In the world of modern military aviation, fighter jets are the cutting edge of national defense. With each country investing billions into research and development, comparing aircraft like China’s Chengdu J-10, America’s legendary F-14 Tomcat, France’s versatile Dassault Rafale, and India’s indigenous HAL Tejas offers a fascinating insight into military technology, strategy, and innovation.
This blog post provides a side-by-side aircraft specifications comparison, highlighting their strengths, limitations, and combat potential.
📋 Quick Specs Overview
Feature / Aircraft
Chengdu J-10
F-14 Tomcat
Dassault Rafale
HAL Tejas
Country
China
United States
France
India
Role
Multirole Fighter
Interceptor
Multirole Fighter
Light Fighter
Generation
4th Gen
4th Gen
4.5 Gen
4+ Gen
Crew
1
2
1 or 2
1
First Flight
1998
1970
1986 (as Rafale A)
2001
🛠️ Design & Performance
Specification
J-10
F-14 Tomcat
Rafale
Tejas
Length (m)
16.9
19.1
15.3
13.2
Wingspan (m)
9.75
19.5 (unswept)
10.9
8.2
Max Takeoff Weight
~19,000 kg
33,700 kg
24,500 kg
13,500 kg
Max Speed
Mach 2.0+
Mach 2.34
Mach 1.8+
Mach 1.6+
Combat Range
~1,100 km
~1,000 km
~1,850 km
~500–800 km
Service Ceiling
18,000 m
16,000 m
15,240 m
16,000 m
⚙️ Power & Avionics
Feature
J-10
F-14 Tomcat
Rafale
Tejas
Engine
WS-10B (or AL-31)
2 × F110-GE-400
2 × M88-2
1 × GE F404-IN20
Thrust (with AB)
~13,500 kgf
~20,900 kgf
~15,000 kgf (combined)
~8,200 kgf
Radar
AESA (J-10C)
AN/AWG-9
RBE2 AESA
EL/M-2052 AESA
Avionics
Modern glass cockpit, HMD
Outdated (now retired)
SPECTRA EW, HMD
Israeli-origin EW suite
Stealth
Limited (J-10C)
None
Partial (RCS reduced)
Minimal
🔫 Armament & Combat Capabilities
Feature
J-10
F-14 Tomcat
Rafale
Tejas
Gun
23mm cannon
20mm Vulcan
30mm DEFA
23mm GSh-23
Hardpoints
11
10
14
8
Payload Capacity
~6,000 kg
~6,600 kg
~9,500 kg
~5,300 kg
Missile Capability
PL-series (China)
AIM-54, AIM-7, AIM-9
Meteor, MICA
Astra, Python-5
Smart Munitions
Yes
Limited
Yes
Yes
📊 Pros & Cons Comparison
Aircraft
✅ Pros
❌ Cons
J-10
Agile, advanced radar (J-10C), cost-effective
Less stealth, mid-tier range
F-14
Long-range intercept, powerful radar
Retired, high maintenance, outdated tech
Rafale
Multirole versatility, excellent avionics
High cost, not stealthy
Tejas
Indigenous tech, compact & cost-effective
Lower payload & range
🏁 Final Verdict: Which Jet Stands Out?
Each aircraft in this comparison has its unique strengths:
The Dassault Rafale leads in multirole versatility and modern systems, making it a premier frontline fighter for NATO allies.
The Chengdu J-10, especially the J-10C variant, is a highly capable budget option for China’s regional power projection.
The F-14 Tomcat, while retired, remains iconic for its radar and long-range air combat dominance during the Cold War.
The HAL Tejas represents India’s growing aerospace ambitions with its light weight and indigenous development.
💡 Who Wins?
For modern air combat, the Rafale arguably offers the best overall package. But in cost-effectiveness, J-10 and Tejas are tough to beat.
