10 Best Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft in the World

Modern fighter aircraft have evolved dramatically, shifting from specialized air-to-air interceptors or ground-attack platforms to versatile “multi-role” machines. These aircraft are designed to perform a wide array of missions, capable of engaging both aerial and surface targets, often within the same sortie—a concept sometimes referred to as the ‘swing’ or ‘omni-role’ mission. The capability of a modern multi-role fighter can be immense, allowing it to carry a payload of anti-surface munitions comparable in weight to that of a World War II bomber, while simultaneously retaining the agility and performance necessary for critical air superiority missions. In the contemporary defense landscape, the dominance of fighter-bombers highlights a global trend, with only the wealthiest nations like the United States and Russia consistently operating large fleets of highly specialized single-role combat aircraft. This evolution towards multi-role designs is driven by a complex interplay of strategic needs, technological advancements, and perhaps most significantly, economic realities.

Before diving into a ranking of the 10 Best Multi Role Fighter Aircraft In The World as of 2020, it’s crucial to understand the underlying rationale for this shift towards multi-role designs. Jim Smith, who played a significant role in the development of several key British military aircraft projects, offers valuable insights into the factors that compel air forces to select multi-role platforms. While deeply involved in projects like the Tornado, Typhoon, and the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), Smith encountered the persistent critique: “Another Jack of All Trades, and Master of None.” This argument posited that attempting to combine diverse capabilities into a single airframe would inevitably result in compromises, preventing the aircraft from excelling in any specific role compared to dedicated designs. However, counterarguments rooted in practical constraints and economic efficiency strongly support the multi-role approach.

I. Why Air Forces Select Multi-Role Aircraft

The decision to pursue multi-role combat aircraft is often dictated by two primary drivers: force structure constraints and economy. Maritime air power, particularly operations from aircraft carriers, provides a compelling example of force structure limitations. A carrier air wing requires capabilities for both air defense – maintaining a Combat Air Patrol (CAP) screen, deterring enemy forces, defeating anti-shipping threats, and protecting support assets like airborne early warning (AEW) aircraft, tankers, and electronic warfare (EW) platforms – and strike – projecting power against surface targets. Given the finite space available on a carrier for storing and maintaining aircraft, relying solely on separate, single-role platforms for each mission becomes logistically challenging and space-prohibitive. This constraint led the US Navy to extensively adopt multi-role aircraft for carrier operations, most notably the F-4 Phantom II and, more recently, the F/A-18F Super Hornet. While the US Navy also operates some single-role aircraft, the success and long service of these multi-role types demonstrate their effectiveness, effectively countering the “Master of None” criticism in a naval context.

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Screenshot 2020-07-12 at 23.36.32.pngAn F-4 Phantom II assists with flight tests of an F/A-18 Hornet development aircraft, highlighting the generational shift in US naval aviation towards multi-role designs. The Hornet is shown refueling from a KA-3 tanker.

For smaller air forces and nations with more constrained defense budgets, maintaining separate development, procurement, training, and maintenance pipelines for dedicated fighter and strike aircraft is often neither necessary nor affordable. The cost and time required to develop modern air combat aircraft have escalated dramatically with the increasing complexity and capabilities demanded of these systems. This trend exerts relentless pressure on defense forces to reduce the overall number of different aircraft types in their inventories. This is driven not only by the rising development costs but also by significant operational expenses associated with maintaining and training air and ground crews for multiple disparate systems. In the UK, for example, the near-term future sees a core air power capability provided by a mix of Eurofighter Typhoon and F-35 Lightning II aircraft, covering both fighter and strike roles, with long-range precision strike handled by cruise missiles.

Screenshot 2020-07-12 at 23.05.09.pngThe UK’s strategy for a mixed force, illustrated by a line-up of Typhoon and Lightning II aircraft, demonstrates the trend towards fewer aircraft types handling diverse missions.

This pressure to consolidate inventory types has also fostered innovative solutions, resulting in the development of different aircraft variants optimized for distinct roles (fighter and strike) but sharing significant commonality in platform design, propulsion, and non-role-specific systems. Notable Western examples include the F-15C (air superiority) and F-15E (strike), and the Panavia Tornado GR (ground attack/reconnaissance) and F3 (interceptor). While these variants possess different avionics and some airframe modifications, they are not, strictly speaking, “truly” multi-role in the sense of a single airframe being readily configurable for diverse missions on a daily basis. Rather, they represent specialized derivations of a common baseline platform.

tornado-alarm-1.jpgA Panavia Tornado GR strike aircraft demonstrates its anti-radar capability by carrying ALARM missiles.

A third significant advantage driving the adoption of a multi-role approach is the inherent flexibility it provides in defense planning and execution. Many recent conflicts have not involved a significant contest for air dominance. In theaters like Afghanistan, Mali, or Yemen, the air threat has been minimal. In such environments, the ability of combat aircraft initially conceived with air-to-air capabilities, such as the Typhoon or Rafale, to “swing role” and effectively deliver strike missions has proven invaluable. The F-16 Fighting Falcon provides another classic example; although originally designed as a lightweight fighter, it has spent the majority of its extensive combat career operating primarily as a strike asset, demonstrating the adaptability afforded by a multi-role design.

II. Defining a Capable Multi-Role Combat Aircraft

So, what attributes define a truly capable multi-role combat aircraft? Fundamentally, it must be an airframe that can undertake a variety of mission types effectively. This includes precision guided bomb delivery, employment of long-range stand-off weapons, suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD) using anti-radiation missiles or other means, tactical reconnaissance, self-defense against airborne threats, and the ability to escort other aircraft.

Crucially, a desirable feature for many multi-role aircraft is the “swing-role” capability. This means the aircraft can switch between mission types dynamically, even within a single sortie. This is facilitated by carrying a mixed weapons loadout, allowing the pilot to engage different types of targets as they are identified or tasked. For instance, an aircraft might carry both laser-guided bombs for direct ground attack and anti-radiation missiles for engaging radar threats, enabling immediate defense suppression if needed. Fighter aircraft equipped for swing-role can carry a full air-to-air complement alongside air-to-surface weapons, ensuring they retain an air combat capability after delivering their ground ordnance. The swing-role is particularly vital for missions requiring Close Air Support (CAS), where precision is paramount due to the proximity of friendly forces, and target location and nature are often unknown until the aircraft is airborne and tasked.

Italian Eurofighter Typhoon loaded with a mix of air-to-air and air-to-surface weaponsAn Italian Eurofighter Typhoon demonstrates its multi-role versatility by carrying a mix of air-to-air missiles and ground attack ordnance.

Delivering this level of flexible capability places specific demands on the aircraft’s systems. To be effective in air combat, a multi-role platform requires a sophisticated radar system, and increasingly, an Infra-Red Search and Track (IRST) system, beneficial for detecting both traditional and stealthy targets without emitting radar energy. Essential weaponry includes both Long-range or Medium-range air-to-air missiles (L/MRAAM or MRAAM) and Short-range air-to-air missiles (SRAAM). Survivability in air combat also necessitates comprehensive defensive aids, such as a towed radar decoy, a capable defensive aids system (DAS), chaff and flares dispensers, and missile launch and approach warning systems.

Beyond air combat, the multi-role aircraft must function effectively as, at minimum, a tactical strike platform. This mandates sufficient payload-range capabilities to deliver weapons to their intended targets. The specific requirements for range and payload depend heavily on the target types and the necessary weapons. A basic precision-guided bomb capability requires a targeting pod (laser or other designation system) or internal equivalent, along with appropriate weapons stations and pylons. A Joint Tactical Information Distribution System (JTIDS) or similar secure datalink is also crucial for maintaining situational awareness, receiving dynamic target tasking, and obtaining mission authorization.

If targets are heavily defended by anti-air systems or are hardened structures, the aircraft will likely require the ability to employ stand-off weapons with significant range. These powered weapons are typically larger and heavier than unpowered bombs or glide bombs, increasing payload requirements. Engaging hardened targets with specialized, complex warheads also contributes to increased weapon size and weight.

Illustration of a fighter aircraft with various external stores configurationsIllustrating the impact of external stores, this graphic shows different configurations of weapons and fuel tanks on a fighter aircraft, which significantly affects radar signature and drag.

Unless the multi-role system incorporates significant stealth features and internal weapon bays, external carriage of stores is common. This compromises radar signature and significantly increases aerodynamic drag. To achieve a useful mission radius on strike missions while carrying external stores, additional fuel is often required, either through external fuel tanks (common on Rafale, Typhoon), fuselage conformal tanks (like on later F-15E, F-16 variants), or simply through a larger internal fuel capacity enabled by increased airframe size (e.g., Su-32, J-20).

It’s vital to recognize that merely having a large number of weapons pylons is insufficient for an effective multi-role strike capability. The weapons carried must be fully integrated with the aircraft’s systems. Aircraft sensors need to cue weapons; weapon engagement envelopes must be displayed to the pilot; and appropriate carriage, release, and safe separation envelopes must be understood and respected. Furthermore, pilots and ground crews require extensive training in the use and maintenance of the diverse systems and weapons employed.

III. Low Observable Systems and Multi-Role

The integration of stealth, or low observability (LO), introduces complexities for multi-role capability. Systems designed to be hard to detect by radar, infrared, and other sensors gain a significant advantage in high-threat environments. However, achieving this low signature often requires carrying weapons and fuel internally within bays. This limits the overall size and number of stores that can be carried, impacting both air-to-air and especially air-to-surface payload.

F-35 Lightning II in stealth configuration with internal weapons baysThe F-35 Lightning II demonstrates the internal weapons bay concept necessary for maintaining stealth, while also highlighting the payload limitations compared to external carriage.

This constraint has spurred the development of smaller, specialized munitions like the Small-Diameter Bomb (SDB) designed to fit within internal bays. However, using internal bays for air-to-surface weapons often comes at the expense of space that could be used for air-to-air missiles (like MRAAMs). The inability to carry external fuel tanks or large external stores without compromising stealth also reduces potential strike range and overall mission flexibility. Nevertheless, the reduced signature is invaluable for penetrating contested airspace, offering a critical “first day of the war” capability. A related aerodynamic consequence of configurations optimized for internal carriage and low observability can be higher wave drag, potentially resulting in less combat radius or persistence than might otherwise be expected from the internal fuel capacity, and sometimes impacting energy maneuverability.

Are acknowledged LO platforms like the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II multi-role? They certainly possess both fighter and strike capabilities. However, their reliance on internal bays for stealth imposes limitations on the variety and quantity of weapons they can carry simultaneously. Air forces like the Royal Navy and Royal Australian Air Force intend to utilize their F-35s for both air defense and strike. Other operators may employ a mixed force strategy, primarily using F-35s for strike missions supported by dedicated air superiority fighters.

The F-22 was largely optimized for the air superiority role, while the F-35 was conceived with a stronger emphasis on strike. In service, the F-22 is primarily employed as an air superiority fighter, despite its technical capability to carry a mix of JDAMs and SRAAMs for strike, largely due to its limited production numbers. Its core mission is to achieve air dominance, enabling other assets, including less stealthy multi-role aircraft, to conduct strike missions. Conversely, especially in high-threat environments, the F-35 might be best viewed as a strike aircraft with a robust self-defense capability, or perhaps an air defense aircraft whose primary strength lies in sensor fusion and situational awareness rather than raw kinematic performance or extensive air-to-air loadout in a stealthy configuration. Naturally, employing a mix of aircraft with varying strike and air combat loadouts, effectively functioning as “bombers and escorts,” remains a viable approach to achieve both air combat and strike effects.

Is a truly stealthy, highly capable multi-role aircraft possible? Certainly. However, such a design would likely require significantly larger internal weapons bays than those found on the F-22 or F-35 to accommodate the diverse range and size of weapons needed for comprehensive strike missions. Inevitably, this would result in a larger, more complex, and therefore more expensive aircraft. Some analysts suggest the Chinese J-20 might represent an exemplar of this design philosophy, potentially combining stealth with a greater multi-role capacity than earlier LO platforms.

IV. Mission Support Requirements

The effectiveness of a multi-role aircraft, particularly in executing swing-role missions, is heavily dependent on robust mission support systems. The nature of targets—whether fixed and pre-planned, or moving and re-locatable—dictates the necessary approach. Fixed targets can often be engaged with “fire and forget” stand-off weapons like cruise missiles. Moving or uncertain targets require a more dynamic and flexible approach.

Dassault Rafale carrying SCALP-EG cruise missile for stand-off attackA Dassault Rafale carrying a SCALP-EG cruise missile, illustrating its capability to engage fixed targets from a distance.

Simple methods like laser designation from the aircraft require line of sight and result in relatively short-range engagements. More sophisticated approaches utilize active seekers on the weapon itself, such as millimetric wave radar or infrared sensors, for tracking and guidance to the target.

Crucially, appropriate operational doctrine and advanced command and control (C2) systems are indispensable for enabling swing-role, Close Air Support, and dynamic in-mission planning to prosecute targets of opportunity or urgent tasking requests. Avoiding collateral damage, ensuring target validity, selecting appropriate weapons, coordinating with friendly ground and air forces, and maintaining air safety in complex environments all demand secure, high-confidence datalink communications and systems for receiving, processing, and approving taskings rapidly. While this perspective is rooted in Western and Coalition experience, any effective multi-role operation relying on dynamic, short-notice tasking requires established processes for validating and accepting taskings in a fluid environment.

V. Key Attributes for Multi-Role Aircraft

To summarize, a highly capable multi-role combat aircraft would ideally possess the following attributes (order not indicating priority):

1. An integrated suite of air-to-air weapons for self-defense and escort, likely including a minimum of 4 MRAAMs and 2 SRAAMs.
2. A suitable integrated suite of air-to-surface weapons. Precise needs depend on the target set, but typically include precision-guided bombs, anti-armor and/or anti-shipping weapons, stand-off weapons, cruise missiles, and anti-radiation weapons.
3. Appropriate sensors to detect targets and support weapons guidance, including air-to-air and air-to-surface radar (preferably AESA), IRST, laser designator, and the capability to carry external systems like tactical reconnaissance pods.
4. Sufficient internal fuel for the required mission radius, augmented by external fuel tanks and air-to-air refueling capability when necessary.
5. Comprehensive defensive aids, including chaff, flares, active radar and IR jamming, and ideally a towed radar decoy or other electronic attack capabilities.
6. Secure datalink communication for situational awareness, receiving and passing target information and authorization, weapon guidance support, and desirably, the ability to provide third-party targeting support.
7. Air vehicle performance sufficient for effective Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air combat and survivability in Within Visual Range (WVR) combat.
8. An affordable and supportable airframe and associated weapons systems throughout its lifecycle.
9. If stealthy, a sufficiently large internal weapons bay (or bays) to carry both MRAAMs and a meaningful air-to-surface weapons load simultaneously without compromising LO.
10. An appropriate command, control, and doctrinal environment to enable dynamic in-flight mission targeting and swing-role execution.

This list highlights the demanding requirements placed upon designers and operators of multi-role aircraft.

VI. Aircraft Considered But Not Ranked in the Top 10

Several highly capable aircraft were considered but ultimately not placed on this list of the top 10 multi-role fighters in 2020, based on their primary optimization or current stage of maturity:

• Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor: While possessing some ground attack capability, the F-22 is primarily an unmatched air superiority fighter. Using its limited numbers for the strike mission is generally considered a sub-optimal utilization of its unique capabilities.
• Chengdu J-20: This aircraft is primarily viewed as an air superiority platform with a potential anti-access role. Its large size and potential for large internal bays suggest a possible future multi-role capability, potentially armed with hypersonic air-to-air or anti-ship weapons that could threaten support assets. However, its precise multi-role capabilities were not definitively established for this 2020 ranking.
• Sukhoi Su-57 Felon: An impressive next-generation design, the Su-57 has the potential to be a formidable future multi-role platform. However, as of 2020, it was still in an early stage of deployment and not yet considered fully mature or widely operational in a multi-role capacity.
• Mikoyan MiG-35: This development of the MiG-29 airframe shows promise as a capable all-rounder. However, like the Su-57, it was considered immature in 2020 and not yet fielded in significant numbers or with fully proven multi-role capabilities compared to the aircraft on the list.

These aircraft represent significant combat capabilities, but their exclusion from the top 10 multi-role list for 2020 reflects a focus on established, proven, and operationally mature multi-role platforms widely in service.

VII. The Top 10 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft in 2020

Based on operational capability, maturity, payload-range, sensor suite, and combat proven history as multi-role platforms, here are the top 10 multi-role combat aircraft in service as of 2020, according to this analysis:

10. McDonnell Douglas F/A-18C Hornet (APG-79v4)

USMC F/A-18C Hornet fighter jet in flightA US Marine Corps F/A-18C Hornet in flight.

The tenth position is highly competitive, with several aircraft offering strong credentials. Candidates like the JF-17 (modern cockpit, stand-off attack, potent EW), Mirage 2000 (proven, well-equipped), and Tejas (tiny, good sensor package, carefree handling) all bring unique strengths. However, the edge for the number 10 slot in 2020 goes to the upgraded F/A-18C Hornets operated by the US Marine Corps. While they may lack the endurance of larger aircraft and represent an older design, these airframes were receiving a significant new lease of life through the retrofitting of the APG-79v4 AESA radar, a derivative of the Super Hornet’s system. This upgrade provided excellent situational awareness to a platform already renowned for its reliability, legendary maneuverability, and clearance to employ a wide range of modern munitions. The Hornet family boasts over 30 years of combat-proven service in conflicts across the Middle East, Afghanistan, and Libya. In the early 1980s, the legacy Hornet pioneered the concept of integrating an electronic cockpit with a capable multi-mission radar. In 2020, upgraded variants could still hold their own and were projected to continue service for some time.

9. Chengdu J-10C

Chinese J-10C multi-role fighter aircraft with PL-15 missilesA Chinese J-10C multi-role fighter aircraft carrying PL-15 air-to-air missiles.

External observers often approach Chinese military hardware with caution, a stance perhaps rooted more in historical perception than current reality (excepting engine technology, which has historically been a challenge). Judging an aircraft not exported widely can be difficult. It’s noteworthy that Pakistan canceled a 2009 order for the J-10, shifting focus to improved JF-17 variants and potential future commitment to the J-31. This might suggest the J-10’s capability advantage over the JF-17 was deemed insufficient for the cost, though this is speculative. What is certain is that the J-10 is a modern design undergoing rapid evolution and is in service in large, growing numbers with the PLAAF.

J-10C fighter jet in flight showing profile and canard configurationThe distinctive canard configuration of the Chinese J-10C fighter jet in flight.

The J-10 entered service in 2006, with around 350 built by 2020—surpassing the numbers of French Rafales or Swedish Gripens and nearing the quantity of F-35s. With an estimated empty weight of 8850 kg and maximum weight of 19277 kg, its size and performance are comparable to the F-16, featuring a reheated thrust of around 130kN. The latest J-10C variant is the most potent, equipped with a modern AESA radar and capable of deploying the PL-15 long-range air-to-air missile, a weapon considered formidable and in the same class as the European Meteor. Justin Bronk, Research Fellow for Airpower and Technology at RUSI, shared his assessment of how the J-10C compares to the ubiquitous F-16.

Chinese J-10 fighter pilot in cockpit with Helmet Mounted SightA Chinese J-10 pilot in the cockpit, likely equipped with a Helmet Mounted Sight system.

Regarding Beyond Visual Range (BVR) combat, Bronk states, “kinematically, it is likely to be somewhere close to a later Block F-16; the original J-10A’s thrust-weight ratio most likely having degraded due to weight growth as more advanced sensors, stores and kit such as HMS have been added.” Despite this, the J-10C’s thrust-to-weight ratio remains respectable, above 1.1:1 in a typical combat configuration. On agility, he notes, “With a light airframe, relaxed stability, decent (although not stellar) thrust to weight ratio and large canards, the J-10C is very agile in airshow configuration and the option for thrust vectoring only increases this capability at low speeds. However, the light airframe and small size relative to fighters like the J-20, Typhoon or F-15 mean that external stores and fuel tanks will have a more serious impact on both performance and agility than on larger fighters.”

China’s long-standing struggles with aero-engine technology raise questions about the J-10C’s WS-10 engines. Bronk comments, “The WS-10 series has suffered from persistent problems with engine life, mean time between failures and throttle-spool response time. Whilst it has improved sufficiently to enter quantity production for later J-10Bs and J-11s, the Russian AL-31FN Series 3 developed for the J-10B is still a superior engine on almost all metrics aside from cost. Chinese military turbofan engines are improving rapidly but are at best only at par with Russian equivalents and are not yet in a position to compete directly with European or American designs.”

The PL-15 missile is viewed with concern by US planners, who worry that if fully operational and meeting claimed performance, it could make legacy AMRAAM-equipped platforms vulnerable. Bronk believes the PL-15 is near Initial Operating Capability (IOC) but not yet Full Operational Clearance (FOC). “There is a fair bit of concern in the US fighter community about the PL-15; its size and design should allow it to technically outrange the AIM-120 series and a proper active radar seeker head gives a lot more tactical options than older semi-active Russian and Chinese ‘sticks’.” While mechanically scanned radars are considered dated, they were still common in the West in 2020. The J-10C’s Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar offers a significant advantage. Bronk concludes, “Finally, its AESA radar should give the J-10C a significant advantage over older Mech-Scan equipped F-16s in the BVR arena; although having a great deal more experience in the technology, American fighter AESA sets are likely to remain superior where fitted especially in terms of advanced low-probability of intercept/detection (LPI/LPD) scanning modes.” In summary, Bronk firmly categorizes the J-10C as a “true ‘4.5th Generation’ capability” aircraft. For context, a 4.5th Generation fighter typically incorporates features like low-observability (reduced radar signature), supercruise (sustained supersonic flight without afterburners), advanced sensors (especially AESA radar and IRST), high maneuverability (often using canards or thrust vectoring), and advanced avionics/datalinks, enhancing capabilities beyond earlier 4th generation designs but not achieving the full spectrum of 5th generation attributes like integrated stealth from the ground up.

8. Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II

Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II fighter jet in flightA Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II in flight.

In scenarios involving potential conflict with major powers like Russia or China, the F-35’s low observability and sensor fusion capabilities are intended to allow it to operate effectively on “Day One” of hostilities, penetrating contested airspace. However, the article posits that if the mission is simply bombing poorly defended targets, the F-35, along with many other aircraft on this list, represents an over-capability compared to much cheaper alternatives. A Rafale pilot interviewed previously suggested that a weaponized transport like a C-130 or 737 could handle many tasks currently assigned to frontline fast jets in permissive real-world operations.

Among the F-35 variants, the F-35C (Navy carrier version) with its larger wing and greater range held promise as potentially the best multi-role variant once mature, followed by the F-35A (Conventional Take-Off and Landing). The F-35B (Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing) has significantly less range, limiting its multi-role application, particularly the swing-role capability discussed earlier. While the F-35 benefits from stealth and strong internal datalinks (F-35 to F-35), it is generally considered less effective in Within Visual Range (WVR) combat compared to kinematically superior designs. Its primary multi-role strength lies in its ability to conduct strike missions into higher threat environments and leverage its sensor fusion for both air-to-air and air-to-ground situational awareness.

7. Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 70

Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jet with extensive external storesWhile originally designed as a lightweight fighter, the F-16 has evolved into a robust multi-role platform like the European Typhoon shown here with a diverse external loadout.

It might be easy to dismiss the F-16 due to its age (first flew in 1974), but the latest Block 70/72 variants share very little beyond the basic airframe shape with the original aircraft. The F-16’s historical reputation for dominance in WVR combat is somewhat dependent on a relatively clean configuration. In real combat scenarios, the F-16 often carries a draggy external Electronic Warfare (EW) pod, unlike “eurocanards” (Typhoon, Rafale, Gripen) which integrate vital EW systems internally. Above 25,000 feet and at higher speeds, the F-16’s air-to-air combat performance is generally considered inferior to the eurocanards.

Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon in a training exerciseA Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon participates in a training exercise.

However, the latest F-16s incorporate an AESA radar, can deploy an impressive array of modern weapons, and feature avionics and systems in some areas superior even to the F-35. The Block 70’s cockpit is excellent, and future upgrades are expected to leverage Lockheed Martin’s experience with wide-screen displays. The F-16 has seen more combat than almost any other US aircraft type, proving its adaptability and effectiveness over 40 years. It remains a highly capable multi-role aircraft that commands respect. Note that the Japanese Mitsubishi F-2, a derivative based on the F-16, is often included in discussions of advanced F-16 variants and contributes to the F-16 family’s overall capability profile.

6. Saab JAS 39C Gripen

Saab JAS 39C Gripen multi-role fighter aircraftA Saab JAS 39C Gripen showcasing its multi-role configuration.

The Saab JAS 39C Gripen offers a good balance of external stores capacity, internal fuel, and excellent connectivity/datalinking capabilities essential for multi-role operations. However, as a single-engine, smaller design, it has less inherent range compared to twin-engine fighters when carrying a significant useful load. Its air combat capability is boosted by the integration of the superb Meteor long-range missile, which likely gives it an edge over AESA-equipped F-16s in BVR engagements. The Gripen pilot benefits from exceptional situational awareness, supported by an advanced electronic warfare system.

Furthermore, the Gripen is often cited as the most cost-effective aircraft on this list to operate, known for being fuel-efficient and relatively small. Its compact size, combined with high off-boresight missiles and a helmet-mounted cueing system, makes it a particularly challenging adversary in Within Visual Range (WVR) combat scenarios.

5. Boeing F-15SA/QA Eagle

Boeing F-15SA Eagle fighter jet with full external weapons loadA Boeing F-15SA Eagle with a comprehensive external weapons loadout, demonstrating its strike capabilities.

While the USAF’s large fleet of F-15E Strike Eagles is aging, it remains an exceptionally capable strike aircraft, perhaps unmatched in that specific role. However, US F-15Es are rarely employed in a dedicated air combat role due to the availability of specialized F-15C air superiority fighters and F-22s, which raises questions about classifying the USAF F-15E as a true multi-role aircraft in practice, beyond self-defense. For export operators, however, the F-15E and its latest derivatives are used as primary multi-role platforms. The newest members of the Strike Eagle family, such as the Saudi Arabian F-15SA and Qatari F-15QA, are lavishly equipped with cutting-edge sensors, avionics, and systems. The F-15SA is ferociously capable, as the QAs are expected to become once they achieve full operational maturity.

Hush-Kit notes: From a personal perspective, I might have ranked the F-15SA or QA higher on this list. In terms of payload capacity, performance with payload, sensor suite modernity, and overall systems integration, they rank extremely highly. Their placement depends on whether greater weight is given to the ground attack role or the air combat role. Given that air operations over the past two decades have been heavily dominated by ground attack missions, I would argue that the former emphasis is arguably more relevant to the multi-role definition for the contemporary battlespace.

4. Sukhoi Su-35/Su-30M series

Russian Sukhoi Su-35 Flanker-E fighter jet in flightA Russian Sukhoi Su-35 Flanker-E fighter jet in flight.

Selecting the most representative “Flanker” variant for a multi-role list is challenging given the numerous types and operators. Including the Chinese J-15 (carrier-based Flanker) is tempting because carrier fighters inherently need to be multi-role, but the J-15 shares limitations of the Su-33 – it’s not optimized for air-to-ground missions and has a restricted loadout when operating from a carrier.

The Sukhoi Su-35 is generally equipped with more modern systems than the widespread Su-30M series (like the Indian Su-30MKI or Malaysian Su-30MKM), though it lacks the workload benefits of the two-seat M-series’ Weapon System Officer (WSO). The Su-35 does, however, feature a very capable Russian defensive electronic warfare system. The significant investment the Indian Air Force is making in Rafale procurement doesn’t necessarily boost confidence in the relative modernity of their similar-vintage Su-30MKI fleet (having entered Indian service only five years before the Rafale entered French service). The Su-34 “Fullback” is explicitly designed as a strike bomber and isn’t typically considered a true multi-role fighter. The Su-35 boasts a powerful radar, excellent kinematic performance, and exceptional un-refueled combat radius. It is expected to perform very well in air combat against any opponent short of the most advanced LO designs like the F-22 or Su-57. Another significant contender not explicitly listed is the Chinese J-16, a twin-seat multi-role Flanker derivative considered highly capable.

Russian Sukhoi Su-30MKK fighter jet with large external fuel tanksA Russian Sukhoi Su-30MKK (or similar variant) Flanker with large external fuel tanks, highlighting the type’s emphasis on range.

The Russian Su-35 and related variants possess high payload capacity, impressive range, and a wide variety of weapons carriage options facilitated by numerous pylons and high internal fuel capacity. They are equipped with large, powerful radars and IRST systems. While they may be at a disadvantage against stealthy fighters in contested airspace, in a permissive environment or against non-stealthy adversaries, they are highly capable multi-role platforms in the class of the F-15E.

3. Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet

US Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet on aircraft carrier deckA US Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet on the deck of an aircraft carrier, emphasizing its primary operating environment and multi-role requirement.

The F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is exceptionally well-equipped, reflecting its demanding role. Unlike an air force which can field a diverse mix of specialized aircraft (F-15C/Es, F-16s, F-35As, A-10s, etc.), the US Navy relies on the Super Hornet to perform nearly every mission type, at least until the F-35C variant achieves greater operational maturity and numbers. The range of weapons the Super Hornet can carry is impressive, including stealthy cruise missiles like the AGM-158 JASSM, anti-radiation missiles (AGM-88), the widely used JDAM series, and anti-shipping missiles like the AGM-84 Harpoon. Its air-to-air weaponry is decent but represents the US lag behind European developments in long-range missiles; the AIM-120D, while highly regarded, is an enhanced version of an older design rather than a new generation missile like the Meteor.

AGM-158C LRASM anti-ship cruise missileThe AGM-158C LRASM, a stealthy anti-ship cruise missile, is among the advanced weapons carried by the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, expanding its multi-role capability.

The Super Hornet is significantly slower than the European canard-delta fighters, and the considerable drag penalty incurred by carrying fuel and weapons externally further exacerbates this disadvantage. Its aerodynamic configuration is optimized for low-speed handling, essential for carrier operations. A notable equipment omission in earlier blocks, an IRST system, is being addressed with a combination sensor/fuel pod carried on the center centerline station. This less-than-elegant solution will unfortunately have a negative impact on the “Rhino’s” already modest performance. Boeing had previously proposed an internal IRST in the gun bay, but this was rejected by the Navy.

Jim Smith’s note places the Super Hornet ahead of the F-15E on this multi-role list because it is seen as achieving a better balance between air-to-air and air-to-ground roles, particularly in the context of US operations. While the F-15E is an extremely capable strike platform, it’s less frequently used in a dedicated air combat role by the USAF due to other available assets. The F/A-18E/F, conversely, serves as the US Navy’s primary asset for both strike and air combat missions, fulfilling a more comprehensive multi-role requirement.

2. Eurofighter Typhoon

Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jet climbing verticallyA Eurofighter Typhoon demonstrating its kinematic performance.

Some cynical observers might point out that the Eurofighter partner nations have invested heavily in transforming the Typhoon, originally conceived primarily as an air defense interceptor, into an aircraft increasingly resembling the Dassault Rafale – essentially converting a fighter into a fighter-bomber. (The idea of a carrier-capable “Sea Typhoon,” if realized, would have taken this even further). The Typhoon operated today, particularly the British examples, is a significantly different machine from the air superiority fighter that entered service in the early 2000s.

RAF Eurofighter Typhoon with external fuel tanks and weaponsAn RAF Eurofighter Typhoon equipped with external fuel tanks and a mix of air-to-air missiles and ground attack weapons.

The long-anticipated integration of Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar for Typhoon seemed close to resolution but has fragmented into multiple national radar variants. Nevertheless, Kuwait was set to receive Typhoons with a functional Captor-E AESA radar in 2020. Like the Rafale, the Typhoon has demonstrated considerable capability in both the air-to-air and air-to-ground roles. It likely surpasses the Rafale in the air-to-air domain, particularly due to its superior energy maneuverability.

Eurofighter Typhoon cockpit displaying a radar scopeAn image showing the sophisticated cockpit and radar display of the Eurofighter Typhoon.

1. Dassault Rafale

French Dassault Rafale fighter jet refueling in flightA French Dassault Rafale fighter jet refuels in flight, showcasing its operational range capability.

Other than inherently low observability (stealth), the Dassault Rafale possesses almost every attribute desired in a multi-role fighter. A notable historical absence, a Helmet Mounted Display/Cueing System (HMD/CS), was addressed with the introduction of the type into Qatari service, although photographic evidence was limited as of 2020. It also lacked a towed radar decoy initially, though this was expected to enter service with the Indian Air Force’s Rafales in the near future. There is some question about whether all Rafale variants are equipped with an IRST system, though it was part of the original internal sensor suite concept.

The Rafale edges out the Eurofighter Typhoon for the top spot due to its generally better optimization for strike missions and a greater number of “wet” pylons (capable of carrying external fuel tanks), providing a broader range of weapon fit options and potentially greater overall mission range. Its design philosophy from the outset embraced the multi-role concept, leading to a highly integrated and flexible platform capable of seamlessly switching between air-to-air and air-to-ground tasks.

VIII. The Future of Combat Aircraft: System of Systems

Looking beyond 2020, what does the future hold for combat aircraft and the multi-role concept? Predicting the future is always speculative, especially in rapidly evolving fields like military technology. However, if current projections from the US and Europe are indicative, a “system of systems” approach is likely to form the foundation of future air power.

This paradigm suggests a potential shift, at least from a US and European perspective, back towards a variety of specialized platforms rather than the contemporary trend towards fewer, highly multi-role systems. The primary driver for this anticipated change is survivability in increasingly contested environments. Wherever feasible, future systems are expected to be unmanned and either highly autonomous or remotely operated. This approach could lead to future manned platforms primarily serving as command nodes – perhaps a manned multi-role system like the British Tempest or the European Future Combat Air System (FCAS), or their US equivalents – operating in conjunction with a series of cooperating unmanned systems. These unmanned assets could include “loyal wingmen” to augment air combat capability, unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) like Neuron or Taranis providing dedicated strike capability, and other specialized autonomous or remotely operated vehicles handling functions such as refueling, Electronic Attack (EA), Electronic Intelligence (ELINT), Target Detection and Geolocation, and Communications Relay.

Concept art showing future unmanned combat aerial vehicles cooperating with a manned fighterConcept art illustrating a future “System of Systems” approach where manned aircraft operate alongside cooperating unmanned aerial vehicles.

In this future vision, manned platforms might be limited to roles requiring human judgment or presence, such as Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft and the manned fighter aircraft, which would function principally as a fighter and weapons director, orchestrating the actions of its cooperating unmanned wingmen and weapons carriers. All elements of this complex system would ideally incorporate stealth features and be linked by secure, resilient data-links, aiming to spatially separate command and control, sensor collection, and weapons delivery elements to enhance overall system survivability.

Is such a sophisticated system of systems approach plausible? Technically, it represents a potential endpoint on a developmental roadmap, and individual components are likely achievable in the relatively near term. A more critical question is its affordability. Disaggregating functions across multiple specialized, often stealthy and autonomous, platforms would undoubtedly increase design, development, and integration costs. It might also not substantially reduce manpower costs, as experience suggests unmanned and autonomous systems still require significant maintenance and “crewing,” even if the crew is not airborne. Among the most significant potential vulnerabilities are cyber attacks and interference with critical communication links.

However, the most formidable opponents to implementing such complex and expensive systems are likely to be national treasury departments and accountants. They may be unconvinced by survivability arguments when faced with the prospect of replacing the functions of one multi-role platform with two, three, or four specialized, stealthy, and autonomous systems, especially given the significant increase in development and procurement costs.

Consequently, it’s a relatively safe bet that this ambitious “system of systems” approach, requiring vast expenditure, will likely remain primarily within the reach of the super-powers: China, Russia, and the USA. The European Union and the UK, in Jim Smith’s view, would likely only be able to pursue such a capability through significant cooperation. In the prevailing geopolitical climate of 2020, achieving that level of integrated cooperation for projects like Tempest or FCAS seemed a substantial challenge. Perhaps initial integration efforts should focus on linking existing or near-term manned platforms (like Tempest or FCAS) with specific unmanned assets (like Neuron or Taranis).

It is also unclear how a carrier task group, already constrained by space, could realistically accommodate such a proliferation of different platforms. Therefore, while the system of systems represents a fascinating future concept driven by survivability needs, multi-role systems are likely to retain significant value for air forces and countries not seeking global dominance but needing to address regional defense challenges and deter external aggressors efficiently and affordably. These multi-role platforms offer a crucial balance of capabilities within a single, supportable airframe.

Conclusion

The evolution of combat aircraft has firmly embraced the multi-role concept, driven by economic realities, force structure requirements, and the need for operational flexibility in diverse conflict scenarios. While dedicated single-role aircraft still exist and excel in their specific niches, the ability to perform both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions from a single platform is now the defining characteristic of frontline fighters for most nations. The analysis presented here highlights the complexity of achieving true multi-role capability, demanding sophisticated sensors, integrated weapons systems, robust support infrastructure, and effective C2.

The ranking of the 10 Best Multi Role Fighter Aircraft In The World in 2020 reflects the operational maturity, technical prowess, and proven versatility of these platforms. From the continually upgraded veteran F/A-18C Hornet and the rapidly advancing J-10C, through the adaptable F-16 and Gripen, to the highly capable F-15SA/QA, Su-35/Su-30M, Super Hornet, Typhoon, and the top-ranked, highly integrated Rafale, these aircraft represent the pinnacle of multi-role design in active service as of that year. While the future may trend towards complex, potentially more specialized “system of systems” involving unmanned assets, the multi-role fighter is expected to remain a vital and valuable component of air power for many decades to come, particularly for countries balancing capability needs with economic constraints.