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F-35 Lightning II vs JF-17 Thunder

F-35 Lightning II vs JF-17 Thunder at a glance — top speed 1,960 vs 1,960 km/h, range 2,800 vs 900 km, max takeoff weight 27,216 vs 12,701 kg, built 965 vs 144 units.

Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 F-35 Lightning II
CAC/PAC JF-17 Thunder combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇨🇳🇵🇰 JF-17 Thunder
Specifications
F-35 Lightning II JF-17 Thunder
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇨🇳 China🇵🇰 Pakistan
Category Combat Aircraft Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Lockheed Martin CAC/PAC
First flight 15 December 2006 25 August 2003
Year introduced 2013 2007
Number produced 965 units 144 units
Average unit price $103 million $25 million
Wing area 43.0 m² 24.4 m²
Wingspan 11.0 m 9.0 m
Height 4.4 m 4.8 m
Length 15.6 m 14.0 m
Maximum speed 1960 km/h 1960 km/h
Operational range 2,800 km 900 km
Service ceiling 15,000 m 16,700 m
Max. takeoff weight 27,216 kg 12,701 kg
Empty weight 14,651 kg 6,411 kg
Total thrust 1 x 19,500 kgf 1 x 8,606 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
Change comparison vs
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the F-35 Lightning II or JF-17 Thunder?
The JF-17 Thunder is faster with a maximum speed of 1,960 km/h compared to the F-35 Lightning II's 1,960 km/h, a difference of 0 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F-35 Lightning II or JF-17 Thunder?
The F-35 Lightning II has a longer range at 2,800 km compared to the JF-17 Thunder's 900 km.
Which can fly higher, the F-35 Lightning II or JF-17 Thunder?
The JF-17 Thunder has a higher service ceiling at 16,700 meters (54,790 ft) compared to the F-35 Lightning II's 15,000 meters (49,212 ft).
Which is heavier, the F-35 Lightning II or JF-17 Thunder?
The F-35 Lightning II has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 27,216 kg compared to the JF-17 Thunder's 12,701 kg.
Which is larger, the F-35 Lightning II or JF-17 Thunder?
The F-35 Lightning II is longer at 15.6 meters compared to the JF-17 Thunder's 14.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F-35 Lightning II or JF-17 Thunder?
The F-35 Lightning II is more expensive at approximately $103 million per unit compared to the JF-17 Thunder at $25 million.
Which entered service first, the F-35 Lightning II or JF-17 Thunder?
The JF-17 Thunder entered service first in 2007, 6 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 JF-17 Thunder?
The F-35 Lightning II has been produced in greater numbers with 965 units compared to 144 units of the JF-17 Thunder.