The comparison between the F-16 Fighting Falcon and India's indigenous TEJAS MK-2 reveals a complex balance of raw payload capacity versus strategic versatility in modern aerial warfare. While the F-16 maintains a slight edge in absolute firepower capacity, the TEJAS MK-2 demonstrates superior flexibility and indigenous weapon integration capabilities that position it as a formidable competitor in the 4.5-generation fighter category.

Payload Capacity And Hard-Point Configuration

The F-16 Fighting Falcon carries a maximum external payload of approximately 7,700 kg across its 11 hard-points, providing substantial capacity for diverse mission profiles. The aircraft's hard-point configuration includes six underwing pylons, two wing tip stations, and three under-fuselage mounting points, with the centreline and inner wing stations capable of supporting heavy ordnance and external fuel tanks.

The TEJAS MK-2, while carrying a smaller maximum payload of 6,500 kg, operates with an identical 11 hard-point configuration that maximises operational flexibility. This represents a significant improvement over the original Tejas Mk1, which carried only 3,500 kg across eight hard-points. The MK-2's hard-point layout includes two wing tip stations for short-range air-to-air missiles, six underwing pylons, and three under-fuselage stations, with dedicated wet hard-points for external fuel tanks.

Beyond Visual Range Missile Capabilities

The F-16's air-to-air arsenal centres on the proven AIM-120 AMRAAM family, with the latest AIM-120D variant offering ranges exceeding 160-180 kilometres. The aircraft typically carries up to six air-to-air missiles in a standard configuration, utilising wing stations and wing tip mounts for optimal aerodynamic performance.

The TEJAS MK-2 demonstrates superior missile-carrying capacity with the ability to mount up to eight beyond-visual-range missiles simultaneously. The aircraft integrates India's indigenous Astra missile family, with the Astra Mk1 providing 110 km range and the advanced Astra MK-2 extending reach to 160 km, matching the AIM-120D's performance. Additionally, the MK-2 features planned integration with the European Meteor missile system, potentially providing engagement ranges exceeding 200 km.

Cruise Missile And Strike Capabilities

The F-16's strike capability relies heavily on NATO-standard weapons systems, including the AGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missile with 124 km range and the AGM-158 JASSM cruise missile extending beyond 370 km. For suppression of enemy air defences, the F-16 employs the battle-tested AGM-88 HARM anti-radiation missile with ranges exceeding 150 km.

The TEJAS MK-2 introduces the revolutionary BrahMos-NG supersonic cruise missile, offering 290 km range at Mach 3.5 speeds that make interception extremely difficult. This represents a significant advantage in anti-ship and land-attack missions, as the missile's supersonic velocity provides superior target penetration compared to subsonic alternatives. For electronic warfare missions, the MK-2 integrates the indigenous Rudram-II anti-radiation missile with ranges exceeding 250 km, surpassing the F-16's HARM capability.

Indigenous Weapons Integration And Strategic Autonomy

The F-16's weapons suite remains heavily dependent on US and NATO suppliers, limiting operational flexibility for nations seeking strategic autonomy. This dependency can create logistical challenges and potential restrictions during international conflicts, as weapons availability depends on supplier nation policies.

The TEJAS MK-2 represents a paradigm shift with over 82% indigenous content rising to 90% in later production phases. The aircraft seamlessly integrates Indian-developed weapons including the Astra missile family, BrahMos-NG cruise missile, Rudram anti-radiation missiles, and indigenous precision-guided munitions like the SAAW glide bombs. This indigenous capability provides India complete operational autonomy without foreign dependency for critical munitions.

Nuclear Capability And Strategic Role

The F-16 maintains certified nuclear delivery capability through integration with the B61 tactical nuclear bomb, expanding its strategic deterrence role for allied nations. This dual-role capability makes the F-16 valuable for countries requiring both conventional and nuclear strike options.

The TEJAS MK-2 focuses exclusively on conventional warfare, with no nuclear capability integrated into its design philosophy. This limitation reflects India's strategic decision to maintain nuclear delivery through dedicated platforms rather than multi-role fighters.

Operational Flexibility And Mission Adaptability

The F-16's mature weapons integration supports simultaneous multi-role missions, with proven capability to carry mixed load-outs combining air-to-air missiles, precision-guided bombs, and external fuel tanks. The aircraft's combat-proven track record includes over 4,900 test shots and multiple air-to-air victories across various international conflicts.

The TEJAS MK-2's advanced hard-point configuration enables unprecedented mission flexibility, with the ability to simultaneously carry eight BVR missiles, precision strikes munitions, and external fuel tanks. The aircraft's planned integration with advanced sensors and electronic warfare systems positions it for network-centric warfare operations comparable to more expensive twin-engine fighters.

Conclusion

While the F-16 Fighting Falcon maintains a 15.6% payload advantage with 7,700 kg versus the TEJAS MK-2's 6,500 kg capacity, the Indian fighter compensates through superior missile-carrying capability, indigenous weapons integration, and advanced strike systems. The F-16's strength lies in its proven combat record and comprehensive NATO-standard weapons compatibility, while the TEJAS MK-2 offers strategic autonomy through indigenous weapons and potentially superior anti-ship capabilities via the BrahMos-NG missile system.

The TEJAS MK-2's ability to carry more beyond-visual-range missiles (eight versus six for the F-16) and its integration of supersonic cruise missiles represents a generational advancement in single-engine fighter capabilities.

However, the F-16's larger overall payload capacity and nuclear delivery capability maintain its relevance for nations requiring maximum operational flexibility and strategic deterrence options.

IDN