What is the best tactical fighter jet?

Answer 1

As always, it depends on terms. "Tactical" can mean one of two very different things: in the Tactical vs Strategic comparison, tactical typically refers to aircraft intended for local (theater) operations, whether air-defense, ground attack, defense supression, or any other role. That is, in this context, Tactical essentially refers to the area of operations. Most fighter aircraft fit into this definition of tactical; really, the only fighter aircraft which would be considered Strategic are those whose only real purpose is long-range bomber interception. The last fighter aircraft built solely for the strategic role was the MiG-25. All other jet fighters build since about 1970 would be considered Tactical.

The other possible meaning of Tactical is really a synonym for Close Air Support, A.K.A. Ground Attack. In this context, you are looking for aircraft whose primary mission is to attack targets on the surface, though the use of the word "fighter" also indicates at least some reasonable air-to-air capability. Here, a Tactical fighter is typically referred to as a "multi-role" fighter. Thus, a Tactical fighter category would exclude purpose-built Ground Attack planes like the A-10 or Su-25 Frogfoot, as well as various anti-submarine aircraft. It also would exclude fighters which, while having some ability to load air-to-ground weapons, aren't really used for that role; examples of that would be the F-22, Su-27, and MiG-29.

Using the first definition of Tactical above, the current "best" fighter is likely the American F-22. Currently the only operational 2nd-generation stealth fighter, and realistically, the only 5th-generation jet fighter, it is noticeably superior in terms of air-combat performance than other jets, and still retains at least some air-to-ground capability. Its closest rivals would be the Eurofighter Typhoon, and the Su-35.

Using the second definition (i.e. a fighter primarily intended for Close Air Support), the current champion would be the American F-15E. Should the F-35 finish its development and start active deployment, it will take the crown, as it has significant advancements over the 3 decades older F-15E. Other competitors in this area would be the F/A-18E, the Su-30, and Eurofighter Typhoon.