While the United States has made significant strides in developing 4.5- generation fighters such as the F-15EX and F/A-18 Super Hornet, several other countries have produced notable models:
Chengdu J-10C
China has made remarkable progress in its aircraft programs over the past two decades. Developed by Chengdu Aircraft Design Institute (CADI), a subsidiary of Chengdu Aircraft Corporation, the J-10C entered service in 2006. It boasts modern AESA radar technology and can carry PL-15 long-range air-to-air missiles.
"The J-10C is a significant leap into true '4.5th Generation' capability for the PLAAF compared to earlier variants," said Justin Bronk, Research Fellow for Airpower and Technology at RUSI.
Dassault Rafale
The Rafale is a versatile French combat aircraft known for its impressive combat efficiency and survivability. Capable of performing various missions, including air superiority, ground attack, reconnaissance, nuclear deterrence, anti-ship attacks, close air support operations, and buddy-buddy refueling.
Eurofighter Typhoon
Developed by a consortium involving the UK Germany Italy Spain Eurofighter, Typhoon's twin-engine design makes it an agile dogfighter equipped with stealth- made airframes advanced sensors control weapons systems ensuring optimum combat capabilities Alfredo Garrote Eurofighter Expert series said ''The Eurofighter more than aircraft about European collaboration technological excellence ensures operational independence supports thousands high-skilled jobs across Europe programme exemplifies what Europe achieve nations work together towards common goal ''
Tejas MK IA
Designed developed India part country defense initiative self-reliance Tejas Mk1 entered service Indian Air Force July In February ADA signed memorandum understanding IAF integrate futuristic weapons sensors Defense Research Development Organization Aeronautical Development Agency led design development light combat aircraft LCA program Hindustan Aeronautics Limited HAL prime industrial contractor
Mitsubishi F--
Derived from Fighting Falcon features enlarged airframe larger wing area improving maneuverability payload capacity Equipped JAPG AESA radar first kind combat aircraft providing superior detection tracking capabilities Japan Air Self-Defense Force JASDF developed close-support fighter jet improved maneuvering capabilities lightweight wings integrated electronic warfare systems onboard computer
Saab JAS E/F Gripen
Cutting-edge multirole fighter developed Saab Swedish Air Force international customers Brazil Hungary South Africa Designed counter defeat future threats offers range capabilities including air-to-air refueling Powered General Electric FG engine delivers impressive thrust performance maximum take-off weight kg carry impressive payload ten hardpoints
Shenyang J--
Chinese multirole strike fighter based platform Developed Shenyang Aircraft Corporation People Liberation Army Air Force equipped advanced avionics including AESA radar superior detection tracking helmet-mounted display system improved situational awareness targeting precision November Chinese Russian forces conducted joint patrols Sea Japan nearby regions operations revealed inefficiencies China military aviation capabilities
Sukhoi Su--
Evolution Su Flanker first flew years ago twelve external hardpoints allow carry variety weapons making adaptable various mission profiles Powered Saturn ALFS turbofan engines leading maximum speed Mach km/h Made first flight February reportedly purchased Russian-made Iran amid Western concerns Tehran Moscow growing military cooperation
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