What was the only fighter faster than the F-14?

Short answer

The F-14 reached a top speed of Mach 2.34. Above it was the MiG-25, with a maximum speed of 3,000 km/h, Mach 3.1 at high altitude, and even capable of exceeding Mach 3.2, though its operational speed was capped at Mach 2.83 because the engines overspun and overheated.

Published: November 1, 2026 · Updated: November 1, 2026 · Edited by Above Ten Thousand · Editorial policy

What was the only fighter faster than the F-14?

F-14A Tomcat over Iraq during Southern Watch

The Tomcat at Mach 2.34

Each of the F-14's engines was rated at 20,900 lb (93 kN) of uninstalled static thrust, which allowed the aircraft to reach a top speed of Mach 2.34.

The MiG-25, capable of more than it was allowed

The MiG-25 was capable of reaching speeds above Mach 3.2 (3,445 km/h). Its maximum speed is listed at 3,000 km/h (1,900 mph, 1,600 kn), equivalent to Mach 3.1 at high altitude. Although there was enough thrust to reach Mach 3.2, a limit of Mach 2.83 had to be imposed because the engines tended to overspeed and overheat at higher velocities. Thus, the maximum operational speed was capped at Mach 2.83 (2,743.2 km/h, 1,704.5 mph).

Intercepting a Foxbat

Bomarc targets flying at speeds of up to Mach 3 and altitudes above 80,000 ft, representing MiG-25 "Foxbats", were routinely intercepted at normal mission distances of about 50 nautical miles. The actual range of the AIM-54 Phoenix is classified.