Pakistani JF-17 Thunder Vs India’s Tejas Aircraft: Know Which One Is More Powerful- Check All Specifications

JF-17 Thunder Vs Tejas Aircraft: Pakistan has recently been promoting its supersonic JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft on the international stage and is investigating defence alliances with many nations, including Bangladesh, with an emphasis on the sale of JF-17 fighters and other equipment. With promises of battle flexibility and export success, this indicates Pakistan's expanding goals for defence exports as well as its confidence in the fighter's capabilities.

On the other hand, India has been developing and inducting its own indigenous light combat aircraft, one of which is “Tejas,” into its air force, trying to enhance its capabilities in aviation on its own soil. Both of these aircraft symbolise the “defence ambitions” of their nations and are usually compared by defence experts and commentators when they assess air power in South Asia.

To determine which aircraft is most powerful and has an advantage in modern aerial combat, it is important to consider their specifications, technology, performance and total potential.

JF-17 Thunder VS India's Tejas Fighter Aircraft

JF-17 Thunder is a fourth-generation multi-role fighter, which is jointly produced by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex along with Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group of China. Tejas LCA or Light Combat Aircraft is the Indian-designed multi-role fighter, which is produced by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. Both are frontline fighters for their respective air forces and are intended to carry Air-to-Air and Air-to-Surface missiles, though quite different in technology and capabilities. 

In this article, we have differentiated between the Tejas MK1A and JF-17 Block 3 fighter aircraft. Let's take a look at the detailed explanation and specifications for both. 

1. Engine & Performance

Tejas aircraft (Image: Reuters)

Tejas: It uses a “single” General Electric engine with about 85 kN (Kilonewton) of thrust and afterburners, according to HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited). Top speed is about Mach 1.6, roughly 2000 km/h. Lower weight, high thrust/weight ratio, to maximise its speed or ‘agility’.

JF-17 Thunder Block 3: It is equipped with a Klimov RD-93 engine with about 91 kN thrust with afterburning, as per reports by Defence Security Asia. The maximum speed is Mach 1.6, approximately 1900 km. The airframe is more massive than Tejas.

2. Radar, Avionics and Sensors

Tejas: The Tejas has been equipped with modern fire control radars (initially Elta EL/M-2032 version), and developments have been made to the latest versions. There have been advancements in the avionics and flight-by-wire.

JF-17 Block 3: It is armed with Chinese radar systems, referred to as the KLJ-7, which can detect targets at shorter ranges than the Tejas radar systems. Avionics, while capable, are not as sophisticated.

Tejas’s avionics and radar systems are generally considered more advanced, offering better target tracking and electronic support.

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3. Weapons and Combat Capability

JF-17 Thunder aircraft (Image: Reuters)

Tejas: Tejas can carry a mix of air-to-air missiles such as Astra, laser-guided bombs, rockets, and, in the near future, air-to-surface missiles like BrahMos-NG. Payload capacity is approximately 5300 kg.

JF-17 Block 3: It can carry air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, including the Chinese PL-series missiles. The flexibility in integration, however, is payload capacity, by a little lower compared to the Tejas, that is 3700 kg.

While both jets have capable weapon systems, Tejas’s integration of modern Indian and allied missiles gives it a combat edge.

4. Range and Operational Life

Tejas: Tejas' combat radius is about 1000 km, and its service life is up to about 9,000 flight hours, extendable with upkeep. Advanced materials (composite structure) reduce radar signature and improve durability.

JF-17 Block 3: Its Combat radius is around 900 Km, Operational lifecycle around 4,000 flying hours, which is shorter. Larger airframe but less use of advanced composites.

Tejas holds the advantage in longevity and structural sophistication, contributing to long-term service value.

5. Export and Global Presence

There have been export sales for the JF-17, inducted by Myanmar and Nigeria, among others, demonstrating its low cost and flexibility. Pakistan makes note of this as an achievement.

Tejas has faced export challenges, but has still been positioned as a modern fighter with upgrade plans on the horizon.

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Which One Is More Powerful?

Although both are very helpful for their respective air forces, Tejas has a dominant edge regarding radius, cockpits and sensors, payload systems, as well as agility. JF-17 is more economical and is slightly more advanced in Thrust, has more sales opportunities worldwide. In a dual comparison test, Tejas is likely to have a technological edge.