Produced from 1988 to 2000, the B-2 can deploy both conventional and nuclear weapons, including up to eighty 500-pound (230 kg) Mk 82 JDAM GPS-guided bombs or sixteen 2,400-pound (1,100 kg) B83 nuclear bombs. It remains the only confirmed in-service aircraft capable of carrying large air-to-surface standoff weapons while maintaining a stealth profile.
But fast forward to today and modern fighter jets are among the most complex machines ever created. Their price tags reflect not just raw performance, but decades of research, stealth engineering, advanced avionics, sensor fusion, weapons integration, and sustainment planning. In many cases, the cost of a fighter aircraft is shaped as much by its development programme as by its combat role. By 2026, fifth-generation stealth fighters and advanced 4.5-generation aircraft dominate the upper end of military aviation spending. Some are optimised for air superiority, others for multirole flexibility or electronic warfare dominance.
What unites them all is the enormous financial investment required to design, build, and maintain them.
Below are the ten most expensive fighter jets ever built, ranked by approximate unit cost, with one strategic bomber included as a benchmark outlier.
1. Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor -~$143 million
The F-22 Raptor remains the most expensive operational fighter jet ever produced on a per-unit basis. Designed as a pure air superiority platform, it combines stealth, super cruise, extreme maneuverability, and sensor fusion in a way no other fighter fully matches.
Production was limited to fewer than 200 aircraft, significantly driving up unit cost. The F-22 was never exported, further preventing economies of scale. Although no longer in production, it remains unmatched in air-to-air combat capability, and its cost reflects the uncompromising design philosophy behind achieving absolute aerial dominance. Its advanced radar, electronic warfare suite, and thrust-vectoring engines allow it to dominate contested airspace before adversaries even realise they are being tracked.
2. Dassault Rafale -~$125 million
The Dassault Rafale is one of the most sophisticated multirole fighters ever developed outside the United States. Designed to replace multiple aircraft types, it performs air superiority, deep strike, reconnaissance, and nuclear deterrence missions. Its cost reflects extensive avionics integration, advanced radar systems, and a high level of sensor fusion.
Unlike stealth-first fighters, Rafale prioritises electronic warfare and agility, supported by its highly regarded defensive aids suite. Export variants and custom configurations often push costs upward, especially when weapons, support, and technology transfer are included. The Rafale's flexibility, carrier-capable variants, and long service life make it one of the most expensive, yet versatile fighters ever fielded.
3. Eurofighter Typhoon -~$117 million
The Eurofighter Typhoon is the result of a complex multinational programme involving several European nations. Initially designed as an air superiority fighter, it has evolved into a highly capable multirole platform. Its price reflects advanced aerodynamics, powerful twin engines, and sophisticated radar and defensive systems.
Programme complexity, staggered upgrades, and varying national requirements contributed to rising costs over time. Later production tranches added enhanced ground-attack capabilities, advanced sensors, and improved electronic warfare systems
4. Chengdu J-20 - ~$110 million
China's Chengdu J-20 represents its leap into fifth-generation fighter capability. Designed with stealth as a core feature the aircraft focuses on long-range interception, sensor fusion, and network- centric warfare. Its cost reflects advanced materials, radar-absorbent coatings, and indigenous avionics development.
Unlike earlier Chinese fighters, the J-20 was built to counter high-end adversaries, particularly support aircraft and stealth platforms. Ongoing engine development and incremental upgrades have influenced unit cost estimates. While exact figures remain opaque, the J- 20 is widely regarded as one of the most expensive fighters China has ever produced, signaling a strategic shift toward premium air combat capability:
5. Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning ii - ~$109 million
The F-35 Lightning ii is one of the most ambitious military aviation programmes in history. Designed as a multirole stealth fighter for air forces, navies, and marine corps, it integrates advanced sensors data fusion, and stealth into a single platform. Its cost reflects not just the aircraft, but the software-intensive architecture underpinning it. While production scale has gradually reduced unit prices, early and specialised variants remain expensive. The F-35's ability to act as a battlefield information hub, rather than just a shooter, sets it apart. Its price is driven by its role as a networked combat system rather than a traditional fighter aircraft
6. Boeing F-15EX Eagle ~$97 million
The F-15EX Eagle is a modernised evolution of a legendary airframe. While lacking stealth, its cost reflects enormous payload capacity, powerful radar systems and long-range performance. Designed to carry advanced weapons, including hypersonic missiles, the F-15EX prioritises raw capability and survivability.
Its modern avionics, digital backbone, and structural reinforcements significantly raise costs compared to earlier F-15 variants. However, it benefits from existing infrastructure and pilot familiarity. The F-15EX represents a different philosophy, maximum weapons carriage and endurance, making its high price a reflection of brute-force capability rather than stealth optimisation.
7. Sukhoi Su-35 -~$85 million
The Sukhoi Su-35 is one of the most advanced non-stealth fighters ever built. It features thrust-vectoring engines, extreme maneuverability, and a powerful radar system designed for long-range engagements. Its cost reflects extensive upgrades over earlier Su-27 variants, including new avionics and electronic warfare systems.
While not a fifth-generation aircraft, the Su-35 compensates with kinematic performance and weapons capacity. Export configurations and limited production runs have influenced pricing in air-to-air combat scenarios, it remains a formidable opponent, and its price positions it firmly among the world's most expensive fighters despite its lack of stealth shaping.
8. Saab JAS 39E/F Gripen - ~$85 million
The Gripen E/F represents a dramatic evolution from earlier Gripen models. While marketed as cost-effective over its lifespan, its acquisition price reflects advanced avionics, a new engine, improved radar, and expanded weapons integration. The aircraft is designed to operate in high-threat environments with minimal logistical footprint.
Its open-architecture systems allow rapid upgrades, contributing to long-term value but increasing upfront cost. The Gripen's price also reflects extensive customisation options for export customers. Though smaller than many rivals, it offers advanced capability in a compact, highly adaptable platform
9. Boeing E/A-18G Growler ~$80 million
The E/A-18G Growler is a specialised electronic warfare variant of the F/A-18 platform. Its cost reflects unique mission systems designed to jam, deceive, and suppress enemy air defences. Unlike traditional fighters, its primary weapon is electromagnetic dominance, Advanced sensors, electronic attack pods, and mission-specific avionics significantly increase its price.
Below are the ten most expensive fighter jets ever built, ranked by approximate unit cost, with one strategic bomber included as a benchmark outlier.
1. Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor -~$143 million
The F-22 Raptor remains the most expensive operational fighter jet ever produced on a per-unit basis. Designed as a pure air superiority platform, it combines stealth, super cruise, extreme maneuverability, and sensor fusion in a way no other fighter fully matches.
Production was limited to fewer than 200 aircraft, significantly driving up unit cost. The F-22 was never exported, further preventing economies of scale. Although no longer in production, it remains unmatched in air-to-air combat capability, and its cost reflects the uncompromising design philosophy behind achieving absolute aerial dominance. Its advanced radar, electronic warfare suite, and thrust-vectoring engines allow it to dominate contested airspace before adversaries even realise they are being tracked.
2. Dassault Rafale -~$125 million
The Dassault Rafale is one of the most sophisticated multirole fighters ever developed outside the United States. Designed to replace multiple aircraft types, it performs air superiority, deep strike, reconnaissance, and nuclear deterrence missions. Its cost reflects extensive avionics integration, advanced radar systems, and a high level of sensor fusion.
Unlike stealth-first fighters, Rafale prioritises electronic warfare and agility, supported by its highly regarded defensive aids suite. Export variants and custom configurations often push costs upward, especially when weapons, support, and technology transfer are included. The Rafale's flexibility, carrier-capable variants, and long service life make it one of the most expensive, yet versatile fighters ever fielded.
3. Eurofighter Typhoon -~$117 million
The Eurofighter Typhoon is the result of a complex multinational programme involving several European nations. Initially designed as an air superiority fighter, it has evolved into a highly capable multirole platform. Its price reflects advanced aerodynamics, powerful twin engines, and sophisticated radar and defensive systems.
Programme complexity, staggered upgrades, and varying national requirements contributed to rising costs over time. Later production tranches added enhanced ground-attack capabilities, advanced sensors, and improved electronic warfare systems
4. Chengdu J-20 - ~$110 million
China's Chengdu J-20 represents its leap into fifth-generation fighter capability. Designed with stealth as a core feature the aircraft focuses on long-range interception, sensor fusion, and network- centric warfare. Its cost reflects advanced materials, radar-absorbent coatings, and indigenous avionics development.
Unlike earlier Chinese fighters, the J-20 was built to counter high-end adversaries, particularly support aircraft and stealth platforms. Ongoing engine development and incremental upgrades have influenced unit cost estimates. While exact figures remain opaque, the J- 20 is widely regarded as one of the most expensive fighters China has ever produced, signaling a strategic shift toward premium air combat capability:
5. Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning ii - ~$109 million
The F-35 Lightning ii is one of the most ambitious military aviation programmes in history. Designed as a multirole stealth fighter for air forces, navies, and marine corps, it integrates advanced sensors data fusion, and stealth into a single platform. Its cost reflects not just the aircraft, but the software-intensive architecture underpinning it. While production scale has gradually reduced unit prices, early and specialised variants remain expensive. The F-35's ability to act as a battlefield information hub, rather than just a shooter, sets it apart. Its price is driven by its role as a networked combat system rather than a traditional fighter aircraft
6. Boeing F-15EX Eagle ~$97 million
The F-15EX Eagle is a modernised evolution of a legendary airframe. While lacking stealth, its cost reflects enormous payload capacity, powerful radar systems and long-range performance. Designed to carry advanced weapons, including hypersonic missiles, the F-15EX prioritises raw capability and survivability.
Its modern avionics, digital backbone, and structural reinforcements significantly raise costs compared to earlier F-15 variants. However, it benefits from existing infrastructure and pilot familiarity. The F-15EX represents a different philosophy, maximum weapons carriage and endurance, making its high price a reflection of brute-force capability rather than stealth optimisation.
7. Sukhoi Su-35 -~$85 million
The Sukhoi Su-35 is one of the most advanced non-stealth fighters ever built. It features thrust-vectoring engines, extreme maneuverability, and a powerful radar system designed for long-range engagements. Its cost reflects extensive upgrades over earlier Su-27 variants, including new avionics and electronic warfare systems.
While not a fifth-generation aircraft, the Su-35 compensates with kinematic performance and weapons capacity. Export configurations and limited production runs have influenced pricing in air-to-air combat scenarios, it remains a formidable opponent, and its price positions it firmly among the world's most expensive fighters despite its lack of stealth shaping.
8. Saab JAS 39E/F Gripen - ~$85 million
The Gripen E/F represents a dramatic evolution from earlier Gripen models. While marketed as cost-effective over its lifespan, its acquisition price reflects advanced avionics, a new engine, improved radar, and expanded weapons integration. The aircraft is designed to operate in high-threat environments with minimal logistical footprint.
Its open-architecture systems allow rapid upgrades, contributing to long-term value but increasing upfront cost. The Gripen's price also reflects extensive customisation options for export customers. Though smaller than many rivals, it offers advanced capability in a compact, highly adaptable platform
9. Boeing E/A-18G Growler ~$80 million
The E/A-18G Growler is a specialised electronic warfare variant of the F/A-18 platform. Its cost reflects unique mission systems designed to jam, deceive, and suppress enemy air defences. Unlike traditional fighters, its primary weapon is electromagnetic dominance, Advanced sensors, electronic attack pods, and mission-specific avionics significantly increase its price.
The Growler plays a critical role in enabling other aircraft to operate safely in contested airspace. Its niche role and limited production numbers contribute to its high unit cost, making it one of the most expensive specialised combat aircraft ever built.
10.Shenyang FC-31-~$70 million
The Shenyang FC-3lis China's emerging stealth fighter designed primarily for export and potential carrier operations its cost reflects fifth-generation design principles including stealth shaping internal weapons bays, and modern avionics.
While less mature than the J-20, the FC-31 represents a lower-cost entry into stealth aviation. Developmental status, evolving engines, and future upgrades influence cost estimates Though cheaper than other fifth- generation fighters, it remains one of the most expensive aircraft China has developed, highlighting the inherent cost of stealth and advanced combat systems
The cost of a fighter jet is no longer defined solely by speed or firepower. In 2026, price is driven by stealth, sensors, software, electronic warfare, and integration into networked combat environments. Whether through brute- force payloads or digital dominance, these aircraft represent the absolute peak of military aviation investment.
10.Shenyang FC-31-~$70 million
The Shenyang FC-3lis China's emerging stealth fighter designed primarily for export and potential carrier operations its cost reflects fifth-generation design principles including stealth shaping internal weapons bays, and modern avionics.
While less mature than the J-20, the FC-31 represents a lower-cost entry into stealth aviation. Developmental status, evolving engines, and future upgrades influence cost estimates Though cheaper than other fifth- generation fighters, it remains one of the most expensive aircraft China has developed, highlighting the inherent cost of stealth and advanced combat systems
The cost of a fighter jet is no longer defined solely by speed or firepower. In 2026, price is driven by stealth, sensors, software, electronic warfare, and integration into networked combat environments. Whether through brute- force payloads or digital dominance, these aircraft represent the absolute peak of military aviation investment.
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