The 10 Priciest Military Aircraft Ever Built

The increasing demand for advanced capabilities in military aviation has driven the cost of many aircraft to extraordinary heights. These high expenses are often due to cutting-edge technology, specialized features, and operational needs. Some programs were even canceled because of these steep costs. Below are the ten most expensive military aircraft ever built, showcasing the remarkable engineering and design that come with a hefty price tag.

Chengdu J-20 Black Eagle – $110M

The Chengdu J-20 “Mighty Dragon,” China’s first stealth fighter, is a fifth-generation single-seat aircraft developed by the Chengdu Aerospace Corporation. It made its maiden flight in 2011 and entered service with the Chinese Air Force in 2017. Equipped with advanced AESA radar, fire control systems, and powerful WS-10G turbofan engines, it achieves a top speed of 1,305 mph, a climb rate of 60,000 ft/min, and an operational range of 2,100 km. Its armament includes PL-12C/D and PL-21 air-to-air missiles, laser-guided bombs, and air-to-surface missiles, making it effective in both air superiority and ground-attack roles.

Costing $110 million per unit with a program budget of $4.4 billion, the J-20 represents China’s push for advanced military technology. It features a sleek, stealthy design with dimensions of 75.46 ft in length and 49.21 ft in width, allowing a maximum takeoff weight of 77,162 lbs. As China’s most advanced combat aircraft, the J-20 plays a vital role in modernizing its air force and establishing its aerial dominance.

Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II – $115.5 Million

The F-35 Lightning II, developed under the Joint Strike Fighter program, is a fifth-generation multirole fighter. Its per-unit cost varies by variant, with the most expensive versions reaching $115.5 million. The program’s total cost exceeds $1.7 trillion, making it the most expensive defense program in history.

The F-35 features stealth technology, advanced avionics, and the ability to operate in multiple combat scenarios. It has been adopted by several nations, including the UK, Japan, and Israel, underscoring its global impact despite its significant development challenges.

Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey – $118M

The Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey is a multirole combat aircraft with tiltrotor technology, enabling vertical takeoff and landing like a helicopter while maintaining the range and speed of a fixed-wing plane. Despite challenges during development, including crashes and funding delays, it entered U.S. Marine Corps service in 2007, followed by the U.S. Air Force in 2009 and the U.S. Navy in 2021. It is powered by two Rolls-Royce AE1107C engines, providing a top speed of 316 mph, a range of 1,627 km, and a climb rate of 3,160 ft/min. It accommodates four crew members and up to 24 personnel while featuring advanced radar and infrared systems for enhanced operational capabilities.

Priced at $118 million per unit with an overall program cost of $35.6 billion, the V-22 is in service with the U.S. and Japan, with possible future exports. Known for its versatility, it excels in combat and logistical missions but faced early controversy due to its tiltrotor design and crash record. By 2019, the program had surpassed 450,000 flight hours and delivered 375 aircraft, earning its place as a critical asset for combatant commanders.

Northrop Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye – $232 Million

The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, an airborne early warning aircraft developed by Northrop Grumman, builds on the legacy of the E-2 Hawkeye introduced in the 1960s. With a cost of $232 million per unit, it is equipped with modern radar and communication systems, enabling advanced battle management capabilities.

Powered by two Allison/Rolls-Royce T56-A-427A turboprop engines, the E-2D has a maximum speed of 402 miles per hour and a range of 2,708 kilometers. Its ability to refuel in-flight extends its mission duration, making it a crucial asset for the U.S. Navy and other operators worldwide.

VH-71 Kestrel – $241 Million

The VH-71 Kestrel, developed as a replacement for the Marine One presidential transport fleet, was an ambitious but ultimately unsuccessful program. Based on the AgustaWestland AW101, the aircraft faced multiple delays and cost overruns. Only nine units were produced before the project was canceled in 2009.

Despite its failure, the VH-71 showcased advanced features such as powerful General Electric CT7-8E engines and a maximum range of 1,400 kilometers. The remaining aircraft were later sold to Canada for spare parts, marking an anticlimactic end to the program.

Boeing P-8A Poseidon – $290 Million

Derived from the Boeing 737-800ERX, the P-8A Poseidon is a maritime patrol aircraft primarily used by the U.S. Navy. Its production cost is approximately $290 million per unit. Designed for anti-submarine and surface warfare, the P-8A also performs surveillance and reconnaissance missions.

First introduced in 2013, the aircraft features advanced radar systems and missile capabilities. Powered by two CFM International CFM56-7B27A engines, it can achieve a cruising speed of 926 kilometers per hour and a range of 7,242 kilometers. Several allied nations, including India, Australia, and the UK, also operate the P-8A.

Boeing C-17 Globemaster III – $328 Million

The C-17 Globemaster III is a versatile military transport aircraft designed by McDonnell Douglas and Boeing for the U.S. Air Force. First entering service in 1995, the aircraft is known for its reliability and heavy-lift capabilities. It can transport equipment, vehicles, and personnel, including airdropping paratroopers.

The lifetime program cost of the C-17 is estimated at $328–368 million per unit. Powered by four Pratt & Whitney F117-PW-100 turbofan engines, the aircraft can carry a maximum payload of 170,900 pounds. Its range is 4,482 kilometers without refueling, but this extends to over 10,000 kilometers when configured for paratrooper transport. Production ended in 2015, but the aircraft is expected to serve into the 2030s.

Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor – $350 Million

The F-22 Raptor, developed by Lockheed Martin in collaboration with Boeing, was introduced to the U.S. Air Force in 2005. With an estimated cost of $350 million per unit, it is one of the most advanced fighter jets ever built. The total program cost exceeded $66 billion.

The F-22 combines stealth technology, supermaneuverability, and advanced sensor integration. It is powered by Pratt & Whitney F119-100 engines, allowing the aircraft to achieve “supercruise” speeds of Mach 1.82 without afterburners. Despite its capabilities, the F-22 faced criticism for its high production and maintenance costs. Production ceased in 2012, but the aircraft is expected to remain in service until 2060.

Air Force One (Boeing VC-25) – $660 Million

Air Force One refers to the two heavily modified Boeing VC-25 aircraft used to transport the U.S. president. These aircraft, based on the Boeing 747-200 design, were first introduced in 1990. Each VC-25 costs around $325 million, with the total cost of the pair reaching $660 million.

The aircraft are equipped with cutting-edge communication and defensive systems, including electronic countermeasures to jam radar and flares to counter heat-seeking missiles. They also have in-flight refueling capabilities, significantly extending their range. The VC-25 can fly at a cruising altitude of 45,100 feet with a maximum range of 13,000 kilometers. Plans are underway to replace the current models with two Boeing 747-8 aircraft, estimated to cost $3.9 billion and ready for use by 2024.

Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit – $2.1 Billion

The B-2 Spirit, a stealth bomber developed by Northrop Grumman, entered service with the U.S. Air Force in 1989. This aircraft was designed to penetrate heavily defended airspace and operate at altitudes up to 50,000 feet. Its stealth capabilities stem from a unique design that reduces radar detection, combined with an advanced coating known as “alternate high-frequency material.”

Initially, the unit cost of the B-2 was $737 million, but modifications in 1997 brought the total cost per aircraft to $2.1 billion. Beyond its production cost, the bomber is also expensive to maintain, costing $135,000 per hour of operation. Each B-2 undergoes $60 million worth of upgrades every seven years, ensuring it remains operationally relevant. Powered by four non-afterburning General Electric F118-GE-110 turbofan engines, the B-2 has a range of 11,100 kilometers and can carry up to 40,000 pounds of weapons. Its complex design and high operational demands make it the most expensive aircraft ever built.