F-16C Fighting Falcon vs JF-17 Thunder: how to tell them apart

Two combat aircraft that are easy to mix up at a glance. Here is what tells them apart.

F-16C Fighting Falcon

Combat aircraft, USA. In service since 1984

What gives it away

Single tail fin, intake under the fuselage, frameless bubble canopy.

Used by

USA, Denmark, Norway, Netherlands and 20+ others

JF-17 Thunder

Combat aircraft, China / Pakistan. In service since 2007

What gives it away

Small single-engine fighter with bump-shaped side intakes, wing-root extensions and a single tall fin.

Used by

Pakistan, Myanmar, Nigeria, Azerbaijan

F-16C Fighting Falcon · JF-17 Thunder · All guides