GlobalMilitary.net Open-source military intelligence Updated daily
Head-to-head

JF-17 Thunder vs Su-30 Flanker-C

CAC/PAC JF-17 Thunder combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇨🇳🇵🇰 JF-17 Thunder
Sukhoi Su-30 Flanker-C combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇷🇺 Su-30 Flanker-C
Change comparison vs
Specifications
JF-17 Thunder Su-30 Flanker-C
Origin country 🇨🇳 China🇵🇰 Pakistan 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR
Category Combat Aircraft Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer CAC/PAC Sukhoi
First flight 25 August 2003 30 December 1989
Year introduced 2007 1996
Number produced 144 units 630 units
Average unit price $30 million $37 million
Wing area 24.4 m² 62.0 m²
Wingspan 9.0 m 14.7 m
Height 4.8 m 6.4 m
Length 14.0 m 21.9 m
Maximum speed 1960 km/h 2125 km/h
Operational range 900 km 3,000 km
Service ceiling 16,700 m 17,500 m
Max. takeoff weight 12,701 kg 33,000 kg
Empty weight 6,411 kg 17,700 kg
Total thrust 1 x 5,097 kgf 2 x 12,497 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The JF-17 Thunder and the Su-30 Flanker-C are both Combat Aircraft, manufactured by CAC/PAC and Sukhoi respectively.

Top speed is 1,960 km/h for the JF-17 Thunder vs 2,125 km/h for the Su-30 Flanker-C. The JF-17 Thunder has an operational range of 900 km vs 3,000 km for the Su-30 Flanker-C. The Su-30 Flanker-C operates at altitudes up to 17,500 m compared to 16,700 m for the JF-17 Thunder. At 33,000 kg MTOW, the Su-30 Flanker-C is 2.6x the JF-17 Thunder's 12,701 kg.

The JF-17 Thunder has been produced in 144 units vs 630 for the Su-30 Flanker-C. Unit cost is $30M for the JF-17 Thunder vs $37M for the Su-30 Flanker-C. The Su-30 Flanker-C first flew 14 years before the JF-17 Thunder (1989 vs 2003).

Related Comparisons
JF-17 Thunder vs F-35 Lightning II JF-17 Thunder vs F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet JF-17 Thunder vs J-10 Vigorous Dragon JF-17 Thunder vs Typhoon JF-17 Thunder vs JL-8 JF-17 Thunder vs J-11 Responsive Dragon

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the JF-17 Thunder or Su-30 Flanker-C?
The Su-30 Flanker-C 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 Su-30 Flanker-C?
The Su-30 Flanker-C has a longer range at 3,000 km compared to the JF-17 Thunder's 900 km.
Which can fly higher, the JF-17 Thunder or Su-30 Flanker-C?
The Su-30 Flanker-C has a higher service ceiling at 17,500 meters (57,414 ft) compared to the JF-17 Thunder's 16,700 meters (54,790 ft).
Which is heavier, the JF-17 Thunder or Su-30 Flanker-C?
The Su-30 Flanker-C has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 33,000 kg compared to the JF-17 Thunder's 12,701 kg.
Which is larger, the JF-17 Thunder or Su-30 Flanker-C?
The Su-30 Flanker-C is longer at 21.9 meters compared to the JF-17 Thunder's 14.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the JF-17 Thunder or Su-30 Flanker-C?
The Su-30 Flanker-C is more expensive at approximately $37 million per unit compared to the JF-17 Thunder at $30 million.
Which entered service first, the JF-17 Thunder or Su-30 Flanker-C?
The Su-30 Flanker-C entered service first in 1996, 11 years before the JF-17 Thunder which entered service in 2007.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the JF-17 Thunder or Su-30 Flanker-C?
The Su-30 Flanker-C has been produced in greater numbers with 630 units compared to 144 units of the JF-17 Thunder.