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JF-17 Thunder vs Kfir

JF-17 Thunder vs Kfir at a glance — top speed 1,960 vs 2,440 km/h, range 900 vs 1,000 km, max takeoff weight 12,701 vs 16,200 kg, built 144 vs 220 units.

CAC/PAC JF-17 Thunder combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇨🇳🇵🇰 JF-17 ThunderFull specs
IAI Kfir combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇮🇱 KfirFull specs
Specifications
JF-17 Thunder Kfir
Origin country 🇨🇳 China🇵🇰 Pakistan 🇮🇱 Israel
Category Combat Aircraft Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer CAC/PAC IAI
First flight 25 August 2003 4 June 1973
Year introduced 2007 1974
Number produced 144 units 220 units
Average unit price $25 million $20 million
Wing area 24.4 m² 34.8 m²
Wingspan 9.0 m 8.2 m
Height 4.8 m 4.6 m
Length 14.0 m 15.7 m
Maximum speed 1960 km/h 2440 km/h
Operational range 900 km 1,000 km
Service ceiling 16,700 m 17,678 m
Max. takeoff weight 12,701 kg 16,200 kg
Empty weight 6,411 kg 7,285 kg
Total thrust 1 x 8,606 kgf 1 x 8,119 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
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Kfir side profile drawing Kfir Specs, operators & history →
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the JF-17 Thunder or Kfir?
The Kfir is faster with a maximum speed of 2,440 km/h compared to the JF-17 Thunder's 1,960 km/h, a difference of 480 km/h.
Which has longer range, the JF-17 Thunder or Kfir?
The Kfir 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 Kfir?
The Kfir has a higher service ceiling at 17,678 meters (57,998 ft) compared to the JF-17 Thunder's 16,700 meters (54,790 ft).
Which is heavier, the JF-17 Thunder or Kfir?
The Kfir has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 16,200 kg compared to the JF-17 Thunder's 12,701 kg.
Which is larger, the JF-17 Thunder or Kfir?
The Kfir is longer at 15.7 meters compared to the JF-17 Thunder's 14.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the JF-17 Thunder or Kfir?
The JF-17 Thunder is more expensive at approximately $25 million per unit compared to the Kfir at $20 million.
Which entered service first, the JF-17 Thunder or Kfir?
The Kfir entered service first in 1974, 33 years before the JF-17 Thunder which entered service in 2007.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the JF-17 Thunder or Kfir?
The Kfir has been produced in greater numbers with 220 units compared to 144 units of the JF-17 Thunder.