Light fighter and attack aircraft play a crucial role in modern air forces, offering cost-effective solutions for a variety of missions, from close air support and reconnaissance to training and counter-insurgency operations. While often less complex or expensive than their heavy fighter counterparts, the Best Light Fighter Aircraft deliver significant capability and versatility. This article examines some of the leading light attack and fighter aircraft currently in service or development around the world.
KAI TA-50
The TA-50 is a light attack aircraft and lead-in fighter trainer version of the T-50 supersonic advanced trainer. Developed by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) in collaboration with Lockheed Martin, the TA-50 entered service with the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) in 2011.
This aircraft boasts a weapons load capacity of up to 3,850kg. Its armament includes a General Dynamics A-50 three-barrel rotary cannon, AIM-9 Sidewinder and AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles, AGM-65 Maverick air-to-surface missiles, Hydra 70 and LOGIR rocket launchers, cluster bombs, and various general-purpose bombs. The ability to carry a diverse range of munitions enhances its multi-role capability, making it a strong contender among light attack aircraft.
Powered by a General Electric F404-GE-102 turbofan engine, the TA-50 can achieve a maximum speed of 1,852km/h (Mach 1.5) and has a maximum range of 1,850km. This performance profile allows it to effectively serve both training and light combat roles. Finding the best lightweight fighter aircraft often involves balancing speed, payload, and range.
Textron AirLand Scorpion
Developed as a joint venture between Textron and AirLand Enterprises, the Textron AirLand Scorpion is a light attack and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) jet aircraft. It conducted its maiden flight in December 2013, emphasizing affordability and flexibility for various mission types.
The Scorpion has a maximum payload capacity of 4,173kg. Its six wing-mounted hardpoints can carry up to 2,810kg of ordnance, including a gun pod, rockets, laser-guided missiles, infrared air-to-air missiles, and a range of other guided and unguided munitions. Its internal bay can also carry ISR equipment or additional ordnance.
Two Honeywell TFE731 turbofan engines power the aircraft, each providing 18kN of thrust. The Scorpion flies at a maximum speed of 833km/h and has an impressive range of 4,074km, highlighting its suitability for long-duration ISR missions in addition to light attack.
HAL Tejas
The Tejas is a multi-role light combat aircraft (LCA) developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Indian Navy. It officially entered service with the IAF in July 2016, representing a significant milestone for India’s indigenous defense industry.
As a supersonic jet, the Tejas features eight hardpoints capable of carrying a maximum payload of 3,500kg. Its potential armament includes a 23mm twin-barrel cannon, air-to-air, air-to-surface, and anti-ship missiles, precision-guided munitions, rockets, and bombs. This array allows it to perform a wide spectrum of combat roles.
The Tejas LCA is powered by a General Electric F404-GE-IN20 turbofan engine, generating a maximum thrust of 90kN with afterburner. This robust engine enables the aircraft to reach speeds up to 1,975km/h (Mach 1.6), positioning it among the faster light combat aircraft. It can attain a maximum range of 3,000km. Considering overall capability, many would argue this is a strong contender for the title of best fighter aircraft in the world in its class.
M-346FA
The M-346FA (Fighter Attack) is a light combat variant of the successful M-346 advanced jet trainer, developed by Leonardo (formerly Alenia Aermacchi). Launched at the 2017 Paris Air Show, the M-346FA is marketed for both light attack missions and combat training purposes, leveraging the M-346’s excellent handling characteristics.
The aircraft is equipped with seven hardpoints capable of carrying guided and unguided air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons, along with other external loads such as gun, reconnaissance, and target acquisition pods, up to a total weight of 3,000kg. This flexibility allows it to adapt to various mission profiles.
Propulsion comes from two Honeywell F124-GA-200 turbofan engines, each rated at 28kN thrust. The M-346FA can reach a maximum speed of 1,075km/h. Its dual role as trainer and attack platform makes it a versatile option for air forces seeking multi-purpose assets.
Hongdu L-15
Manufactured by Hongdu Aviation Industry Group (HAIG), the Hongdu L-15 is designed as an advanced jet trainer and light attack aircraft for the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). It entered service with the PLAAF in 2010, serving primarily in the training role but with inherent light attack capabilities.
The Hongdu L-15 features six wing-mounted hardpoints capable of accommodating a 3,000kg payload. It can be armed with short-range air-to-air missiles, air-to-surface missiles, rocket pods, and bombs, allowing it to undertake various light combat missions.
It is powered by two Ivchenko Progress AI-222K-25F afterburning turbofan engines. This power plant ensures a maximum speed of 1,715km/h (Mach 1.4) and provides a ferry range of 3,100km. The combination of speed and range makes it effective for both training and potential light attack operations.
L-159 ALCA
From Czech manufacturer AERO Vodochody, the L-159 Advanced Light Combat Aircraft (ALCA) is primarily a single-seat subsonic attack aircraft. The first ALCA prototype flew in August 1997, with the type entering service with the Czech Air Force in 2000. It has also seen service with other operators.
The L-159 is intended for missions such as light attack, reconnaissance, air defence, counter-insurgency, and patrol. While primarily single-seat for combat roles, a twin-seat variant exists for advanced flight training. It features six under-wing hardpoints suitable for carrying bombs, rocket launchers, and air-to-ground and air-to-air guided missiles. When discussing Best Light Fighter Aircraft, the L-159 represents a rugged, proven platform focused on the attack role.
Powered by an F124-GA-100 turbofan engine, the aircraft has a maximum take-off weight of 8,000kg and a payload capacity of 2,340kg. Its maximum cruise speed is 936km/h, and its operational range with additional fuel tanks can reach 2,530km.
YAK-130
The Yakovlev Yak-130 is a twin-seat advanced jet trainer and light combat aircraft developed by Irkut Corporation. This subsonic aircraft entered service with the Russian Air Force in February 2010 and has been exported to several countries, serving both training and light attack roles.
While its primary role is advanced flight training, the Yak-130 is fully capable of performing light-attack and reconnaissance missions. It provides nine external stations with a total payload capacity of 3,000kg. It can carry a variety of ordnance, including air-to-air missiles, smart bombs, aerial bombs, unguided rockets, and a gun pod. The versatility of payload options contributes to its effectiveness as a light combat platform.
The aircraft is powered by two Ivchenko-Progress AI-222-25 turbofan engines, each with a rated thrust of 24.52kN. It can fly at a maximum speed of 1,060km/h and achieve a maximum range of 2,100km. The robust design and combat capabilities make it a strong contender for air forces needing a versatile trainer that can double as a light attack platform. When considering different combat aircraft, including those from the US, the variety of roles these planes can fill is key.
L-39NG
The L-39NG is a modernised trainer and light attack aircraft developed by Aero Vodochody, based on the iconic L-39 Albatros. Aimed primarily at the Czech Air Force and export customers, the L-39NG made its first flight in December 2018, bringing improved performance and systems.
This jet aircraft is designed for basic and advanced flight training, light combat, close air support, counter-insurgency, and reconnaissance missions. It features five external hardpoints capable of carrying 1,640kg of payload, including a gun pod, air-to-air missiles, guided/unguided rockets, and bombs. Its multi-role capability makes it suitable for air forces with diverse needs.
The L-39NG is powered by an FJ44-4M turbofan engine, which has a maximum thrust rating of 16.87kN. The aircraft has a maximum speed of 780km/h and can attain a range of 2,130km on internal fuel, offering considerable endurance for its class. For nations looking for a cost-effective multi-role aircraft, the L-39NG presents a compelling option among lightweight fighter aircraft.
AT-6 Wolverine
The AT-6 Wolverine is a light attack and armed reconnaissance aircraft offered by Beechcraft (now part of Textron Aviation). It is a militarised version of the T-6 Texan II trainer, designed for affordability and flexibility in contested environments.
The multi-mission AT-6 is a competitor in programs like the US Air Force’s light attack aircraft assessment. It features seven hardpoints and can carry a maximum payload of 1,864kg, including a wide array of general purpose and precision munitions. This significant payload capacity for a turboprop aircraft allows it to deliver substantial firepower on target. Examining the development of fighter aircraft shows a progression towards specialized roles, and the AT-6 exemplifies the modern light attack segment.
A Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-68 turboprop engine, coupled with a Hartzell four-bladed propeller, powers the AT-6 Wolverine. The engine develops a maximum power of 1,177kW, enabling the aircraft to fly at a maximum speed of 827km/h. The ferry range of the aircraft is 3,195km when fitted with four external fuel tanks, providing good endurance and reach.
Embraer A-29 Super Tucano
The EMB 314 Super Tucano, widely known as the A-29 Super Tucano, is a turboprop light attack aircraft manufactured by Embraer. It was developed from the earlier EMB 312 Tucano trainer and has proven highly popular, serving numerous air forces around the world to meet their light combat requirements.
Primary operators include the air forces of Brazil, Colombia, Afghanistan (formerly), Chile, Ecuador, and Indonesia, among many others. The A-29 Super Tucano is designed to carry a range of ordnance weighing up to 1,550kg on five hardpoints, including gun pods, air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles, precision-guided munitions, and bombs. Its reliability and effectiveness in counter-insurgency and close air support roles have solidified its reputation. When evaluating the best light fighter aircraft for asymmetric warfare or border patrol, the A-29 is frequently cited.
The aircraft is equipped with a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-68C turboprop engine driving a Hartzell five-bladed propeller. This power plant allows the aircraft to attain a maximum speed of 593km/h, while external fuel tanks ensure a maximum range of 3,056km. The Super Tucano’s ruggedness and operational flexibility in demanding environments make it a leading example of a successful light attack platform.
In conclusion, the landscape of light attack and light fighter aircraft is diverse, with numerous platforms offering unique combinations of speed, range, payload, and mission capabilities. While their roles may differ from multi-role heavy fighters or historical aircraft like us fighter aircraft of ww2, these aircraft are essential tools for modern air forces, providing flexible and cost-effective solutions for a variety of operational needs. The choice of the best light fighter aircraft depends heavily on the specific requirements and budget of the operating country.
