March 1, 2021 – Air Marshal's Perspective

Categorization of fighter jets in generations is a classification system used around the world. The basic classification into five generations is widely accepted and recognized. Some accounts have subdivided the 4th generation into 4 and 4.5, or 4+ and 4++.

Fourth generation jet fighters (1970 to late 1980s)

These fighters debuted in the mid-1970s and are still in use in most of the air forces of the world. This generation is the longest lasting of the five generations so far.

This generation fighter jets are mostly multirole aircraft with the ability to switch and swing roles between air-to-air and air-to-ground, as opposed to the previous role-dedicated aircraft. This in turn blurred the distinction between air defence and ground attack missions.

Fly-by-wire control systems improved the maneuverability of these aircraft at the expense of aerodynamic stability.

These aircraft introduced more efficient and powerful turbofan jet engines, allowing thrust-to-weight ratios of greater than one.

Use of composite materials in their construction revolutionized the stealth technology.

Electronics was the most essential part of these aircraft including ‘look-down’ doppler fire-control radars, integral and podded EO/IR targeting sensors, laser and GPS- guided precision weapons, active air-to-air missiles, heads-up displays, and improved electronic warfare systems.

According to available sources, fighters in this generation include the following:-