load on 14 pylons—capable of MICA, Meteor, Storm Shadow and even nuclear ASMP-A missiles—and the Eurofighter Typhoon, which carries 20,000 lbs (9,000 kg) of Meteor, IRIS-T, Brimstone and Storm Shadow ordnance. The F-35 Lightning II balances stealth with 18,000 lbs (8,200 kg) of internal and external stores, including AIM-120s, JASSMs, JSOWs, LRASMs and B61-12 nuclear bombs, while serving as a data-link node in networked warfare.

Japan’s Mitsubishi F-2, a “super F-16,” packs 17,824 lbs (8,085 kg) of Sparrow and Sidewinder missiles, ASM anti-ship rockets and JDAMs on 11 hardpoints, thanks to an early AESA radar. The U.S. Navy’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornet carries 17,750 lbs (8,050 kg) of Mavericks, HARMs, JSOWs, Harpoons and bombs across 11 stations, with Block III upgrades adding stealth shaping and drone command capabilities.

Russia’s multirole Su-30 Flanker and thrust-vectoring Su-35S Felon close the top ten with 17,673 lbs (8,016 kg) and 17,632 lbs (8,000 kg) respectively. The Su-30’s 12 hardpoints host R-27, Kh-29, Kh-31 and KAB-1500 bombs, while the Su-35S employs R-77s, Kh-31s, Kh-35s, Kh-59s and P-800 Oniks, plus advanced sensors and electronic warfare suites.

Across all ten types, “beast mode”—carrying max payload—is rarely seen in combat, but these figures highlight each jet’s theoretical striking capacity. Whether saturating hostile airspace or delivering precision standoff munitions, these fighters demonstrate how modern air forces balance stealth, agility and raw firepower to meet diverse mission requirements.

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