The 10 most expensive military aircraft ever made policy

Modern military aircraft are masterpieces of engineering, combining stealth, superior maneuverability and advanced data fusion, but these technological leaps come at an ever-increasing cost, according to a report by National Interest writer Harrison Cass.

As capabilities expand, Cass says, costs rise simultaneously, making military aircraft today among the most expensive machines ever built. Cass, a prominent writer on defense and national security affairs, chose 10 aircraft in particular that he said were distinguished by their exorbitant prices, and ranked them in descending order according to the cost of each of them in current US dollars.

10- F-35 Lightning II (stealth multi-role fighter)

• Production year: 2015
• Number produced: more than 1000
• Length: 15.7 meters
• Maximum speed: 1930 km/h
• Crew: 1
• Price: 115-130 million dollars
• Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin/America

The most prolific fifth-generation fighter in the world, advanced in stealth, radar, and data fusion.

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It is noteworthy that the F-35 began with controversy over its enormous cost, but it has now become more economical thanks to mass production, and it represents the backbone of the Western air forces.

9- “Eurofighter Typhoon” (multi-role fighter)

• Production year 2003
• Produced number: 616
• Length: 15.96 meters
• Maximum speed: 2495 km/h
• Crew: 1-2
• Price: 180-200 million dollars
• Manufacturer: European consortium (Leonardo, BAE, Airbus)

8- P-8A Poseidon (maritime patrol aircraft)

• Production year: 2013
• Number produced: 200+
• Length: 39.47 meters
• Maximum speed: 907 km/h
• Crew: 9
• Price: $200 million
• Manufacturer: Boeing/America

An aircraft derived from the Boeing 737 for anti-submarine and maritime surveillance missions.

The article notes that the B-8 has become one of the most important maritime reconnaissance aircraft in the world, and constitutes a pivotal element in cooperation between the United States and its allies in the Pacific and Indian Oceans.

7- E-2D Advanced Hawkeye (Maritime Early Warning)

• Production year: 2014
• Number of product: about 75
• Length: 17.4 m
• Maximum speed: 648 km/h
• Crew: 5
• Price: $220 million
• Manufacturer: North Grumman/USA

A maritime surveillance aircraft carrying a large rotating radar that provides 360-degree coverage around aircraft carriers.
The author explains that the “E-2-D” version is the heart of the American early warning system at sea, and acts as a “flying command center” that connects ships and fighters such as the F-35 in a unified network.

6- “E-7 Wedgetail” (early warning and control)

• Production year: 2009
• Number produced: 14 (25+ production phase)
• Length: 33.6 meters
• Maximum speed: 850 km/h
• Crew: 2 pilots + 10-12 operators
• Price: 230-250 million dollars
• Manufacturer: Boeing/America

An early warning aircraft based on the MESA electronic radar mounted above the structure for 360° coverage.

She currently works in Australia, South Korea and Turkey, and will soon join the US and British Air Forces. It represents the next generation of the Unified Air Command.

5- “SR-71 Blackbird” (strategic reconnaissance aircraft)

• Production year: 1966
• Produced number: 32
• Length: 32.7 meters
• Maximum speed: 3529 km/h (Mach 3.3)
• Crew: 2
• Price: $270 million
• Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin/America

The fastest manned aircraft in the world, designed for reconnaissance over enemy territory during the Cold War.

The report said that this plane was described as the legend of spy flying, and that it was flying so fast that missiles were unable to catch up with it, but with the end of the Cold War, it was replaced by satellites.

4- F-22 Raptor (air superiority fighter)

• Production year: 2005
• Produced number: 195
• Length: 18.9 meters
• Maximum speed: 2414 km/h (Mach 2.25)
• Crew: 1
• Price: $350 million
• Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin/America

The first fifth-generation stealth fighter, designed for absolute air superiority, maneuverability and stealth.

The writer describes the F-22 as the best fighter in the history of air combat, as it combined the advanced AN/APG-77 radar and thrust vectoring engines, but its program was closed early in 2012, and this made the price of each of them very expensive.

3- B-21 Raider (new stealth bomber)

• Production year: 2027 (expected)
• Number produced: 3 prototypes
• Length: 16 metres
• Maximum speed: 965 km/h
• Crew: 2
• Price: $750–800 million
• Manufacturer: Northrop Grumman/America

The sixth generation bomber is capable of carrying out conventional and nuclear missions with unprecedented stealth and penetration capabilities.

The report notes that the B-21 was designed to be more “economical” than the B-2, but it is still one of the most expensive air projects in the world. It represents the cornerstone of the modernization of American nuclear power.

2- VC-25B (US Air Force One)

Production year: 1990 (new generation in production)

• Number produced: 2
• Length: 70.6 meters
• Maximum speed: 925 km/h
• Crew: about 100 people
• Price: $1.9 billion
• Manufacturer: Boeing/America

The American presidential plane is like a “flying fortress,” according to the author, as it is equipped with secure communications systems, protection against electromagnetic pulse, and the ability to refuel in the air.

The writer confirms that it is not just a means of transportation, but rather an air command center for continuity of government in cases of nuclear emergencies or global crises, fully equipped to manage the country in flight.

1- B2 bomber (stealth bomber)

• Production year: 1997
• Number produced: 21 (19 of which are currently working)
• Length: 21 meters
• Maximum speed: 1045 km/h
• Crew: 2
• Price: $2.1 billion
• Manufacturer: North Rob Grumman/America

This is the first stealth bomber in history, and was designed to carry nuclear and conventional bombs over intercontinental distances without being detected by radar.

The report describes it as the most expensive aircraft in the world, as huge sums of money were invested in stealth research during the 1980s, and despite its obsolescence in the face of modern defenses, it is still an effective strategic weapon, and was recently used in an operation against Iran in 2025.

Conclusion:

Of the ten most expensive aircraft, 9 are American and only one is European, and this reflects American industrial and military dominance in the field of military aviation. The report shows that the cost is directly related to the extent of technological progress, from stealth to command and control systems, so that some aircraft become very expensive, but they represent the pinnacle of modern air power.