When it comes to contemporary air warfare, the cost of staying ahead is staggering. Nations pour billions into pursuing the latest advances in stealth, velocity, and firepower to maintain an advantage in the world’s most hostile environment—the air. So, which fighters are the priciest? Let’s take a 2024 tour of the ten most expensive aircraft airborne today, beginning with the “least expensive” of the elite and finishing with the jewel of air superiority.
10. Shenyang FC-31/J-35 – $70 Million
The Shenyang FC-31, also called the J-31 or “Gyrfalcon,” is a fifth-generation stealth fighter designed for versatility and future export. Twin engines, a thin, radar-defeating shape, and an internal weapons bay make it competitive with leading Western jets at a lower price. The carrier-capable version, the J-35, is designed for naval aviation. Price quotes range from $70 to $85 million, depending on configuration. It is one of the cheaper stealth options available to the international market.
9. Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet – $73 Million
The F/A-18 Super Hornet is the Navy’s carrier air wing workhorse, an extension of the original Hornet design with more body, fuel, and longer range. Sold in single-seat (E) and tandem-seat (F) configurations, the aircraft costs as much as $73 million, with the dedicated E/A-18G Growler electronic warfare variant more expensive. It has supplanted the iconic F-14 Tomcat since 2001 and continues as a reliable multirole aircraft for both America and allied militaries.
8. Saab JAS 39E/F Gripen – $85 Million
Sweden’s Saab Gripen E/F is small, highly agile, and packed with state-of-the-art electronics. The newest versions have AESA radar, long range, increased payload capacity, and advanced electronic warfare features. With low operating costs and simple maintenance, the Gripen is well-liked by smaller air forces that want the latest performance without budget-breaking prices. Saab has reduced costs to approximately $85 million per plane, a dramatic decrease from initial estimates of over $100 million.
7. Sukhoi Su-35 – $85 Million
The Sukhoi Su-35 is the best 4.5-generation fighter Russia has to offer, a direct descendant of the Su-27 Flanker. It is equipped with thrust-vectoring engines, cutting-edge avionics, and unbelievable agility, making it possibly the most deadly dogfighter out there. It is not as stealthy as newer models, but its raw maneuverability and power make it seriously potent. Prices usually range around $85 million, although final prices are up to customer specifications and packages.
6. Boeing F-15EX Eagle II – $97 Million
The F-15EX Eagle II modernizes one of the greatest fighter designs in history. It can reach Mach 2.5 and carry more than 13 tons of weapons—up to 16 air-to-air missiles among them—as a “missile truck” for support missions behind stealthier aircraft. First projected to cost less than $80 million, the price has risen to around $97 million due to increased capabilities and inflation. Regardless of that, the durability of the F-15EX and lower maintenance costs guarantee it will serve for decades.
5. Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II – $109 Million
Not only is the F-35 one of the world’s most advanced fighter jets—it’s also the priciest weapons program ever, with a lifetime price tag estimated at $1.7 trillion. It’s available in three models: the conventional takeoff F-35A for regular runways, the carrier variant F-35C, and the short takeoff/vertical landing F-35B, which is the priciest at approximately $109 million. Equipped with stealth, sensor fusion, and unparalleled networking ability, the F-35 is the linchpin of allied air power globally.
4. Chengdu J-20 – $110 Million
The J-20 is a fifth-generation stealth fighter intended for extended-range operations. It uses radar-absorbing materials, internal bays for weapons, and a canard-delta configuration to minimize its radar cross-section. Earlier models depended on foreign powerplants, but more recent models have indigenous powerplants with supercruise capability, and future versions will add thrust vectoring. The cost of each J-20 is approximately $110 million, making it one of the most advanced in-service fighters today.
3. Eurofighter Typhoon – $117 Million
The Eurofighter Typhoon is a joint effort between the UK, Germany, Italy, and Spain. It’s an agile, twin-engine fighter, with a maximum speed that tops Mach 2, a thrust-to-weight ratio close to 1:1, and high-grade systems such as its Captor-E AESA radar and Pirate infrared search-and-track. Due to its advanced defensive suite and remarkable maneuverability, it carries on with both air superiority and strike missions. Export prices are reportedly around $117 million, but the cost for partner nations is far lower.
2. Dassault Rafale – $125 Million
France’s Dassault Rafale is the most versatile of fighters, performing all from air-to-air combat to nuclear deterrence. Its delta-canard configuration provides phenomenal agility, with the SPECTRA electronic warfare system helping to ensure strong survivability. The ability to supercruise and perform carrier operations comes at the cost of about $125 million per unit. Big export deals—such as the UAE’s acquisition of 80 aircraft for $19 billion—underscore its international popularity.
1. Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor – $143 Million
The F-22 Raptor is still the benchmark for air superiority. With stealth so sophisticated it’s purported to have a radar signature the size of a marble, thrust-vectoring engines, and the capability to supercruise at Mach 1.8, it’s an unrivaled air predator.
The flyaway price is $143 million, though the overall program cost brings each one more like $350 million once R&D expenses are factored in. Production was completed in 2011 after only 195 had been produced, and U.S. legislation bars foreign sales to safeguard its cutting-edge technologies.
From stealth molding to thrust-vectoring, each of these jets is the epitome of aerospace engineering, and the fact that air dominance comes at a whopping price. The competition to dominate the skies isn’t merely about speed and firepower anymore; it’s who can splurge on the most technologically advanced wings money can buy.
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