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F-35 Lightning II vs J-10 Vigorous Dragon

F-35 Lightning II vs J-10 Vigorous Dragon at a glance — top speed 1,960 vs 2,400 km/h, range 2,800 vs 2,950 km, max takeoff weight 27,216 vs 19,278 kg, built 965 vs 602 units.

Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 F-35 Lightning II
Chengdu J-10 Vigorous Dragon combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇨🇳 J-10 Vigorous Dragon
Specifications
F-35 Lightning II J-10 Vigorous Dragon
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇨🇳 China
Category Combat Aircraft Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Lockheed Martin Chengdu
First flight 15 December 2006 23 March 1998
Year introduced 2013 2005
Number produced 965 units 602 units
Average unit price $103 million $35 million
Wing area 43.0 m² 39.0 m²
Wingspan 11.0 m 9.7 m
Height 4.4 m 4.8 m
Length 15.6 m 15.5 m
Maximum speed 1960 km/h 2400 km/h
Operational range 2,800 km 2,950 km
Service ceiling 15,000 m 18,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 27,216 kg 19,278 kg
Empty weight 14,651 kg 9,750 kg
Total thrust 1 x 19,500 kgf 1 x 12,500 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
Change comparison vs
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the F-35 Lightning II or J-10 Vigorous Dragon?
The J-10 Vigorous Dragon is faster with a maximum speed of 2,400 km/h compared to the F-35 Lightning II's 1,960 km/h, a difference of 440 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F-35 Lightning II or J-10 Vigorous Dragon?
The J-10 Vigorous Dragon has a longer range at 2,950 km compared to the F-35 Lightning II's 2,800 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-35 Lightning II or J-10 Vigorous Dragon?
The J-10 Vigorous Dragon has a higher service ceiling at 18,000 meters (59,055 ft) compared to the F-35 Lightning II's 15,000 meters (49,212 ft).
Which is heavier, the F-35 Lightning II or J-10 Vigorous Dragon?
The F-35 Lightning II has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 27,216 kg compared to the J-10 Vigorous Dragon's 19,278 kg.
Which is larger, the F-35 Lightning II or J-10 Vigorous Dragon?
The F-35 Lightning II is longer at 15.6 meters compared to the J-10 Vigorous Dragon's 15.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F-35 Lightning II or J-10 Vigorous Dragon?
The F-35 Lightning II is more expensive at approximately $103 million per unit compared to the J-10 Vigorous Dragon at $35 million.
Which entered service first, the F-35 Lightning II or J-10 Vigorous Dragon?
The J-10 Vigorous Dragon entered service first in 2005, 8 years before the F-35 Lightning II which entered service in 2013.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F-35 Lightning II or J-10 Vigorous Dragon?
The F-35 Lightning II has been produced in greater numbers with 965 units compared to 602 units of the J-10 Vigorous Dragon.