Consider the following aircraft : 1. Rafael 2. MiG-29 3. Tejas MK-1 How many of the above are considered fifth generation fighter aircraft ?
- (a) Only one
- (b) Only two
- (c) All three
- (d) None ✓ UPSC's answer
Why the answer is (d)
• Fifth-generation fighters are defined by all-aspect stealth, internal weapons bays, sensor fusion and supercruise; the only ones in service are the American F-22 and F-35, China's J-20 and Russia's Su-57.
• The Rafale is a 4.5-generation multirole fighter — highly capable but not stealthy.
• The MiG-29 is a fourth-generation fighter from the 1980s.
• The Tejas Mk-1 is a 4th/4.5-generation light combat aircraft; India's fifth-generation project is the future AMCA.
• None of the three is fifth generation, option (d).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) Only one
- None of the listed aircraft is fifth generation.
- (b) Only two
- None qualifies; all are fourth or 4.5 generation.
- (c) All three
- Rafale, MiG-29 and Tejas all lack fifth-generation stealth.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2024, held on 16 June 2024. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.