F-16 Fighting Falcon vs JF-17 Thunder

American multirole fighter, famed in late Cold War conflicts, renowned for performance in precision daytime strikes and defensive counter air operations.
Picture of F-16 Fighting Falcon
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer General Dynamics
First flight 2 February 1974
Year introduced 1979
Number produced 4604 units
Average unit price $75 million
Jointly developed by China and Pakistan, the combat aircraft has seen deployment in multiple military operations since 2007.
Picture of JF-17 Thunder
Origin country 🇨🇳 China 🇵🇰 Pakistan
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer CAC / PAC
First flight 25 August 2003
Year introduced 2007
Number produced 144 units
Average unit price $30 million
Wing area 27.9 m² ◉
Wingspan 10.0 m â—‰
Height 4.9 m â—‰
Length 15.1 m â—‰
Maximum speed 2410 km/h â—‰
Operational range 546 km â—‰
Service ceiling 18,288 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 19,200 kg â—‰
Empty weight 8,570 kg â—‰
Total thrust 1 x 7,777 kgf â—‰
Profile drawing of General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon
Wing area 24.4 m² ◉
Wingspan 9.0 m â—‰
Height 4.8 m â—‰
Length 14.0 m â—‰
Maximum speed 1960 km/h â—‰
Operational range 900 km â—‰
Service ceiling 16,700 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 12,701 kg â—‰
Empty weight 6,411 kg â—‰
Total thrust 1 x 5,097 kgf â—‰
Profile drawing of CAC / PAC JF-17 Thunder

Performance Radar Chart

Photo of JF-17 Thunder by Shimin Gu.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or JF-17 Thunder?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon is faster with a maximum speed of 2,410 km/h compared to the JF-17 Thunder's 1,960 km/h, a difference of 450 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or JF-17 Thunder?
The JF-17 Thunder has a longer range at 900 km compared to the F-16 Fighting Falcon's 546 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or JF-17 Thunder?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon has a higher service ceiling at 18,288 meters (60,000 ft) compared to the JF-17 Thunder's 16,700 meters (54,790 ft).
Which is heavier, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or JF-17 Thunder?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 19,200 kg compared to the JF-17 Thunder's 12,701 kg.
Which is larger, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or JF-17 Thunder?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon is longer at 15.1 meters compared to the JF-17 Thunder's 14.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or JF-17 Thunder?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon is more expensive at approximately $75 million per unit compared to the JF-17 Thunder at $30 million.
Which entered service first, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or JF-17 Thunder?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon entered service first in 1979, 28 years before the JF-17 Thunder which entered service in 2007.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F-16 Fighting Falcon or JF-17 Thunder?
The F-16 Fighting Falcon has been produced in greater numbers with 4,604 units compared to 144 units of the JF-17 Thunder.