How fast do fighter jets fly? Modern fighter jets are built for speed, with several capable of exceeding the speed of sound, which is around 767 miles per hour (1,235 kilometers per hour) at sea level. Supersonic planes, such as the F-16 Fighting Falcon and the Russian MiG-29, may attain speeds ranging from Mach 1.6 to Mach 2.2, or around 1,200 to 1,500 miles per hour (1,931 to 2,414 km/h). These supersonic speeds enable fighter jets to do high-speed maneuvers, avoid enemy radar, and travel long distances fast. Achieving such speeds necessitates powerful engines, specialized aerodynamics, and innovative materials that can resist the extreme heat and pressure generated at high speeds.