A modern multi purpose fighter aircraft is designed primarily to
secure control of essential airspace by destroying enemy aircraft in combat.
But it has to, as well as have air to air combat capabilities, needs to be able to do air to surface attack. Also it needs to be able to perform reconnaissance missions.
A modern jet fighter needs to be able to operate at day time and at night time.
Apart from getting to it’s destination and getting away from danger zones quickly, it may need speed and instant power to evade missiles that are meant for her.
Since we are not rich enough to have dedicated bombers, our multi purpose fighter is also expected to carry out bombing missions too. But thankfully, due to the introduction of smart bombs and very accurate targeting systems, carpet bombing indiscriminately of enemy positions with large bomber aircraft is no longer a necessity. Modern warfare is more about surgical strikes.
To build an aircraft that will perform all these duties and do justice, is stretching the envelope a bit too much. So we need aircrafts that will specialise in certain mission parameters.
We will need aircraft for CAS and light attack missions. (Hurjet).
We will need aircraft for air superiority missions (MMU and f16)
We will need aircraft for heavy bombing missions (MMU and F16)
This will mean configuring both f16 and MMU fighters in certain cases for heavy bombing missions. But for all light bombing and cheap quick response sorties a modified Hurjet will be invaluable.
As per
@Nutuk ’s post we need planes “a la turco“ . Modified and designed to serve our needs and stay within our capability envelope.
Addition of MIUS high subsonic/supersonic unmanned fighters will add to the lethality of our airforce and become game changers.
”The future is bright”
