JF-17 Thunder vs MiG-21 Fishbed
The JF-17 Thunder and the MiG-21 Fishbed are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by CAC / PAC and Mikoyan-Gurevitch respectively. Top speed is 1,960 km/h for the JF-17 Thunder vs 2,125 km/h for the MiG-21 Fishbed. The JF-17 Thunder has an operational range of 900 km vs 660 km for the MiG-21 Fishbed. The MiG-21 Fishbed operates at altitudes up to 19,000 m compared to 16,700 m for the JF-17 Thunder. The JF-17 Thunder has been produced in 144 units vs 11,496 for the MiG-21 Fishbed. Unit cost is $30M for the JF-17 Thunder vs $2M for the MiG-21 Fishbed. The MiG-21 Fishbed first flew 48 years before the JF-17 Thunder (1955 vs 2003).
| 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 |
| Soviet supersonic jet fighter, renowned for extensive service during the Cold War, prevalent in various international conflicts. | |
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| 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 | 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 | 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 JF-17 Thunder or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed is faster with a maximum speed of 2,125 km/h compared to the JF-17 Thunder's 1,960 km/h, a difference of 165 km/h.
Which has longer range, the JF-17 Thunder or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The JF-17 Thunder has a longer range at 900 km compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 660 km.
Which can fly higher, the JF-17 Thunder or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has a higher service ceiling at 19,000 meters (62,335 ft) compared to the JF-17 Thunder's 16,700 meters (54,790 ft).
Which is heavier, the JF-17 Thunder or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The JF-17 Thunder has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 12,701 kg compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 8,625 kg.
Which is larger, the JF-17 Thunder or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The JF-17 Thunder is longer at 14.0 meters compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed's 13.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the JF-17 Thunder or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The JF-17 Thunder is more expensive at approximately $30 million per unit compared to the MiG-21 Fishbed at $2.0 million.
Which entered service first, the JF-17 Thunder or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed entered service first in 1958, 49 years before the JF-17 Thunder which entered service in 2007.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the JF-17 Thunder or MiG-21 Fishbed?
The MiG-21 Fishbed has been produced in greater numbers with 11,496 units compared to 144 units of the JF-17 Thunder.