Out of all the 11.0 aircraft in the game, the Kfir Canard doesn’t have much going for it. While the thrust-to-weight ratio is really good, admittedly, it lacks in all key aspects.
If we compare the Kfir to another similar aircraft, the 11.0 Mig-21, it’s immediately clear which one has the edge in exterior weaponry.
The MiG-21 (11.0) is equipped with up to 6 All-Aspect R-60MK missiles or 4 Radar R-3R missiles.
The Kfir Canard is equipped with up to 2 Rear Aspect AIM-9G missiles with no radar whatsoever.
If we compare the MiG-21 and Kfir’s guns, they’re relatively similar overall.
The Mig-21 (11.0) is equipped with two undernose-mounted 23mm guns with an ammunition pool of 250 rounds, while the Kfir (11.0) has 2 wing-mounted 30mm guns with an ammunition pool of 280 rounds. It is worth noting that the Kfir’s guns fire slower, so while they last longer than the MiG-21, they also can miss targets at high speeds.
In dogfights, the MiG-21 and Kfir Canard handle similarly. Both bleed speed in turns easily, and both are better used in boom and zoom tactics from above. The main issue comes from the previously discussed Kfir’s lack of quantity and quality missiles. Due to the Kfir’s lack of all-around missiles, it can be challenging to get them on target at times, and they’re useless in head-ons, unlike the MiG-21’s R-60MK, which are good at it. The MiG-21 also has the R-3R, which can be an unexpected free kill at times.
The MiG-21 also has the advantage in countermeasures with 64 in total, while the Kfir is lacking at 36. This leaves the Kfir not only at a disadvantage of kill potential due to its inferior number and quality of missiles, but it also lacks the longevity and options the MiG-21 gains by having nearly twice as many countermeasures.
While I would prefer decompression at the end of the day, I believe the Kfir should return to 10.7. While the airframe itself isn’t bad, similar fighters at its BR are objectively better options for its role and it’s painful to play it.