Even as the world’s air forces race towards fifth- and sixth-generation stealth fighters, a parallel and equally significant trend is unfolding; nation after nation continues to place large orders for fourth- and 4.5-generation aircraft.France’s Rafale, the US F-15EX and several other platforms are still attracting major orders, with order books for these fighters swelling even as cutting-edge stealth programmes dominate the headlines.France’s Dassault Rafale had crossed 200 aircraft on order as of early 2026, with Indonesia beginning deliveries this year under its 2022 order for 42 jets. Ukraine, meanwhile, has disclosed plans to acquire Rafale F4s as part of a broader French defence package, although a firm contract has yet to be signed. The US Air Force has also expanded its planned F-15EX Eagle II fleet, with a $2.38 billion contract for 22 additional jets signed in September. Saudi Arabia and Qatar are also evaluating the modernised F-15, while Japan, South Korea and Singapore remain among its established international operators.Sweden’s Gripen E/F has also secured fresh interest across Latin America. Peru selected the fighter for a proposed $3.5 billion deal covering 24 jets in 2025, although a contract has yet to be signed. Colombia has signed a roughly $1.9 billion contract for up to 17 aircraft, while Brazil is reportedly in talks over a follow-on purchase. Ukraine has also committed to acquiring the Gripen under a 2025 letter of intent.The Eurofighter Typhoon had more than 150 aircraft in its order backlog as of June 2026, with Turkey among the countries discussing a potential acquisition.So why are these supposedly “outdated” fourth-generation fighters still in demand?Cost is a major factor. They are generally cheaper to acquire, operate and maintain than fifth-generation fighters. They also offer high availability, backed by decades of operational experience and continuous upgrades. Many of today’s fourth-generation platforms are equipped with advanced radars, modern avionics, sophisticated electronic warfare systems and long-range weapons such as the Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile, narrowing much of the capability gap with newer fighters at a significantly lower cost.Their ability to carry large external weapon loads is another advantage. Fifth-generation fighters can also carry weapons externally, but doing so increases their radar signature and compromises one of their biggest advantages: stealth. Fourth-generation fighters face no such constraint and can carry substantial weapons loads for missions ranging from air-to-ground strikes to maritime attack.Their flexibility and relatively lower operating costs also make them attractive to countries looking to build up air combat capacity or replace ageing fleets. Crucially, many of these aircraft are available now, while newer-generation programmes can take years to develop, produce and scale up.That does not mean fourth-generation fighters are without serious limitations. Their larger radar cross-section makes them more vulnerable in heavily defended and contested airspace, where stealth aircraft can operate with greater survivability. They also generally lack the level of sensor fusion and networked situational awareness that has become a defining feature of fifth-generation fighters.But that does not make them obsolete. Instead, air forces are increasingly looking at fourth- and fifth-generation fighters as complementary capabilities. Stealth aircraft can penetrate heavily defended airspace, conduct high-value missions and suppress or disrupt enemy air defences, while fourth-generation fighters provide greater numbers, heavier weapons loads and the capacity to handle a broader range of missions at a more sustainable cost.As defence budgets are stretched between maintaining existing fleets and funding increasingly expensive next-generation programmes, the fourth-generation fighter is proving remarkably resilient. It may no longer represent the technological cutting edge, but it remains a capable, flexible and relatively affordable workhorse that can operate alongside the stealth fleets of tomorrow.
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