The Fighter Aircraft Prices List: Ranking the World’s Most Expensive Jets

Investing in advanced air capabilities represents one of the most significant expenditures for any defense department. The F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter program stands out with the unenviable title of the most costly fighter jet project ever undertaken, projected to exceed $1.7 trillion over its operational lifespan.

However, the total cost of a defense program doesn’t always directly translate to the highest sticker price per unit. In fact, analysis reveals that the F-35 is currently only the fifth most expensive fighter jet on the market in terms of acquisition cost paid by nations. fighter aircraft price can fluctuate significantly.

The cost of fighter jets is subject to variation between production batches (tranches) and is influenced by various external pressures. For example, Defense One reported in July 2024 that Lockheed Martin anticipated challenges in controlling F-35 costs due to rising raw material prices. The most expensive variant, the F-35B designed for vertical takeoff and landing, presently carries a unit cost around $109 million. While slightly lower than some past prices, this figure could change for future production runs. Understanding these dynamics is key to any fighter aircraft cost comparison.

Furthermore, the final price of fighter jets is heavily influenced by the specific specifications requested in an order. The flyaway cost for a basic model might be relatively low, but the price escalates with the inclusion of advanced systems, such as sophisticated weapons packages and cutting-edge avionics. For the F-35, the base model costs approximately $80 million, increasing to the highest known unit price of $109 million.

It’s also important to note that for some of the most expensive fighter jets, the actual production cost can far exceed the sticker price governments pay. The current titleholder for the most expensive fighter by unit cost, the F-22 Raptor, was listed by the US Air Force at a unit cost of $143 million upon sale. However, Airforce Technology estimates the true production cost per aircraft to be closer to $350 million.

For this ranking of the most expensive fighter jets, we’ve synthesized data from publicly available sources and reports of specific defense contracts to estimate the highest price point recorded for each model. It’s acknowledged that flyaway costs for base configurations may be lower, and individual contract values are subject to negotiation and can vary. Given the confidential nature of many defense procurement details, this ranking is based on the best available estimates.

Which is the most expensive fighter jet in the world?

Based on reported unit costs for acquisition, the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor currently holds the distinction of being the world’s most expensive fighter jet, with a listed unit cost of $143 million, as per the US Air Force. However, as highlighted earlier, the actual production costs are significantly higher than this acquisition price. The F-22 is also widely regarded as one of the top 10 5th generation fighter aircraft globally.

Securing the second position is the Dassault Rafale, evaluated at a current new value of $125 million. Following closely, the Eurofighter Typhoon project, a multinational endeavor facing escalating costs, registers a sticker price of $117 million, placing it third on this list.

Here is the detailed ranking of the most expensive fighter jets by estimated unit acquisition price:

1. Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor: $143 million

Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor fifth-generation stealth fighter in flight

The F-22 Raptor is globally recognized as one of the best fighter jets in the world. Primarily designed as an air superiority fighter, its capabilities extend to ground attack, electronic warfare, and signals intelligence.

Its radar cross-section is astonishingly small, estimated to be comparable to a marble, making it a premier stealth fighter. Its supercruise capability allows it to maintain sustained supersonic flight at Mach 1.8 without relying on fuel-hungry afterburners. Complementing this are advanced avionics, exceptional maneuverability, and an internal weapons bay that minimizes drag and further enhances stealth.

The US Air Force lists the F-22’s flyaway cost at $143 million. However, this figure represents barely half of the actual cost incurred to produce each jet. The entire F-22 program totaled over $67.3 billion for 195 aircraft, calculating the true per-Raptor cost at approximately $334 million.

Despite its unparalleled air superiority capabilities, the F-22 was ultimately deemed too costly for large-scale production. The program concluded in 2011, with the US military subsequently prioritizing the F-35 Lightning II, which was designed with greater export potential. Nevertheless, in response to emerging threats from aircraft like the J-20 and Su-57, upgrades to the existing F-22 fleet are actively being pursued.

2. Dassault Rafale: $125 million

Dassault Rafale multirole fighter aircraft in flight

Reports vary regarding the unit price of the Dassault Rafale, typically falling between $100 and $120 million for the most basic configurations. According to Shephard Media, the average cost of a Rafale in contemporary terms is estimated at $124.95 million. This estimate is based on French budget documents from 2013 reporting the average cost of the twin-seat Rafale B variant at €74 million ($98.2 million at the time).

Unlike the F-22, which was optimized for air superiority, the Rafale was conceived from the outset as a genuine multirole (or ‘omnirole,’ as per the manufacturer) fighter. It possesses the capability to conduct air-to-air combat, ground strikes, reconnaissance missions, carrier-based operations, and even nuclear deterrence. Its distinctive delta wing and canard configuration provide exceptional agility. Similar to the F-22, it can achieve sustained supersonic flight (Mach 1.4) without using afterburners for extended periods. While it doesn’t possess the same level of stealth as the F-22, the Rafale counters this with its SPECTRA system, an advanced active fire-control jamming suite designed to disrupt enemy targeting systems.

Over 250 units have been produced to date. While France remains the primary operator, several other nations have acquired the aircraft. India ordered 36, Egypt ordered 54, and Qatar purchased 36. However, the most substantial export agreement to date was a deal for 80 Rafales with the UAE, estimated to be valued at $19 billion for the entire package including support and weapons.

3. Eurofighter Typhoon: $117 million

Eurofighter Typhoon multirole fighter jet

The Eurofighter Typhoon is the product of a multinational collaboration involving the UK, Germany, Italy, and Spain. This project delivered an advanced 4.5-generation multirole fighter jet optimized for air-to-air combat (dogfighting). It boasts one of the best thrust-to-weight ratios among modern fighters (nearly 1:1), a top speed exceeding Mach 2.0, and a robust weapons payload capacity.

Some of the Eurofighter Typhoon’s most innovative technology lies within its sensor and avionics suite. Key systems include:

• Captor-E AESA Radar: Provides enhanced detection range, tracking capabilities, and resistance to electronic jamming.
• Pirate IRST (Infrared Search and Track): Allows for passive detection of aircraft, including stealthy targets and enemy jets, without emitting radar signals, helping the Typhoon remain undetected.
• DASS (Defensive Aids Sub-System): An advanced electronic warfare (EW) suite offering comprehensive missile warning, radar jamming, and countermeasures.
• Sensor Fusion: Integrates data from various onboard sensors and external sources, adopting a networked battlefield approach similar to the F-35.

According to a report by the UK National Audit Office, the Typhoon’s unit cost for export customers is £73 million ($117 million). However, for the nations participating in the joint project, procurement costs per unit can be significantly lower, sometimes reaching as low as $50 million. Similar to the F-22, these acquisition prices are substantially less than the estimated value of a completed jet. The overall program cost is projected to be as high as $120 billion, placing the estimated cost per jet closer to $250 million when considering the total program expense.

4. Chengdu J-20: $110 million

Chengdu J-20 fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft

The Chengdu J-20 represents China’s first operational fifth-generation stealth fighter. It employs multiple design features to minimize its radar signature, including radar-absorbent materials, internal weapons bays, and angled fuselage lines with forward-swept canards designed to reduce radar cross-section. Janes estimates the unit price of a J-20 to be approximately $110 million. This places it firmly on a fighter aircraft prices list of modern aircraft.

While early J-20 variants were equipped with Russian AL-31 engines, which somewhat limited maneuverability, the newest production aircraft feature Chinese WS-10C engines. These domestically produced engines provide supercruise capability (Mach 1.8 without afterburners). Future variants are planned to utilize the even more advanced WS-15 engines, expected to enable true supermaneuverability through 3D thrust vectoring, similar to the F-22. The J-20’s significant range makes it well-suited for deep-strike missions, serving as a strategic deterrent, particularly in contested areas like the South China Sea. The J-20 is another prominent example when discussing top 10 5th generation fighter aircraft.

Questions arise as to how China has managed to develop and build an aircraft with capabilities approaching those of the F-22 at a significantly lower unit cost. Reports suggest that China may have benefited from espionage and technology transfers, potentially reducing research and development expenses. Additionally, the J-20 is being mass-produced in a manner that the F-22 never was, which helps to drive down the per-unit cost. Despite the lower unit cost compared to the F-22’s production cost, China has invested an estimated $50 billion in the J-20 project and currently intends to operate the aircraft exclusively, with no export plans announced.

5. Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II: $109 million

Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter flying

The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II has earned its place in history as the most expensive weapon system program ever developed. As a cutting-edge fifth-generation fighter jet, its operational costs are among the highest globally, contributing to the overall expense of both acquiring and maintaining the aircraft. Since 2022, the unit cost of the F-35 has seen further increases attributed to inflation, adjustments in production quantities, and the incorporation of improved capabilities.

A report published in late May 2023 by the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) indicated that “the program attributes the increased procurement cost to additional years of costs related to airframe and engine production, along with support costs for equipment, technical data, and training.” The F-35 is a key aircraft discussed when looking at a fighter aircraft prices list.

It’s important to understand that the F-35 comes in three main variants – A, B, and C – which are, in essence, distinct aircraft types designed for different roles. The most expensive variant is the F-35B, specifically engineered for short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) operations, with its unit cost currently noted at approximately $109 million. The F-35 is a prime example when considering top 10 5th generation fighter aircraft.

6. Boeing F-15EX Eagle II: $97 million

Boeing F-15EX Eagle II fighter jet with weapons

The Boeing F-15EX Eagle II represents the most recent and advanced iteration of the venerable F-15 airframe. It was developed to equip the US Air Force with a substantially upgraded, non-stealthy platform focused on air superiority and multirole capabilities. The F-15EX integrates state-of-the-art avionics, significantly enhanced weapons capacity, and modern survivability features. Initially projected to cost below $80 million per aircraft, the price subsequently rose to $90 million and reached $97 million by the Fall of 2023.

It holds the distinction of being the fastest fighter jet currently in US production, capable of achieving speeds up to Mach 2.5. Unlike stealth-focused designs, the F-15EX is built around delivering overwhelming firepower. It boasts the highest payload capacity of any fighter jet in the USAF inventory, capable of carrying up to 13.6 tons of ordnance. This includes the ability to carry as many as 16 air-to-air missiles simultaneously.

Despite operating sizable fleets of F-22s and F-35s, the USAF still requires the F-15EX to serve as a long-term replacement for its aging F-15C/D models. The F-15EX is considerably less expensive and easier to maintain than either the F-22 or F-35. Its substantial payload capacity makes it an ideal “missile truck,” providing complementary support to stealth platforms like the F-35. While the F-35 excels at penetrating contested airspace undetected, the F-15EX can follow up to provide heavy hitting capability. The F-15EX is expected to remain a vital component of the US and allied air forces well into the 2050s.

7. Sukhoi Su-35: $85 million

Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jet in flight

The Sukhoi Su-35 is Russia’s most advanced 4.5-generation air superiority fighter. It was developed as a direct competitor to Western designs such as the F-15EX, Eurofighter Typhoon, and Rafale. As an evolution of the renowned Su-27 Flanker family, it features enhanced avionics, thrust-vectoring engines, and significantly increased combat capabilities.

While it does not possess the same level of stealth as the fifth-generation F-22 and F-35, the Su-35 compensates with exceptional speed and agility. It is considered one of the most maneuverable fighters globally, largely due to the thrust-vectoring nozzles on its Saturn AL-41F1S engines, a capability rivaled primarily by the F-22 and the upcoming Su-57.

Based on available information and reported contracts, the estimated unit cost of a Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jet is approximately $85 million. However, this price can vary depending on the specific configuration requested by the customer and the details of the particular deal. Some sources have cited production costs potentially as low as $18 million, influenced heavily by exchange rates and production batch sizes.

8. Saab JAS 39E/F Gripen: $85 million

Saab JAS 39 Gripen E/F fighter jet flying

The Swedish Saab JAS 39 Gripen E/F represents the latest development in the Gripen lineage. This version incorporates an AESA radar, increased payload capacity, extended range, an advanced electronic warfare suite, and upgraded engines. The E variant is the single-seat version, while the F is the two-seat configuration. According to Airforce Technology, the current price for the Saab Gripen E is $85 million per unit.

In 2012, the projected cost for the new-generation JAS 39 was expected to exceed $100 million. It is only in recent years that Saab has managed to reduce the unit price. This reduction has significantly boosted the Gripen’s attractiveness and competitiveness on the international export market, making it a sought-after option for countries looking at a fighter aircraft prices list.

The Gripen is known for being relatively easy to maintain and highly survivable. Thanks to its sophisticated electronics and data-linking capabilities, it is sometimes referred to as a ‘smart fighter.’ It was one of the pioneering fighters to achieve full data-link integration, providing real-time situational awareness across the battlefield. Its mission systems benefit from AI assistance, analyzing threats and automatically recommending optimal tactics to the pilot.

9. Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet: $73 million

Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet multirole fighter on a carrier

Developed as a significantly enhanced version of the original McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet, the Super Hornet is a carrier-capable multirole fighter optimized for both air-to-air and air-to-ground combat missions. Depending on the specific production block and configuration, the Super Hornet’s unit cost ranges from $67 million to $73 million. It is available in two variants: the single-seat F/A-18E and the tandem-seat F/A-18F.

The Super Hornet commenced operational service with the US Navy in 2001, gradually replacing the venerable Grumman F-14 Tomcat fleet, which was fully retired by 2006. The Super Hornet is approximately 20% larger than the legacy Hornet and carries one-third more internal fuel, resulting in a substantial improvement in range and endurance compared to its predecessor.

A specialized derivative of the F/A-18F Super Hornet is the E/A-18G Growler. The Growler is specifically designed for electronic warfare missions. Its highly advanced and complex electronic attack capabilities make it the most expensive aircraft in the F-18 family, with unit costs typically around $80 million depending on the mission systems configuration.

10. Shenyang FC-31/J-35: $70 million

Shenyang J-35 fifth-generation stealth fighter on a carrier deck

The Shenyang FC-31, also sometimes referred to as the J-31 Gyrfalcon, is China’s second domestically developed fifth-generation stealth fighter platform, designed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation. It is envisioned as a lighter, more adaptable alternative to China’s primary fifth-generation fighter, the Chengdu J-20. The FC-31 is widely seen as China’s direct competitor to the US F-35 Lightning II, with a focus on balancing stealth characteristics, maneuverability, and multirole functionality. The J-31 is another crucial entry when examining the top 10 5th generation fighter aircraft.

The aircraft incorporates several features optimized for stealth, including angled fuselage surfaces, canted twin vertical tails, and an internal weapons bay, all intended to reduce its radar cross-section. In contrast to the single-engine design of the F-35, the J-31 is a twin-engine fighter, which offers advantages in terms of redundancy and thrust. The naval variant of the J-31, designated J-35, is anticipated to serve as China’s primary carrier-based stealth fighter, positioning it as a competitor to the F-35C for naval aviation roles.

Estimates suggest that if the FC-31 were mass-produced, its unit cost could range between $70 million and $85 million. Unlike the J-20, which is primarily intended for domestic use by the PLAAF and not for export, China is actively promoting the FC-31 and its potential derivatives on the international market. The goal is to position it as a potentially more cost-effective alternative to other available stealth multirole fighters for international buyers considering a fighter aircraft prices list.

Conclusion

Examining the Fighter Aircraft Prices List reveals a complex landscape where sticker price is only one part of the equation. While programs like the F-35 carry monumental lifetime costs, the per-unit acquisition cost can be surpassed by other jets like the F-22 Raptor or Dassault Rafale. Factors including production tranches, requested configurations, and the fundamental difference between flyaway/unit cost and total program expenditure significantly influence these figures. The list highlights that cutting-edge capabilities, particularly fifth-generation stealth technology, come at a premium, although mass production and development origins (domestic vs. international collaboration) can also impact the final price nations pay. Understanding these costs is vital for comprehending global defense spending and military capabilities.