The future of aerial combat is taking shape
with the development of advanced multirole combat jets. These cutting-edge aircraft are designed to
excel in a wide range of missions, from air superiority and ground attack to electronic
warfare. Packed with state-of-the-art technology, they
represent the next generation of versatility and performance in the world of military aviation. Let’s check out the list of all the upcoming
Multirole Fighters of the world. 1 The Tejas Mark-1A, an upgraded version of
the Tejas Mark-1, is a multirole fighter jet featuring a distinctive compound delta wing
design, offering superior performance in close-combat, high-speed, and high-alpha situations compared
to conventional cruciform-wing configurations. It boasts "relaxed static stability" for improved
maneuverability and agility and is equipped with advanced components and avionics. The Indian Air Force had plans to procure
83 Tejas Mark-1A aircraft with an estimated value of $8 billion. On January 13, 2021, the initial order for
73 Mk 1A aircraft was confirmed, with a prospective introduction into service around 2024. 2 The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA),
this is a fifth-generation multirole fighter aircraft designed to serve the Indian Air
Force and Navy. It's characterized by its stealth capabilities
and all-weather, multi-role functionality, featuring a single-seat configuration and
two engines. The initial stages, including the feasibility
study and basic design, have been successfully completed. The first flight is anticipated for 2025-26,
followed by serial production commencing in the 2030s. The AMCA is positioning it as a formidable
successor to the IAF's Sukhoi Su-30MKI air superiority fighter. 3 The Shenyang FC-31 Gyrfalcon, this is a
Chinese twin-engine, mid-sized fifth-generation multirole fighter. The aircraft incorporates two internal weapons
bays, each capable of carrying two medium-range missiles. It also includes two heavy hardpoints and
one light hardpoint on each wing. This aircraft is believed to use stealth coatings
rather than integrated fiber-mat stealth. According to AVIC officials, the aircraft
is designed to exhibit stealth characteristics against L-band and Ku-band radars and maintain
a low-observable profile against various multi-spectrum sensors.
5 The Su-35SM, this is an improved variant of the single-seat Su-35S multirole fighter. It includes a new radar system that enhances
situational awareness, as well as new engines to expand the aircraft's operational capabilities
and combat radius. Additionally, the Su-35SM will incorporate
a new electronic warfare (EW) suite, advanced high-speed communication capabilities, and
the potential inclusion of a high-precision weapon. Furthermore, the Su-35SM is set to leverage
advanced technologies originally developed for the Su-57 stealth fighter. It is expected to achieve its initial operational
capability by 2025. 4 The Su-30SM2 represents an enhanced version
of the twin-seat Su-30SM multirole fighter aircraft utilized by the Russian Air Force. This upgraded version is set to feature several
notable improvements, such as the Irbis radar system, AL-41F1S engines featuring thrust
vectoring control (TVC) for expanded flight capabilities and an increased combat radius. Furthermore, it will incorporate a new electronic
warfare system, advanced high-speed communication capabilities, and an improved high-precision
targeting system. The Su-30SM2 is expected to make its initial
operating capability slated for 2025. In essence, the Su-30SM2 will be on par with
the Su-35S fighter aircraft's capabilities in various aspects, enabling it to effectively
engage stealth fighters like the F-22 and F-35. 6 SU-75 Checkmate- Russia introduced this
novel multirole fighter aircraft at the MAKS 2021 air show. According to credible sources, this aircraft
will incorporate fifth-generation technologies and is expected to enter service In 2026. Upon commencing serial production, Moscow's
objective is to manufacture 300 units of the SU-75 within a 15-year timeframe. Similar to other stealthy aircraft designs,
the SU-75 features an internal weapons compartment for storing missiles. Notably, the prototype, as indicated on exhibit
information plaques, is outfitted with the same air-launched weaponry as the Su-35 and
Su-57. 7 TAI TF- Kaan- This is a Turkish fifth-generation
twin-engine multirole fighter featuring stealth capabilities and designed for all-weather
conditions. This aircraft is primarily intended to replace
the Turkish Air Force's existing F-16 Fighting Falcons while also being targeted for export
to other nations. Anticipated to conduct its inaugural flight
in 2025, the TF-X fighter is projected to become operational in the 2030s. BAE Systems plays a key role as a subcontractor
in this project. Initially, prototypes will be powered by General
Electric F110 engines until domestically developed engines by TRMotor are ready for deployment.
8 Rafale F4 Generation- The French Ministry of Defense unveiled a substantial $2.3 billion
investment plan in January 2019 for the development of the Rafale F4 generation. This upcoming F4 version is poised to incorporate
cutting-edge technologies, including software-defined radio, advanced connectivity options, and
satellite communication capabilities. Dassault's implementation of the Standard
F4 is expected to occur in two phases. The initial batch, designated as the F4.1
variant, is scheduled for delivery around 2024, with 28 aircraft already on order. This will be followed by the F4.2 version,
set to be delivered by 2030. The Rafale F4 will feature enhancements to
the RBE2 AESA radar system and advanced weaponry. 9 Eurofighter ECR- By 2026, the first Eurofighter
ECR capability is scheduled to be ready. This version of the Eurofighter will offer
passive emitter location capabilities along with active threat jamming, in addition to
offering a variety of adaptable configurations for electronic warfare and countering opponent
air defenses. It will feature a two-seat configuration with
specialized electronic warfare systems and mission control displays designed for mission
experts. The Typhoon ECR is expected to be equipped
with two Escort Jammer pods under the wings and two Emitter Location Systems at the wingtips,
along with three drop tanks. The armament will include four MBDA Meteors,
two IRIS-T missiles, and six SPEAR-EW munitions. 10 F-16V Block 70/72- This represents the
most advanced version of the F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft. Lockheed Martin first introduced this new
version at the 2012 Singapore Airshow. On October 16, 2015, the F-16V successfully
completed its inaugural flight, featuring notable enhancements like the APG-83 Scalable
Agile Beam Radar AESA, a modernized mission computer, an Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance
System, and various other upgrades. This updated variant is referred to as the
"Viper" and is designed to enhance its compatibility with fifth-generation fighter aircraft. The comprehensive upgrade initiative for its
fleet of 144 aircraft commenced in January 2017 and is on track to conclude by 2023. 11 F-15EX Eagle II- This is a two-seat multi-role
fighter with all-weather capabilities, offering a unique set of enhancements exclusively for
the U.S. Air Force. Its purpose is to replace the F-15C/D aircraft. On February 2, 2021, the F-15EX conducted
its first flight. The first F-15EX was delivered to the U.S.
Air Force in March 2021 and was subsequently flown to Eglin Air Force Base in Florida for
additional testing. Equipped with cutting-edge technology. The F-15EX has the capability to carry an
impressive arsenal of 22 AIM-9X Sidewinder and AMRAAM medium-range air-to-air missiles,
making it the aircraft with the highest payload capacity globally. It can transport up to 30,000 pounds or 13,607
kg of ordnance. As of May 2022, the U.S. Air Force had placed
orders for 80 F-15EX aircraft. 12 The F-36 Kingsnake- This is envisioned
as a non-stealthy aircraft, yet it's designed to incorporate low-observability technology
and contemporary features, such as the F-22 Raptor's F119-PW-100 engine, enabling it to
achieve a maximum speed of Mach 2. The Kingsnake will be outfitted with the AN/APG-83
advanced electronically scanned array radar, the same radar used in the new F-16, in addition
to an infrared sensor device derived from the Legion electro-optical targeting pod. The Kingsnake is designed as a multi-role
fighter with the capability to handle both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. While it can carry missiles and guided bombs
in internal bays, due to its non-stealthy nature, these could also be mounted on external
hard points located on the wings.
