The problem with all of these fighter comparisons is that they're based on an old paradigm; the ability to dog-fight. Meaning that capability to engage multiple targets at distances , while remaining 'radar-invisible' to Targets - Technology has changed the subject. A F22 Raptor was not even caught by 3–4 F 15s in mock fights. Its very difficult to base this theoretical assessment of one jet vs another, based on following.
JF 17 Platform was not developed for taking on 4.5 G Combat jets . Its role is to replace Legacy jets of PAF (J 7 Chengdu and Mirage III). The platform for Advanced 5.0 G fighter is different "Proejct Azm" related to Turkish TFX Or Chinese J 20 or J 31.
Although JF 17 Block III is leaps and bounds ahead of its earlier versions, yet JF 17 Bl III Squadron will not be operational before Mid 2021.
Rafale has been flying since 2001 and participated in various combats. JF 17 Block II has also seen combat , But JF 17 Block III is under process of Trials , Sourcing and readiness for Mass production by this year end.
MMRCA (Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft) Rafale 4.0++ Gen French technology - Light Multi Role JF 17 Block III of 4.0 Gen after upgrades Chinese and PAC Technology with Russian Engine.
One is Twin Engine with Modern Air frame of Late 1990's- Other is Single Engine with Air Frame of 1980′s.
Different Designs: Canard Delta Wing design originating from Dassault Mirage 2000s - Conventional design originating from MiG 33 with similarities from Lavi and F 16.
Different Roles: Rafale for Air to Ground attacks with Tactical Smart weapons. JF 17 Block III would be primarily supporting F 16s Block 52 in Air Superiority in short range with Agility and speed as forte.
Huge cost difference: Rafale > 120 M US$ vs Projected cost of All Equipped JF 17 Block III around 35–40 M US$ Max.
One to One combat is rear. Numerical advantage chages everything. 36 Rafale's vs 100 plus JF 17s.
Man behind the Gun is critical, So Training and Effectiveness on IAF (Indian Air Force) on Rafale vs PAF (Pakistan Air Force) on JF 17s.
Maintenance and Upgrades: Rigorous Upkeep program for Operational Serviceability.
Operational Readiness Turn around expertise.
Most Likely JF 17 Block III will compete with Sukhoi Su-30 MKI Flanker and HAL Tejas in future,
Rafale will face SAB - 400 and other Ground defences , F 16 Block 52s and J 20 in future.
JF 17 Block III is Light , Conventional , More Agile and Fuel economical. It will have Advanced FBW , More Powerful Engine RD 93 MA or WS 13E Turbofan, AESA RADAR , HDM/S , Advanced AESL Firing Target Pods , Advanced BVR (Darter , AIM 9L - PL 15), Ability to Fire Tactical Weapon RA'AD . Advantages in Shear Numerical numbers 100+ and Training competence due to use of similar platform. Overall cost to operate and Unit cost is very competitive.
Overall Dassault Rafale Platform is more advanced in High Tech such as Advanced Air Frame, Delta Wing - Canard Design , Semi Stealth Specter System SPECTRA Self-Protection Equipment to Counter Threats for RAFALE Aircraft , More Hard Points and MBDA Meteor AMRAAM. Very expensive Fighter with High cost of operation.
