Who dominates the skies—Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder or India’s HAL Tejas? In this video, we compare both jets in terms of combat performance, cost, export success, weapons, and battlefield experience. Discover why the JF-17 is gaining global attention and what Tejas needs to catch up. A complete breakdown for aviation and defense lovers!
00:00In the world of modern fighter jets, two South Asian rivals India's Tejas and Pakistan's JF-17 Thunder are often compared, but what gives the JF-17 an edge? Let's break it down one by one.
00:14Number one, export success. The JF-17 has already been exported to countries like Nigeria, Myanmar, and now Azerbaijan. It's been battle-tested and proven in real operations. On the other hand, Tejas is still waiting for its first export deal. This gives the JF-17 a major advantage in international trust and credibility.
00:38Number two, cost advantage. The JF-17 Block III comes in at around $25 to $30 million per unit. Tejas Mc1 costs nearly double, over $40 million. For budget-conscious air forces, JF-17 is the clear winner.
00:56Number three, Chinese support and logistics. With China as its backbone, the JF-17 gets fast upgrades, spare parts, and top-tier tech. It has AESA radar, beaver missiles, and electronic warfare systems. Tejas struggles with delays and limited weapon options due to export restrictions.
01:17Number four, weapon flexibility. The JF-17 carries Chinese long-range missiles like the PL-15, anti-ship missiles like the CM-400, and more. Tejas lacks these heavy-hitting options due to limited integration. In a real battle, JF-17 is better armed for both air and naval missions.
01:39Number five, combat proven. JF-17 has seen action used by Nigeria against insurgents and by Pakistan in 2-0-1-90s Operation Swift Retort. Tejas, still waiting for its first real combat mission, that's a big experience gap.
01:57Number six, fast production pack camera in Pakistan, has streamlined JF-17 production for quick delivery. Meanwhile, Tejas faces delays from HAL and Indian bureaucracy. For countries in a hurry, JF-17 is ready to go.
02:13Now, let's see where Tejas leads. To be fair, Tejas has some strengths to like a better engine, smoother fly-by-wire controls, and advanced avionics. Its future MK-2 version might be a serious competitor. But right now, in 2025, JF-17 is ahead in the race.
02:34So what's the final verdict? JF-17 is cheaper, combat tested, export proven, and heavily armed. Tejas is advanced, but still in the shadows when it comes to global performance. In today's skies, the Thunder FLI's just a little higher.
