JF-17 Thunder vs MiG-23 Flogger

The JF-17 Thunder and the MiG-23 Flogger 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 2,500 km/h for the MiG-23 Flogger. The JF-17 Thunder has an operational range of 900 km vs 1,150 km for the MiG-23 Flogger. The MiG-23 Flogger operates at altitudes up to 18,000 m compared to 16,700 m for the JF-17 Thunder. The JF-17 Thunder has been produced in 144 units vs 5,047 for the MiG-23 Flogger. Unit cost is $30M for the JF-17 Thunder vs $4M for the MiG-23 Flogger. The MiG-23 Flogger first flew 36 years before the JF-17 Thunder (1967 vs 2003).

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 🇨🇳 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 third-generation jet fighter, notable for its service during the Cold War, often deployed in interceptor and ground-attack roles.
Mikoyan-Gurevitch MiG-23 Flogger Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Mikoyan-Gurevitch
First flight 10 June 1967
Year introduced 1970
Number produced 5047 units
Average unit price $4 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 37.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 14.0 m â—‰
Height 4.8 m â—‰
Length 16.7 m â—‰
Maximum speed 2500 km/h â—‰
Operational range 1,150 km â—‰
Service ceiling 18,000 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 17,800 kg â—‰
Empty weight 10,230 kg â—‰
Total thrust 1 x 12,996 kgf â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the JF-17 Thunder or MiG-23 Flogger?
The MiG-23 Flogger is faster with a maximum speed of 2,500 km/h compared to the JF-17 Thunder's 1,960 km/h, a difference of 540 km/h.
Which has longer range, the JF-17 Thunder or MiG-23 Flogger?
The MiG-23 Flogger has a longer range at 1,150 km compared to the JF-17 Thunder's 900 km.
Which can fly higher, the JF-17 Thunder or MiG-23 Flogger?
The MiG-23 Flogger has a higher service ceiling at 18,000 meters (59,055 ft) compared to the JF-17 Thunder's 16,700 meters (54,790 ft).
Which is heavier, the JF-17 Thunder or MiG-23 Flogger?
The MiG-23 Flogger has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 17,800 kg compared to the JF-17 Thunder's 12,701 kg.
Which is larger, the JF-17 Thunder or MiG-23 Flogger?
The MiG-23 Flogger is longer at 16.7 meters compared to the JF-17 Thunder's 14.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the JF-17 Thunder or MiG-23 Flogger?
The JF-17 Thunder is more expensive at approximately $30 million per unit compared to the MiG-23 Flogger at $4.0 million.
Which entered service first, the JF-17 Thunder or MiG-23 Flogger?
The MiG-23 Flogger entered service first in 1970, 37 years before the JF-17 Thunder which entered service in 2007.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the JF-17 Thunder or MiG-23 Flogger?
The MiG-23 Flogger has been produced in greater numbers with 5,047 units compared to 144 units of the JF-17 Thunder.