JAS 39 Gripen vs JF-17 Thunder

Overview

The JAS 39 Gripen and the JF-17 Thunder are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by Saab and CAC / PAC respectively.

Top speed is 2,100 km/h for the JAS 39 Gripen vs 1,960 km/h for the JF-17 Thunder. The JAS 39 Gripen has an operational range of 805 km vs 900 km for the JF-17 Thunder. The JF-17 Thunder operates at altitudes up to 16,700 m compared to 15,240 m for the JAS 39 Gripen.

The JAS 39 Gripen has been produced in 300 units vs 144 for the JF-17 Thunder. Unit cost is $85M for the JAS 39 Gripen vs $30M for the JF-17 Thunder. The JAS 39 Gripen first flew 15 years before the JF-17 Thunder (1988 vs 2003).

Swedish multirole fighter, developed during the Cold War, widely deployed in NATO operations and diverse global air forces.
Saab JAS 39 Gripen Combat profile drawing
Origin country πŸ‡ΈπŸ‡ͺ Sweden
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Saab
First flight 9 December 1988
Year introduced 1996
Number produced 300 units
Average unit price $85 million
Jointly developed by China and Pakistan, the combat aircraft has seen deployment in multiple military operations since 2007.
CAC / PAC JF-17 Thunder Combat profile drawing
Origin country πŸ‡¨πŸ‡³ China πŸ‡΅πŸ‡° 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 30.0 mΒ² β—‰
Wingspan 8.4 m β—‰
Height 4.5 m β—‰
Length 14.9 m β—‰
Maximum speed 2100 km/h β—‰
Operational range 805 km β—‰
Service ceiling 15,240 m β—‰
Max. takeoff weight 14,000 kg β—‰
Empty weight 6,800 kg β—‰
Total thrust 1 x 5,507 kgf β—‰
Wing area 24.4 mΒ² β—‰
Wingspan 9.0 m β—‰
Height 4.8 m β—‰
Length 14.0 m β—‰
Maximum speed 1960 km/h β—‰
Operational range 900 km β—‰
Service ceiling 16,700 m β—‰
Max. takeoff weight 12,701 kg β—‰
Empty weight 6,411 kg β—‰
Total thrust 1 x 5,097 kgf β—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the JAS 39 Gripen or JF-17 Thunder?
The JAS 39 Gripen is faster with a maximum speed of 2,100 km/h compared to the JF-17 Thunder's 1,960 km/h, a difference of 140 km/h.
Which has longer range, the JAS 39 Gripen or JF-17 Thunder?
The JF-17 Thunder has a longer range at 900 km compared to the JAS 39 Gripen's 805 km.
Which can fly higher, the JAS 39 Gripen or JF-17 Thunder?
The JF-17 Thunder has a higher service ceiling at 16,700 meters (54,790 ft) compared to the JAS 39 Gripen's 15,240 meters (50,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the JAS 39 Gripen or JF-17 Thunder?
The JAS 39 Gripen has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 14,000 kg compared to the JF-17 Thunder's 12,701 kg.
Which is larger, the JAS 39 Gripen or JF-17 Thunder?
The JAS 39 Gripen is longer at 14.9 meters compared to the JF-17 Thunder's 14.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the JAS 39 Gripen or JF-17 Thunder?
The JAS 39 Gripen is more expensive at approximately $85 million per unit compared to the JF-17 Thunder at $30 million.
Which entered service first, the JAS 39 Gripen or JF-17 Thunder?
The JAS 39 Gripen entered service first in 1996, 11 years before the JF-17 Thunder which entered service in 2007.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the JAS 39 Gripen or JF-17 Thunder?
The JAS 39 Gripen has been produced in greater numbers with 300 units compared to 144 units of the JF-17 Thunder.