JF-17 Thunder vs KF-21 Boramae
Overview
The JF-17 Thunder and the KF-21 Boramae are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by CAC / PAC and KAI respectively.
Top speed is 1,960 km/h for the JF-17 Thunder vs 2,200 km/h for the KF-21 Boramae. The JF-17 Thunder has an operational range of 900 km vs 1,000 km for the KF-21 Boramae. The KF-21 Boramae operates at altitudes up to 16,764 m compared to 16,700 m for the JF-17 Thunder.
Unit cost is $30M for the JF-17 Thunder vs $87.5M for the KF-21 Boramae. The JF-17 Thunder first flew 19 years before the KF-21 Boramae (2003 vs 2022).
| Jointly developed by China and Pakistan, the combat aircraft has seen deployment in multiple military operations since 2007. | |
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| 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 |
| South Korean multirole fighter, developed in the 21st century, deployment and operational history yet to be written. | |
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| Origin country | 🇰🇷 South Korea |
| Category | Combat Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | KAI |
| First flight | 19 July 2022 |
| Year introduced | 2026 |
| Number produced | N/A |
| Average unit price | $87.5 million |
| 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—‰ |
| Wing area | 46.0 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 11.2 m â—‰ |
| Height | 4.8 m â—‰ |
| Length | 16.8 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 2200 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 1,000 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 16,764 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 25,401 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | 11,793 kg â—‰ |
| Total thrust | 2 x 6,123 kgf â—‰ |
Performance Radar Chart
Detailed Comparison
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the JF-17 Thunder or KF-21 Boramae?
The KF-21 Boramae is faster with a maximum speed of 2,200 km/h compared to the JF-17 Thunder's 1,960 km/h, a difference of 240 km/h.
Which has longer range, the JF-17 Thunder or KF-21 Boramae?
The KF-21 Boramae has a longer range at 1,000 km compared to the JF-17 Thunder's 900 km.
Which can fly higher, the JF-17 Thunder or KF-21 Boramae?
The KF-21 Boramae has a higher service ceiling at 16,764 meters (55,000 ft) compared to the JF-17 Thunder's 16,700 meters (54,790 ft).
Which is heavier, the JF-17 Thunder or KF-21 Boramae?
The KF-21 Boramae has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 25,401 kg compared to the JF-17 Thunder's 12,701 kg.
Which is larger, the JF-17 Thunder or KF-21 Boramae?
The KF-21 Boramae is longer at 16.8 meters compared to the JF-17 Thunder's 14.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the JF-17 Thunder or KF-21 Boramae?
The KF-21 Boramae is more expensive at approximately $88 million per unit compared to the JF-17 Thunder at $30 million.
Which entered service first, the JF-17 Thunder or KF-21 Boramae?
The JF-17 Thunder entered service first in 2007, 19 years before the KF-21 Boramae which entered service in 2026.