We consider the recursive state estimation of a highly maneuverable target. We apply optimal recursive Bayesian filters directly to the nonlinear target model. We present novel sequential simulation based algorithms developed explicitly for the maneuvering target tracking problem. These Monte Carlo filters perform optimal inference by simulating a large number of tracks, or particles. Each particle is assigned a probability weight determined by its likelihood. The main advantage of our approach is that linearizations and Gaussian assumptions need not be considered. Instead, a nonlinear model is directly used during the prediction and likelihood update. Detailed nonlinear dynamics models and non-Gaussian sensors can therefore be utilized in an optimal manner resulting in high performance gains. In a simulation comparison with current state-of-the-art tracking algorithms we show that our approach yields performance improvements.