J-10 Vigorous Dragon vs MiG-21 Fishbed

The J-10 Vigorous Dragon and the MiG-21 Fishbed are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by Chengdu and Mikoyan-Gurevitch respectively. Top speed is 2,400 km/h for the J-10 Vigorous Dragon vs 2,125 km/h for the MiG-21 Fishbed. The J-10 Vigorous Dragon has an operational range of 1,850 km vs 660 km for the MiG-21 Fishbed. The MiG-21 Fishbed operates at altitudes up to 19,000 m compared to 18,000 m for the J-10 Vigorous Dragon. At 19,278 kg MTOW, the J-10 Vigorous Dragon is 2.2x the MiG-21 Fishbed's 8,625 kg. The J-10 Vigorous Dragon has been produced in 602 units vs 11,496 for the MiG-21 Fishbed. Unit cost is $45M for the J-10 Vigorous Dragon vs $2M for the MiG-21 Fishbed. The MiG-21 Fishbed first flew 43 years before the J-10 Vigorous Dragon (1955 vs 1998).

Chinese multirole fighter jet, active in the 21st century, used extensively by the PLA Air Force and Navy.
Chengdu J-10 Vigorous Dragon Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇳 China
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Chengdu
First flight 23 March 1998
Year introduced 2005
Number produced 602 units
Average unit price $45 million
Soviet supersonic jet fighter, renowned for extensive service during the Cold War, prevalent in various international conflicts.
Mikoyan-Gurevitch MiG-21 Fishbed Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Mikoyan-Gurevitch
First flight 16 June 1955
Year introduced 1958
Number produced 11496 units
Average unit price $2 million
Wing area 39.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 9.7 m â—‰
Height 4.8 m â—‰
Length 15.5 m â—‰
Maximum speed 2400 km/h â—‰
Operational range 1,850 km â—‰
Service ceiling 18,000 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 19,278 kg â—‰
Empty weight 9,750 kg â—‰
Total thrust 1 x 7,670 kgf â—‰
Wing area 23.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 7.2 m â—‰
Height 4.1 m â—‰
Length 13.5 m â—‰
Maximum speed 2125 km/h â—‰
Operational range 660 km â—‰
Service ceiling 19,000 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 8,625 kg â—‰
Empty weight 4,871 kg â—‰
Total thrust 1 x 4,689 kgf â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the J-10 Vigorous Dragon or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The J-10 Vigorous Dragon is faster with a maximum speed of 2,400 km/h compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 2,125 km/h, a difference of 275 km/h.
Which has longer range, the J-10 Vigorous Dragon or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The J-10 Vigorous Dragon has a longer range at 1,850 km compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 660 km.
Which can fly higher, the J-10 Vigorous Dragon or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has a higher service ceiling at 19,000 meters (62,335 ft) compared to the J-10 Vigorous Dragon's 18,000 meters (59,055 ft).
Which is heavier, the J-10 Vigorous Dragon or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The J-10 Vigorous Dragon has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 19,278 kg compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 8,625 kg.
Which is larger, the J-10 Vigorous Dragon or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The J-10 Vigorous Dragon is longer at 15.5 meters compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 13.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the J-10 Vigorous Dragon or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The J-10 Vigorous Dragon is more expensive at approximately $45 million per unit compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed at $2.0 million.
Which entered service first, the J-10 Vigorous Dragon or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed entered service first in 1958, 47 years before the J-10 Vigorous Dragon which entered service in 2005.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the J-10 Vigorous Dragon or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has been produced in greater numbers with 11,496 units compared to 602 units of the J-10 Vigorous Dragon.