JF-17 Thunder vs Mirage III / 5 / 50

Overview

The JF-17 Thunder and the Mirage III / 5 / 50 are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by CAC / PAC and Dassault respectively.

Top speed is 1,960 km/h for the JF-17 Thunder vs 2,350 km/h for the Mirage III / 5 / 50. The JF-17 Thunder has an operational range of 900 km vs 2,400 km for the Mirage III / 5 / 50. The Mirage III / 5 / 50 operates at altitudes up to 17,000 m compared to 16,700 m for the JF-17 Thunder.

The JF-17 Thunder has been produced in 144 units vs 1,422 for the Mirage III / 5 / 50. Unit cost is $30M for the JF-17 Thunder vs $5M for the Mirage III / 5 / 50. The Mirage III / 5 / 50 first flew 47 years before the JF-17 Thunder (1956 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
French jet fighter-bomber, notable for its role in multiple conflicts globally since the 1960s, including the Six-Day War.
Dassault Mirage III / 5 / 50 Combat profile drawing
Origin country 🇫🇷 France
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Dassault
First flight 17 November 1956
Year introduced 1961
Number produced 1422 units
Average unit price $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 34.8 m² ◉
Wingspan 8.2 m â—‰
Height 4.5 m â—‰
Length 15.3 m â—‰
Maximum speed 2350 km/h â—‰
Operational range 2,400 km â—‰
Service ceiling 17,000 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 12,000 kg â—‰
Empty weight 6,740 kg â—‰
Total thrust 1 x 4,300 kgf â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the JF-17 Thunder or Mirage III / 5 / 50?
The Mirage III / 5 / 50 is faster with a maximum speed of 2,350 km/h compared to the JF-17 Thunder's 1,960 km/h, a difference of 390 km/h.
Which has longer range, the JF-17 Thunder or Mirage III / 5 / 50?
The Mirage III / 5 / 50 has a longer range at 2,400 km compared to the JF-17 Thunder's 900 km.
Which can fly higher, the JF-17 Thunder or Mirage III / 5 / 50?
The Mirage III / 5 / 50 has a higher service ceiling at 17,000 meters (55,774 ft) compared to the JF-17 Thunder's 16,700 meters (54,790 ft).
Which is heavier, the JF-17 Thunder or Mirage III / 5 / 50?
The JF-17 Thunder has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 12,701 kg compared to the Mirage III / 5 / 50's 12,000 kg.
Which is larger, the JF-17 Thunder or Mirage III / 5 / 50?
The Mirage III / 5 / 50 is longer at 15.3 meters compared to the JF-17 Thunder's 14.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the JF-17 Thunder or Mirage III / 5 / 50?
The JF-17 Thunder is more expensive at approximately $30 million per unit compared to the Mirage III / 5 / 50 at $5.0 million.
Which entered service first, the JF-17 Thunder or Mirage III / 5 / 50?
The Mirage III / 5 / 50 entered service first in 1961, 46 years before the JF-17 Thunder which entered service in 2007.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the JF-17 Thunder or Mirage III / 5 / 50?
The Mirage III / 5 / 50 has been produced in greater numbers with 1,422 units compared to 144 units of the JF-17 Thunder.