Why do fighter pilots use night vision goggles rather than normal light inside the cockpit?
former F-18 pilot here, it's my first post here so be kind :)

NVG's are not for domestic use, they are entirely tactical. Here are some uses;


Night formation (Defensive/Offensive counter air missions), such that formation members can fly lights off or in night mode (which we did all the time). Most fighters have external NVG lighting that can't be seen with the naked eye.
Target acquisition (Offensive Strike/CAS etc) in low/no light environments (permits visual rules of engagement upgrades etc
Laser ID. Laser range finders and target acquisition pod lasers can be seen through NVG's, we can conduct visual 'hand-over' procedures using lasers to talk on a wingman to a target. Lasers are weapons and have their own master arm switch, just like the gun, bombs and missiles.


With NVG's, I can see formation members with low/no light dozens of miles away, which can't even be done during the day. This brings enormous tactical advantage in air-air scenarios.

NVG's are not used to see inside the cockpit.

Hope that answers your question!