When nations are competing to win air superiority, there are no holds barred. Contemporary fighter jets are engineering masterpieces that combine speed, stealth, and firepower into aircraft that tend to come with jaw-dropping price tags. Let’s take a peek at the world’s top 10 most expensive fighter jets, and where the F-15EX Eagle II fits in with its peer elite.
10. Shenyang FC-31/J-35 – $70 Million
The FC-31, or the J-31 or Gyrfalcon, is a fifth-generation stealth fighter designed for versatility. Twin engines, an internal bay for carrying weapons, and a smooth design make it suited to perform a variety of missions. With higher production volumes, its price is likely to range between $70 million and $85 million per aircraft, putting it within the reach of many emerging nations as a relatively low-cost stealth option.
9. Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet – $73 Million
The Super Hornet has been the workhorse of most naval air forces for years. Larger and more powerful than its earlier cousins, it provides greater range, longer endurance, and a greater payload capacity. Specialized models such as the E/A-18G Growler, which are used for electronic warfare, can drive the cost to almost $80 million. Though it does not match the stealth or high-speed abilities of new fighter planes, it is a highly adaptable, dependable platform.
8. Saab JAS 39E/F Gripen – $85 Million
Sweden’s Gripen E/F features advanced AESA radar, greater payload capacity, longer range, and advanced electronic warfare capabilities. It’s one of the first fighters to fully integrate data links and AI-based systems, making smart, survivable technology affordable for smaller air forces. Its cost has fallen from more than $100 million to about $85 million per plane, which makes it appealing to many.
7. Sukhoi Su-35 – $85 Million
The Su-35 is a 4.5-generation fighter known for its amazing agility, due to thrust-vectoring engines and high-speed capability. While it does not have stealth capabilities, its firepower and maneuverability easily compensate for this. Export models usually amount to about $85 million per aircraft.
6. Boeing F-15EX Eagle II – $97 Million
The F-15EX Eagle II is the new development of the legendary F-15 line. Initially below $80 million, it has risen to $97 million as of late 2023. Its intent is raw power and survivability. It comes with digital fly-by-wire controls, an all-glass cockpit, advanced mission systems, and the Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System (EPAWSS), a state-of-the-art electronic warfare suite.
This plane can carry 12 air-to-air missiles, four more than previous versions, as a high-capacity standoff capability that supports stealth fighters. The EPAWSS makes sure it’s safe to fly in hostile airspace with radar warning, jamming, and countermeasures. At least 80 are going to be purchased by the U.S. Air Force to replace older F-15s and increase tactical capabilities. Interest is building steadily from other countries, which speaks to its international appeal.
5. Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II – $109 Million
Arguably the most costly fighter system produced to date, the F-35 program has cost more than $1.7 trillion. The STOVL variant of the plane has a unit cost of around $109 million, with operating expenses bringing the figure higher still. Its stealth, sensor fusion, and networked warfare capabilities set it apart as an exceptional fifth-generation multirole aircraft, though its complexity and expense make it a regular topic of debate.
4. Chengdu J-20 – $110 Million
This stealth fighter integrates air dominance and deep-strike capability with radar-absorbent materials, internal weapons bay, and supercruise-capable and maneuverability-enhanced engines. With an estimated price of $110 million per aircraft, it is committed to domestic use only and not for export.
3. Eurofighter Typhoon – $117 Million
The Eurofighter Typhoon is a 4.5-generation multirole fighter that performs well in air-to-air and ground attack missions. Its advanced sensors, AESA radar, and electronic warfare capabilities provide an advantage for close-range air combat. Export prices come to around $117 million per unit, although the total program price is much larger with the inclusion of research, development, and multinational production costs.
2. Dassault Rafale – $125 Million
The Rafale is an authentic multirole fighter that can engage in air-to-air combat, ground attack, reconnaissance, and nuclear deterrence. Its SPECTRA electronic warfare suite gives it active jamming and defense, and the aircraft is a very survivable platform. The average per-plane price is $125 million, with major export customers being India, Egypt, Qatar, and the UAE.
1. Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor – $143 Million
First on the list is the F-22 Raptor, the most costly fighter jet in the world, with a unit price tag of $143 million and program expenses of more than $334 million per aircraft. It is unmatched in stealth, supercruise, agility, and air superiority. Production stopped in 2011 because it was too costly, but it still remains the standard for air dominance globally.
Though not the sneakiest available, the F-15EX Eagle II packs powerful firepower, speed, and electronic warfare. With ongoing purchases and increasing worldwide interest, it’s likely to be a dominant force in air forces worldwide for years to come.