Many people compare f-16 to mig-29. But i think real opponent of f-16 would be JAS 39.
Like everybody would said, the planes of fourth generation.

I don't know why everybody compare mig-29 to f-16. Maby just because they most spread fighters of new generation. Everybody knows that mig-29 is better in performance and can beat f-16 in dog fight. Germans did prove it by making training last year. But same performence and same capabilities has Jas 39.

comparisons are not made based on the generation of the aircraft. they are made by mission criteria. the f16, mig29 and jas39 are 3 multi-role lightweight fighters. and yes the jas39 is an excellent fighter and has been purchased by south africa iirc.

Mig-29's weren't made for as multi-role fighting. It has few ground missle type for striking ground targets and they were made in the late 80's. The main purpose of this fighter is to fight in dogs fights. Look, mig can only take 2 tone bombs and even this would be to heavy for mig. For all other sh*t ,like ground striking russains made su-27,same year, same look but can carry up to 6,000 kg payload of missiles and bombs for ground striking. Both planes entered russain air force in 1982 for a different purposes.

I recon, jas 39 and f-16 aren't planes of fourth generation. Mig 1.42 , eurofighter and f-22 are.

actually a better opponent to the f-16 believe it or not would be the isreali KFIR