The problem seems to be with the names "multi-role" and "omni-role". - No two airforce seems to agree on their definition and the names are open to interpretation.
Tejas is a point defence interceptor with limited ground attack capability. For deep strike, you have Rafale.
Gripen / F-16 seems more fit as a replacement for our Jaguars (light attack) but we are not retiring our Jaguars. So what's the point?
If necessary, we can have two future versions of Tejas - one optimized for ground attack with additional internal fuel.
"1) MK2 is an upgrade to fix MK1s problems, NOT to make Tejas to a medium class fighter
2) Gripen E was proposed in MMRCA and now in the SE MMRCA tender, NOT Gripen C/D, which is the light class version
3) LCA MK1A is only aiming on catching up to Gripen C/D in the light class, which already has IFR, integrated EW with external jamming pod, large MFDs and is proposing AESA to it's operators as an upgrade too. "
These are the general misconceptions that are spread puposefully to make indian s feel that Gripen has some how become MMRCA with E version & Tejas even in mk N will be point defence & will never be able to fulfill original IAF specs,
lets bust these lies,
If gripen C has IFR Tejas mkA has a bigger & better tech ASEA
If grripen can give ASEA upgrade, why cant mkA can be fitter with IFR ?
bigger MFDs??? what is the battle advantage, when Tejas mk1A has HMDS which flashed all vital info on pilot helmet?
IAF never ever dreamt of possible RBE ASEA + meteor combo in Tejas as late as 2016, So how come any one can say that mk2 is what IAF gave specs for & mk1, mk1A are all shoddy compromises?? Even french airforce didnt have this combo in RAFALE couple of years back!!
Only after manohar Parrikar brough the warring factions together this mk1A suddenly jumped up.
And gripen E carrying may be 500 Kg extra weapon load to a couple of hundred odd extra combat range is never gonna make it a MMRCA Big Daddy lording over tejas mk2!!
Because if brahmos mini is available , the supersonic speed makes up of lesser Kgs of warhead & the extra couple of hundreds of Kms can easily be covered by brahmos range.
Still Tejas mk2 will surely hv lower wingloading, lesser drag, higher TWR than gripen E , if IAF doesnt load it with "Give Me More" attitude , these are all airframe advantages that will remain through out the life of tejas mk2.
And tejas mk2 will hv a bigger ASEA radar as well.