What a Mess: While fighter jets are iconic symbols of aviation and critical military assets, not all have been successful. This article explores five of the worst fighters in history. The Soviet Yakovlev Yak-38 suffered from poor handling due to its VTOL design flaws and was prone to engine failure, limiting its effectiveness.

-The MiG-23 had stability issues, unreliable engines, and a disappointing combat record. The American Convair F-102 Delta Dagger faced design problems and had a high accident rate. Nazi Germany's Heinkel He 162 was a rushed, poorly built jet that had little impact on WWII.

-Lastly, the Vought F7U Cutlass had an unusual design but was underpowered and unreliable, leading to its early retirement.

The fighter jet might be the most iconic aircraft type in the annals of aviation. When your average civilian thinks of an aircraft, the fighter jet is often the image that appears, with its sleek silhouette, roaring engines, and relative instability.

Fighters have progressed since their introduction over 100 years ago. From the simple biplanes of World War One to supersonic, super-cruising, ultra-maneuverable, stealth-capable fifth-generation fighters, the fighter jet is a constantly evolving concept. It is far more than an aviation icon. It is a foundational weapon, integral to war planning and military force structure. Militaries around the world spend vast percentages of their overall budget on fighter design and development. Indeed, the most expensive weapons system in world history is the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.

Fighter platforms are worth the praise and the military........

© The National Interest